Weminuche Moon

Ok...this isn't a reference to the lunar moon, but rather Moon Lake. Moon Lake is in a lesser traveled section of the San Juan's Weminuche Wilderness with a great view of Mt. Oso (and a host of other peaks) hovering over it. A week ago I returned from a rather grueling backpack (at least for this aging, out of shape photographer), but it was worth every step to see this gorgeous setting. Two days in and one long day out allowed my buddy and I three nights there and it was a good thing. The monsoons were in full force which meant the shooting was either spectacular or non-existent (mostly the latter). The shot here is actually not of Moon Lake, but from a beautiful small tarn that sits above the lake and has 360 degree mountain views. The peak being reflected is Mt. Oso.

You can find more images from my trip on my website HERE.
You can also read a more detailed account of the trip on my blog.

Here's one more bonus pic. One evening as a storm seemed to be breaking up, my buddy and I climbed up above the lake to photograph this view. We got 5 minutes of soft light before the storms built back up and we had to hustle back to camp.

I'm liking this bonus shot! Nice vantage and view.

Fantastic series, Guy...makes me want to jump in the Xtera and head out, now....question on the image called Lake Creek Waterfall....appears to me some sort of vertical blending line on bottem right hand side of print?
Joe Rogers

Wow on all of them! I think Mt. Oso Reflection is my favorite. Definitely on my todo list next year!

What a fantastic place. And wonderful photography. Its almost uncanny - like a modeled scene. .

Does this place get wildflowers?

I wanna go too! :)

Awesome series! This bonus shot here is my favorite of them all... awesome landscape, and those clouds look pretty ferocious! I think these are the first photos I've seen from there.

It may have been hard on the old bones but definitely worth it. Stellar work, Guy. Thanks for sharing.

Those are amazing. That first is very dimensional. Like in the movies where you see a static scene and it starts to expand as your watching it. Very cool depth to it.

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the kind words.

Joe: Yeah, I looked hard at that stream shot myself. Its just the way rocks are shaped...kinda weird.

Karl: From what I've heard, this isn't a place that you'll find a copious amount of wildflowers. Just a smattering here and there. That's why I didn't despair too much about the earlier wildflower season this year (as the timing of the trip was not flexible).

Love them both! What an amazing place. One day, I hope to visit these awesome locations. These stunning photos will keep me forever intrigued and inspired.

Great shot of an awesome location. I spent a night there on a backpack in my college years and remember it is an amazing location.

Love the light and reflection in that large one. And, the bonus is just as beautiful. What grand scenery, and you brought back some gems from there.

Okay, I'm really hating you right now. A (since passed away) friend of mine and I tried to get to Moon and Half Moon lakes on the 30th anniversary of the first Apollo moon landing, but got completely rained out and never made it farther than Nebo Lake. After two straight days in the tent, challenging each other with obscure rock trivia, we gave up, packed up our soaked camp and headed back over Hunchback Pass. From your pics it looks like the area is everything I ever dreamed it could be.

Great series, thanks for sharing.

Todd, I remember coming across your story on the net when I was researching the trip. It was a shame that you never made it...the weather so often dictates what you can and can't do in the San Juans. Feel free to direct your hatred at me!

Hi Guy,

I saw these on Google Plus last night. Great series and looks like you had a great trip. I like the bonus shot best too!

If anyone wants a read a more detailed account of the trip, I just blogged about it as well. Just click on the little blog thingy below.

Love them both! What an amazing place. One day, I hope to visit these awesome locations. These stunning photos will keep me forever intrigued and inspired.

Fantastic, Guy! Postcard perfect.

Very, very nice Guy! I really like your Moon Lake shot. I was back there in June, and would have killed for a sky like that, we had nothing but blue with a touch of smoke for six days.

That first one you posted is absolutely gorgeous, while the second is merely beautiful. Sounds like you had a great trip, too.
May you have many more of these types of trips (and good fortune w/light) in the years ahead!

Awesome, well worth the trip!

Guy, another great set. Both images have a true alpine feel. Processing and color is spot on as well.

Kane

Both are great and I love how the pines mimic the angle of the slope in the bonus shot + the sky is beautiful in a ominous way.

Beautiful lichen-covered rocks in the foreground, alpenglow on the peaks, fluffy clouds, still reflection, is there anything your first image doesn't have? Everything really comes together so well!