Posted by Todd Caudle on March 16, 2008 at 7:03 PM
I was surprised to have Rampart Range Road all to myself this morning. It was a pretty neat time to be up there. The only unfortunate part was a pesky high cloud deck that first killed the alpenglow after just a few minutes, then reduced contrast from time to time with later shots. Still, it was worth risking getting stuck in the deep snow towards the high point. Here's first light.
Posted by Todd Caudle on March 16, 2008 at 7:04 PM
Looking back the other way...
Posted by Todd Caudle on March 16, 2008 at 7:05 PM
Down the road a bit, once the clouds settled into the lower valleys...
Posted by Todd Caudle on March 16, 2008 at 7:05 PM
That first shot is unbelievable! I have got to get back there for the fog!
Posted by Todd Caudle on March 16, 2008 at 7:18 PM
And finally, an unremarkable one, except for the fact that it's a composite of 30 images (six across, five down), rendering a file equivalent to around 150 megapixels.
Dude, That's all you have to show for yourself???? Not bad for a road side shooter!
Posted by Paul Wegemann on March 16, 2008 at 8:06 PM
Holy beejeebers, that first one is amazing! That's one of the coolest cloud shots I've seen in awhile.
Posted by Rajeev Thomas on March 16, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Todd.... your work is amazing. The first and the third are the best...the cloud layer is fantastic...great captures!! regards, Rajeev.
Posted by Guy Schmickle on March 16, 2008 at 10:51 PM
LIke others have said, that first one really rocks. That's the type of shot I just can't seem to find here in the San Juans (in the winter months anyway). I really like that third one as well.
Posted by Jeff Hackett on March 16, 2008 at 10:52 PM
Uh, I like 1..2..3..4.. that fog or cloud deck, whatever it is, in the first one is amazing.
Posted by Jack Brauer on March 16, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Love the 1st and 3rd pics......I was wide awake at that time since I was at work and got to see the underside of those clouds which wasn't quite as nice a view as yours....oh well, at least some bills got paid.
Posted by Dan Walters on March 17, 2008 at 8:11 PM
All are beautiful images! I love the warm light in the first one.
Posted by Momo Vuyisich on March 17, 2008 at 9:27 PM
I agree with everyone here. Great photos. Thank you for posting.
Posted by Art Escobado on March 17, 2008 at 11:29 PM
the first and the third are nice indeed, congrats!
Wow - I feel like I could walk along that cloud deck in the first one; simply amazing. The rest are spectacular as well, but you make it harder to appreciate the subsequent shots with the impact of that first one. The super crisp feel and contrasting colors of the 4th one is high impact as well - absolutely beautiful. I'll have to get out to CO some time...
Posted by Joseph Finn on March 18, 2008 at 1:19 PM
Great set of images Todd, thanks for sharing. If i can untether my butt form work for a while I need to investigate this Rampart Range road, where can this be found, I know I saw it somewhere on here before, but can't seem to find it.
Posted by Laurie Wendt on March 18, 2008 at 2:02 PM
Todd, All great images. I have to say #2 is my favorite. That side lighting on the trees is just amazing!
Posted by Todd Caudle on March 18, 2008 at 7:36 PM
Joe, RRR can be accessed from Garden of the Gods just before Balanced Rock (or just past it, if you come from the Manitou side), and goes around 25 miles to Woodland Park. Don't even think about driving it without high-clearance 4WD right now. The snow up high is quite deep, and there's a few notorious sections of road that drift over each year that're a little challenging right now, in the "whatever you do, DON'T STOP!" sort of way.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on March 19, 2008 at 12:51 PM
As an alternative to Todd's directions...
If I'm trying to get to the top part of Rampart Range Road, I start in Woodland Park. It is MUCH quicker to drive up US-24 than RRR if you are interested in the top portion.
Turn right at the light just before McDonalds and follow this road until you see a sign indicating to turn right at a "Y" for Rampart Range Road. Its probably a couple miles. When you reach Rampart Range Road, you'll find most of the Pikes Peak type views like those above to your right.
If you turn left, Rampart Range Road will take you towards Sedalia/Deckers. I would not try to do this section in the winter though for risk of getting stuck and not seeing anyone.
Like Todd, I'd recommend a high clearance 4WD right now. In the summer/fall, I've driven my old Honda Accord around the relatively smooth top section, but in winter I only take my jeep.
Posted by Todd Caudle on March 20, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Mel's right. If you want those Pikes Peak north face angles, better to start in WP. Although it wasn't plowed after this latest storm, they often minimally plow it as far as a turn-off for a water treatment facility, making for easier/safer travel.
Discussion
25 repliesGuy
You made excellent work of the conditions. I guess I'll go against the grain and say that #3 and #4 are my favorites of the group.
Mel-
If I'm trying to get to the top part of Rampart Range Road, I start in Woodland Park. It is MUCH quicker to drive up US-24 than RRR if you are interested in the top portion.
Turn right at the light just before McDonalds and follow this road until you see a sign indicating to turn right at a "Y" for Rampart Range Road. Its probably a couple miles. When you reach Rampart Range Road, you'll find most of the Pikes Peak type views like those above to your right.
If you turn left, Rampart Range Road will take you towards Sedalia/Deckers. I would not try to do this section in the winter though for risk of getting stuck and not seeing anyone.
Like Todd, I'd recommend a high clearance 4WD right now. In the summer/fall, I've driven my old Honda Accord around the relatively smooth top section, but in winter I only take my jeep.