Blue Lakes, Colorado

Blue Lakes, Colorado

Blue Lakes is a frosty reservoir concealed high in the Tenmile Mountains just south of Breckenridge, Colorado. The forbidding glacial cirque is enclosed by jagged, black peaks that form an impenetrable barrier of rock and ice.

Pictured above is the colorful landscape still covered in snow and mostly frozen. It’s early summer and warmer temperatures have brought Monte Cristo Creek to life as cold water gushes down into the steep gulch.

Gouged by a row of sharp summits, the glossy-blue sky is veiled by misty clouds that create a translucent lighting effect. Up here, the weather is uncertain as I’ve seen a sunny day transform into a blizzard in an instant.

Comments

  1. Courtney - Maui JungalowApril 2, 2016 at 12:23 PM

    Brrrr. Looks pretty chilly. Haleakala Crater on Maui is also of high elevation, and the weather is unpredictable and changeable too. Must have something to do with the elevation. People are surprised how cold it gets.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dan MillerApril 4, 2016 at 10:28 PM

      When we're hiking up that high we have to be ready for all kinds of weather even in the middle of July. It was very cold and windy but the mountains sure looked pretty.

      Delete
  2. BarbRadApril 2, 2016 at 3:57 PM

    Spectacular shot! Our weather doesn't change quite that fast here in California.I am pinning this to my Pinterest AtoZchallenge board until I know you can pin yourself.

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    Replies
    1. Dan MillerApril 4, 2016 at 10:29 PM

      Thank you, this is one of my favorite places in Colorado and I was happy to get this lucky shot!

      Delete
  3. Doreen McGettiganApril 2, 2016 at 8:04 PM

    This is so beautiful but oh my it must be really cold. I enjoyed your writing too. Good luck with the challenge!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dan MillerApril 4, 2016 at 10:31 PM

      Thanks, it was very cold and windy. This was taken in mid-June so it was surprising how much snow and ice was still on the ground. It did make for a beautiful scene though.

      Delete
  4. stefaniApril 5, 2016 at 12:39 AM

    This is really a beautiful shot! I love the snow and water. Not much of that around where I live.

    Stefani | Dreams of Nyssa

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    Replies
    1. Dan MillerApril 6, 2016 at 11:39 AM

      Thanks, it's an amazing hike to a high mountain lake. Definitely lots of snow, water and surprisingly, wildlife.

      Delete
  5. Book Lady: Linda Jo MartinApril 5, 2016 at 1:01 AM

    This reminds me of my younger days camping in the High Sierras.

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    Replies
    1. Dan MillerApril 6, 2016 at 11:47 AM

      I've never been to the Sierras but it's on my list. I would love to do some hiking there.

      Delete
  6. SumoflamApril 7, 2016 at 12:16 AM

    Dan: Lovely lovely!! Back in 1968 I hiked Long's Peak with my Dad on summer afternoon. Skies were blue and it was about 70 in Denver that day. We got halfway up the peak and this storm blew in out of nowhere...lightning, then hail. We had to crawl under bushes for protection. About an hour later it was clear again, but we didn't try to take the last leg up to the top. It was too scary for the 12 year old boy in me!! Indeed, in those high mountains, weather can change almost without warning!!

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    Replies
    1. Dan MillerMay 4, 2016 at 1:58 PM

      Yes, the weather does change quickly. If your hiking in the mountains, you need to start early and be on your way back down by noon because the afternoon thunderstorms occur daily.

      Delete
  7. Cendrine MarrouatApril 9, 2016 at 8:01 PM

    What a beautiful capture! Did you use a specific filter?

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    Replies
    1. Dan MillerMay 4, 2016 at 1:56 PM

      Thanks! No filter on this one. I was struck by how much color there was in this high cirque.

      Delete

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