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If the only difference between men and boys is the size of their playground, then the San Juan Mountains of southwest
Colorado are the ultimate playground for boys of all ages. All told, the San Juans cover some 10,000 square
miles – enough precipitous peaks, lush, steep-walled valleys, roaring streams and peaceful lakes to provide a lifetime
of adventure. In the summer of 2007, I decided to explore the headwaters of the East Fork of the Cimarron
River, in the northern part of the range. This valley attracted me initially because two of Colorado’s
most spectacular Fourteeners, Uncompahgre Peak and Wetterhorn Peak, rose at the head of the valley. As
I studied topographic maps of the area, I realized that in mid-July, when the wildflowers would be peaking, Wetterhorn Peak
would be bathed in warm light at the moment of sunrise. Uncompahgre Peak had equally good potential for
receiving sunset light. I timed my trip for the peak of the wildflower bloom, trekked nine miles to my
high-country campsite, then spent five days exploring the basin below Uncompahgre and Wetterhorn. Each
morning I got up two hours before sunrise and worked on photographs of Wetterhorn glowing in sunrise light; after a siesta
in camp at midday, I went out again each evening and worked on photographs of Uncompahgre lit by the setting sun.
This photograph of Indian paintbrush, kings crown and Wetterhorn Peak is my favorite view of a peak that is surely
one of Colorado’s most impressive Fourteeners.
To order an 11x14 loose, matted-only or framed print of Wetterhorn
Peak at Sunrise, please visit my product catalog by clicking the link beneath the appropriate thumbnail below.
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