Impression Evergreen

San Juan National Forest Sprawling across the southwest corner of Colorado, the San Juan National Forest is a spectacular wilderness. Consumed by severe weather, it's a faraway land featuring towering pine trees and glistening, white peaks. Buried under a blanket of deep snow, the blue forest is a sleepy dreamland. Still laying low in the cobalt sky, a yellow sun radiates golden rays that warm the frigid landscape. Bright light comes streaming through the placid interior, creating strange shadows that follow a rugged contour. The wide trail is packed solid, offering evidence that many others have come before me. This high country embraces the snug comfort of a nice, long winter. Despite the region beginning to wake from hibernation, I find myself mostly alone except for the reassuring company of a pair of fluffed up Stellar's Jays. A spectacular wilderness Towering pine trees Glistening white peaks Buried under a blanket of snow A sleepy dream...

Sisters Trail West of Evergeen there’s a long ridge of rocky outcrops that divides Dedisse Park from Buffalo Park. The local landmark is known as the Three Sisters because of the prominent spires that rise out of the unique formation. Scrambling the steep Sisters Trail all the way to the top of the pass is a breathtaking endeavor. During a recent evening-excursion, it was particularly dark and cold as a winter storm was approaching from the west. Mired in deep snow, the forest was so gloomy that not even the groves of white aspen could brighten the way. Finally above tree line, a panorama of purple mountains and pink skies receded into the distance. I was expecting to take an ordinary outing so I was surprised to confront such a dramatic twilight. Traipsing around the mountainside after dark is an eerie experience but if you can overcome your apprehension, you’ll discover that a certain solitude found only at night is perfect - just perfect. Dedisse Park Scrambling ...

American bison There's a new trail in the Front Range foothills tracing the high, chainlink fence that defines the Genesee Park boundary. Every so often, a red danger sign warns the curious visitor to stay back at least ten feet. Inhabiting this extensive reserve, a herd of scraggly creatures must be contemplated with caution. They appear indifferent at first but an unpredictable charge launched by one of the massive beasts could do some serious damage. In the year 1800, 35 million buffalo roamed across the vast grasslands of North America. After nearly a century of senseless slaughter committed by commercial hunters, only 500 of these majestic animals remained. With the disastrous consequences becoming obvious, the resilient survivors were rounded up and placed, mercifully, within the protective confines of the world's first national park - Yellowstone. At about the same time, Denver was building a series of mountain parks to offer citizens an escape from urban st...

Blue Friday The morning after a dusting of fresh snow, the cold air is filled with an eerie silence. Diffused sunbeams stream through the clearing sky, permeating the forest with an ethereal light. After slogging through a long week surrounded by a dusky landscape, clouds have parted revealing a blue Friday. It's a wonderful time to be in the mountains enveloped by my favorite color cast. Swirling, pale pine are scattered throughout the meadow offering a fine foreground below Bergen Peak. The cool tones are usually reserved for a more somber setting but on this day, they express a joyful mood. A subtle thaw has occurred as songbirds gradually appear and ice-covered lakes start to crack open. Enjoy the white wilderness while you can because the mud season is about to begin. Morning after a fresh snow Cold air An eerie silence Sunlight beams through a clearing sky An ethereal light Pale pine are scattered throughout the meadow A fine foreg...