Posted by Bill Pelzmann on January 19, 2009 at 9:00 PM
While exploring some backcountry this summer, I stumbled on to this little gem. I've never seen an image of it. Any of you, other than Todd, care to guess where in Colorado it is located ?
This was one of the few times that I left the tripod in the car because I was bush whacking and not expecting to find much. Sure regretted having to shoot this hand held, and by the time I got back to the car, the light was gone. So, aperture and shutter speed are not optimum. Lesson learned.
Posted by Nick Moore on January 19, 2009 at 10:22 PM
This is a gem of a find, I really like the contrast between the blue water and rich red rocks!. I have no clue where in CO this would be, so I'll let someone else have a stab at that!.
Posted by John Farmer on January 20, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Beautiful shot! No idea where it is. How much bushwhacking?
Posted by Jim Caffrey on January 20, 2009 at 1:09 PM
Too bad about the tripod. It would be nice to smooth out those falls a little, but beautiful shot nonetheless. So, are you going to tell us?
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on January 20, 2009 at 2:52 PM
Given the accumulated centuries of Colorado exploration in this group, I was expecting to be told this waterfall is a well known icon, especially since the access is very easy, once you find them.
This is located on South Mineral Creek, upstream from the campground.
If you are hiking Ice Lake Basin, I'd highly recommend a stop here.
There are a number of waterfalls just a short hike from the campground, but these are a bit further upstream. So instead of bushwhacking up the creek, it is easiest to take the 4WD road. When you see a group of isolated trees on the left, pull over to the wide spot under the trees, and hike down to the creek.
The above photo shows the South Mineral Creek road, as seen from the Clear Lake road.
You can see the trees/parking spot just where the road disappears around the corner.
Of course, just hiking up the creek from the campground is a lot more "fun".
Posted by Grant Collier on January 20, 2009 at 3:09 PM
This is a very nice find. I've driven up that road but had no idea that waterfall was there.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on January 20, 2009 at 3:35 PM
Thanks for the info Bill. I'll certainly plan to stop there on my next trip to those parts.
Mel-
Posted by Guy Schmickle on January 20, 2009 at 3:54 PM
You know I parked at that spot late last summer and hiked towards that area, but never found those falls. Most likely due to the fact that I was trying to keep my dog away from the edge of the cliffs surrounding that section. I'm gonna have to go without the pup next time!! Cool shot.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on January 20, 2009 at 9:09 PM
You make a good point about the cliffs, Guy. To get the best composition it is tempting to get a bit exposed. Lots of lose rock. So use good judgment, especially if you are alone.
Discussion
13 repliesThis was one of the few times that I left the tripod in the car because I was bush whacking and not expecting to find much. Sure regretted having to shoot this hand held, and by the time I got back to the car, the light was gone. So, aperture and shutter speed are not optimum. Lesson learned.
Can't wait to hear where you discovered it.
Morris
RichieV
This is located on South Mineral Creek, upstream from the campground.
If you are hiking Ice Lake Basin, I'd highly recommend a stop here.
There are a number of waterfalls just a short hike from the campground, but these are a bit further upstream. So instead of bushwhacking up the creek, it is easiest to take the 4WD road. When you see a group of isolated trees on the left, pull over to the wide spot under the trees, and hike down to the creek.
The above photo shows the South Mineral Creek road, as seen from the Clear Lake road.
You can see the trees/parking spot just where the road disappears around the corner.
Of course, just hiking up the creek from the campground is a lot more "fun".
I'd love to get back there during the spring runoff. I was amazed to see that this stretch has been "discovered" by the kayakers. Insane! But photographing them would be a blast.
Here's an example:
http://h2orider.loopd.com/Members/BoydRuppelt/Photos.aspx?resourceId=1a9a6e18-8974-4026-856e-f34758ccca3a
Mel-