A San Juan Trail To Not "Pass" Up

Continuing with some July wildflower images with a location further south in the San Juan Mountains. These are from the Pass Trail near Coal Bank Pass between Durango and Silverton. While the trail is a popular one for hikers, it is not nearly as known as a photographic hotspot such as places like Ice Lakes, American Basin, Yankee Boy, etc. It wasn't easy finding many photographs taken of it while researching for my trip. I'm happy I decided to check it out though, the flowers didn't disappoint.

This image is taken of a paintbrush-filled meadow at treeline just below the unique east face of Engineer Mountain. After hiking in the predawn darkness for a little over an hour I barely made it to this view in time to catch the fleeting alpenglow on the mountain. This is a combo of two exposures for best focus I made while still trying to catch my breath from the hike!

This view is from a little bit higher than the previous image toward Grizzly Peak to the left and Beattle, Fuller and Vermillion Peaks on the right.

Another closeup insect shot, this time of a busy bee working on a larkspur bloom at the base of Engineer Mountain.

Back down along the trail below treeline now. The trees created some interesting shadows and spotlighting on the many types of flowers along the trail including these chiming bells.

At last, a snapshot of these very tall, blooming white plants I hadn't seen many of before. As I was descending the trail near the parking area I met a group of wildflower enthusiasts led by Al Schneider who runs the Four Corners Wildflowers site: http://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com/ I have, coincidentally, used the site several times to help identify flowers I've photographed before. He identified these plants as "monuments" and told me several facts about them. I highly recommend his site if you have spent some time in the San Juans or the rest of southern Colorado and you have some images with flowers you are having a difficult time identifying.

That first shot really rocks, Joshua. I always meant to hike that trail during wildflower season and never actually got around to it. Thanks for showing me what I missed!

Nice set of images.

Really nice, Joshua! I've definitely contemplated that trail, but haven't made it there yet. Nice to see some images of the area.

So what did those plants turn out to be? I was wondering about them in the Sangres last weekend.

I really like the first image of Engineer Mtn. (a view rarely seen here) and the dappled lighting of #4!
Al & Betty Schneider are friends (neighbors) of ours and I agree that their website (a labor of love, surely) is invaluable to wildflower lovers.

Great set, Josh. New territory for me. Love those first two.

Very nice! After I saw those plants in Crested Butte, I had to look them up too - Monument Plant, or Green Gentian.

Man, you and your recent bug photos, Josh! Great gets! I really like that first one a lot. I've seen a couple snapshot pics from up there before, but nothing of any real consequence til yours. Although I like the Engineer Mountain shot, there's something about the second one I like even more.

I absolutey love #4--great! Theyre all nice, but the warm end of the spectrum seems a bit too strong in 1 &2

oh man this is totally a place I have never been I don't usually go past Silverton on the passes. the first one is my favorite and the second one are my favorites great images talent and a wonderful weather conditions

It might be my monitor, but The first two seem too yellow to me as well. The comps are superb on all of these! That is great that you went here and got something so unique and great!

Excellent shots Josh. Love the beautiful colors of the first image. I wish we could hike around here in near darkness but that would be asking for trouble. Great work!

Great series, Joshua. I love 1, 2, and 4. Thanks for the wildflower link.

Love those first two... scenes from paradise!

What a great find Joshua! It pays to be adventurous as your beautiful images show. Thanks very much for that wildflower link...I will use that for sure!