After fighting the high winds of Wednesday and a disappointing drive yesterday from Ridgway over Owl Creek Pass and then to Ohio Pass and Kebler Pass---all past peak and lots of bare trees---I thought this morning I'd travel the Flat Tops Scenic Byway from Meeker to Yampa on my way home to Steamboat. And, I'm so glad that I did. From Ripple Creek Pass over Dunkley Pass the aspens are mostly still vibrant and with six inches of new snow---there was lots of picture opportunities. Only thing missing was some nice clouds. Here's one sample and if you want to see more and some from the rest of my trip this week, go to: http://www.rodhanna.com/rods-travels.php
Posted by Kalin Wilson on October 2, 2009 at 7:50 PM
Looks like this trip wasn't too bad, especially the last day! Good to see you again! Take care.
Love the snow and aspens!
Posted by Mel Ladewig on October 2, 2009 at 9:21 PM
Wow! Nice work Rod! That was a very productive trip. Thanks for sharing these.
Posted by Tom Kennon on October 3, 2009 at 9:15 AM
Rod, I checked your website out and looks like you had a good trip. I agree with Mel, Hunters Road is a great shot.
Posted by Dan Walters on October 3, 2009 at 10:09 AM
Great color. Like the the snow on the ground as well.
Posted by bill meikle on October 3, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Love the snow color mix Rod, very very nice, am jealous.
Posted by Rod Hanna on October 3, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Thanks guys, for looking and all your comments. Looking at my take for the day again, I found another one that I like from Ripple Creek Pass.
Posted by Joshua Hardin on October 3, 2009 at 1:54 PM
Something I've noticed is that during years when the color isn't so nice in the central mountains, odds are it will be surprisingly beautiful in the Flat Tops. The same thing happened to me a couple of years ago. When disappointing reports from the aspen area came in, I chose to go here. I was glad I did. Looks like you had the same experience. We should be careful about letting this "secret" out though.
BTW: The clouds are amazing on your Sept. 29 Ripple Creek Pass shot. I like it as much, maybe more, than your images from yesterday!
Joshua....right on---clouds add a lot to the vistas, the reason for my qualified "missing" element to yesterday's pictures. Given a choice of clouds or snow on the peaks? I guess I'd take the clouds. It is interesting that the Flat Tops retain their color, as well as some places in the Steamboat area for that matter, while other parts of the state are past peak. Don't have any explanation for that, except to enjoy since it's usually the reverse.
Posted by Paul Wegemann on October 3, 2009 at 9:01 PM
You came away with some really nice stuff. Thanks for the link.
Posted by Art Escobado on October 3, 2009 at 9:47 PM
Another round of excellent images-I'll have to check out the N/W part . Thanks for posting!
Posted by Jody Grigg on October 4, 2009 at 9:18 AM
Great stuff Rod, thanks for sharing.
Posted by Kelly Black on October 5, 2009 at 1:32 AM
Wow! Who knew? Thanks for the info, and great collection of images!
Discussion
15 repliesLove the snow and aspens!
BTW: The clouds are amazing on your Sept. 29 Ripple Creek Pass shot. I like it as much, maybe more, than your images from yesterday!