Dawn on Sneffels Summit

Last week I hiked up Sneffels in the moonlight. I reached the summit at 4:15 am - the air was calm and I had over an hour to relax on the summit admiring the moonlit vista. It was one of those perfect hikes... truly amazing.

Here's a photo of the dawn light illuminating Gilpin Peak and many more San Juan peaks.

4x5, 120mm, Provia, I forget but probably several minutes exposure, no filters.

I got a nice variety of other shots from this hike, and one from a previous hike up around there two weeks ago; check them out here: http://www.widerange.org/gallery.php?gallery=sneffelssunrise

Jack, you've got some great stuff here! #886 and #888 are my favorites. Your photos have actually inspired me to climb Sneffels later this year. (I don't think I'll be on top for sunrise though!)

Jack , Like them all but 885 is really dynamic with the clouds in the foreground.

Sweet stuff, Jack I really like the shot you posted here and #886, beautiful light. I've been very close to the summit of Sneffels, this makes me want to try again.

Jack, these are just great! #886 is incredible. Your efforts to get such good photos always impresses me.

Great shots, dude!

Some really unique and gorgeous shots, Jack. They're all good but 886 really does stand out for me. Well done.

The images are phenomenal and the effort to get them may be more impressive. I like the sunrise alpenglow on Sneffels - one of the better images I've seen in awhile.

Nice work, man!

Would I be correct Jack in saying that YBB is STILL snowed in at this point? Sure looks like from the batch...

Damn, now that's late.

-D

Beautiful vistas! I vote for 886 too. Inspiring all the way around!

How in the world do you pick a favorite out of that set?! Great stuff, Jack. I think I like the first one on your site best, but they're all mind-alteringly gorgeous.

Awesome images!

Great photos! My knees hurt just thinking of hiking through the night and snow carrying a pack as heavy as yours must have been.

Lots of nice options, but I agree that 886 is probably the pick of the litter.

Thanks for sharing. What a treat these are to look at. The exhilaration of a "perfect hike" is really coming through in these photos. I can almost smell the fresh air, and I think I need to go hiking myself soon. Very inspiring!

They're all great, but 886 is my fav--terrific light!

These are all unique and great photos. Thanks for showing us what Sneffels looks like at 5:30 AM, cause I will not be seeing that in person any time soon.

Nice shot Jack. So when the air dries out towards later in the summer do you get stronger alpenglow?

John

You must have bionic legs! Did you ski down? Congrats on some super images which I'm sure made it all worthwhile.

All-around compelling work, Jack. Keep it up man - it's inspiring photography!

Thanks for your kind comments!

Dave R. - YBB still has lots of snow, but it is melting FAST!

John Z. - I've never thought of that... is the air actually drier in the summer? Hmmm...

Don G. - I did not ride down... the skiing/snowboarding is officially done for the season, at least around here. There are deep suncups and runnels in the snow surface... skiing/snowboarding would be a nightmare!

Jack, as always good stuff.

Jack....you are inspiring always.... only you can make it up there!! I am curious to know how long did it take you for to get up there? Anyways ....your work is amazing and is just getting better and better.... regards, Rajeev