Posted by Sarah Marino on January 7, 2009 at 1:43 PM
I am taking a quick work trip to Montrose, Colorado and am wondering if anyone has suggestions for photo opportunties within about a half an hour of Montrose. The Dallas Divide area is a little too far. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a possibility, but I would appreciate any other suggestions. I will have a sunrise/morning available for photography.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Posted by Kalin Wilson on January 7, 2009 at 2:10 PM
My sister lives in Montrose. You can get to Ridgeway in 30 minutes or so, Dallas Divide isn't much further but if you think that is too far you must have some time constraints in the morning. I can usually get from Montrose to my favorite locations on CR5 out of Ridgeway in 45-50 minutes (speed limits are just guidelines ).
My favorite locations in the area are:
Ridgeway CR 5 or CR7. CR5 has some nice views for sunset.
Owl Creek Pass (from the Ridgeway side) - Another good sunset location for the Cimarrons and Sneffels range
Cimmaron River / Silverjack Reservoir - Nice for sunrise but road access may be spotty the farther south you go.
You're going to be largely limited to the road if you head south toward Ridgeway, unless you feel like heading up into avalanche territory. Id stick with Black Canyon, its an amazing location in winter. The whole Blue Mesa area and the reservoir to the east are excellent places for photography. Id love to get up to Dillon Pinnacles in the winter.
Posted by Chuck Peacock on January 7, 2009 at 5:01 PM
Yup, with just 30 minutes BC is your best option especially if you're not familiar with the area.
If you're strict about the half-hour limit, I'd agree that the Black Canyon is probably your best bet. But if you want to be different, one other possibility is the Adobe badlands just outside of Delta. They have potential for either sunrise or sunset. If the weather's been wet, though, it's a very muddy area, though they dry out fast with a couple days of sun. They'd probably be okay early in the morning when the mud is frozen.
There are actually great adobe badlands closer to Montrose in the Gunnison Gorge Recreation area. The Black Canyon will actually take you a good 30 minutes to get t the South Rim (The closest) and they do not plow past the visitors center. I live in Ridgway and we are actually closer to Montrose. I think anyplace around here is great for a quick shooting afternoon.
Posted by John Mumaw on January 7, 2009 at 7:01 PM
Hey, thanks for the link, Jackson!
I'd never heard of this area before...looks interesting!
Posted by Sarah Marino on January 7, 2009 at 11:35 PM
Thanks for all of the ideas. Since I have the pleasure of coming to this part of the state once a month, I will get to try out all of these places over time. Now I just need to see what I can fit in between sunrise and my 11:00 meeting for this trip! Thanks again...
Posted by Todd Caudle on January 8, 2009 at 9:33 AM
I live in Ridgway and we are actually closer to Montrose.
Actually, the turn-off for BCNP is just under 10 miles east of Montrose on Hwy-50, and then a quick 5 miles to the park. It's almost 30 miles from Montrose to Ridgway.
Even though the road is closed at the visitors' center, there are still photo ops before the road closure. Tomichi Point is before that, and the main overlook at the VC is quite nice, too. You could also x-c ski the road to other viewpoints, like Pulpit Rock or Painted Wall.
Discussion
8 repliesThanks in advance for any help!
My favorite locations in the area are:
Ridgeway CR 5 or CR7. CR5 has some nice views for sunset.
Owl Creek Pass (from the Ridgeway side) - Another good sunset location for the Cimarrons and Sneffels range
Cimmaron River / Silverjack Reservoir - Nice for sunrise but road access may be spotty the farther south you go.
I'd never heard of this area before...looks interesting!
Actually, the turn-off for BCNP is just under 10 miles east of Montrose on Hwy-50, and then a quick 5 miles to the park. It's almost 30 miles from Montrose to Ridgway.
Even though the road is closed at the visitors' center, there are still photo ops before the road closure. Tomichi Point is before that, and the main overlook at the VC is quite nice, too. You could also x-c ski the road to other viewpoints, like Pulpit Rock or Painted Wall.