North Crestone

Amazing how few pics ive seen from this area, despite its rep as one of the nicer Sangre hikes. And i only saw a couple other people on the trail Saturday (although the campsite was all filled up) and no one at the lake! Well, this was mainly to knock off one of the few remaining lakes in the Sangres that i hadn't seen, but of course i took my camera with me!

2) The woods were just glowing!

3) this place is going to be amazing in a couple weeks!

4) Last light on the peaks from the upper basin

5) San Luis Valley at sunset--leaves are ready to change!

6) One more of the lake. A nice hike. 12 miles RT, after the first 5 gentle miles the last mile kicks your butt.

Beautiful shots, Stan. I really like that first one. NCL is such a HUGE lake by Sangre de Cristo standards.

Fun stuff, Stan! I backpacked up in there about a month ago, but it was a photographic bust for me, even though I had a great time. I was pretty amazed how extensive the aspen groves are in there, and I'll be pretty tempted to head back up in a couple weeks.

Pretty shots Stan. Like the last one showing the stones at the bottom of the lake.

As presented I really like 3 and 4. I'll bet you're right about #3 in a few weeks. That would be worth a return trip.

Nice travelogue which I appreciate because I've never been to this place before.
#3 is definitely my favorite with the nice light and vista.

Beautiful. The North Crestone Drainage is one of the best in that range. Its packed full of aspens too. A nice place to visit in fall. I still think the South Crestone Drainage is just a little bit better. Stan, have you been up S Crestone? There's a few peaks in there that are easy hikes that offer up some of the best views in the Sangres. Wild Cherry is also a really nice one in Fall. I prefer about 8 of the drainages on the west side of the Sangres better than any from the east.

Kane, yes ive been up S Crestone--but i was there in July when the trees/colors werent as pretty so its hard to compare. Have you been up Spanish Creek? I've heard that's the best but ive been reluctant to check it out due to access concerns.

Looks like a good place to be in a few weeks. These Sangre hikes are on my list, which gets longer all the time. Thanks for the narrative.

Nice call Stan! You picked the only on I haven't been up on that side of the range...Spanish Creek. But I know a lot about it. Lots of downfall and some access concerns. I can easily find out what the access issues are. Access isn't my main concern, it's working hard to get in there and getting the right composition of the Prow with the right light. I've done some Google Earthing in there and there's alot of crazy composition to be had, with a little work of course.

Maybe you and I should check that one out sometime? Not too much time left this year, but maybe next?

Im game anytime, Kane--even in winter I learned about Spanish Creek from a long time CO pro photog (who shall remain nameless since im sharing his secrets! )

This is a great set. I particularly like the light in #3 and #5 has put me in the fall frame of mind!

Nice series, Stan, #3 & #5 ring my bell, well done

Nice shots Stan #1 is great! It's a great idea to get some shots from this area.

Stan, I think I know who that guy is...He has a few sunset Kit Carson shots are unforgettable.

#3 is great, can't wait to see it the fall!

NIce series and yes, you definitely need to be back where #3 and #5 are in just a couple of weeks!