Pics from Aspen

Took a last minute trip to the Aspen area Saturday evening. Here's a little report on conditions ...

Drove Capitol Creek Road all the way to Hell Roaring trailhead, attempted to shoot sunset in the area (mostly cloudy, but a brief minute of light appeared) and then hit Maroon Lake the next morning (windy and little alpenglow). I think they had JUST opened the gate to the Hell Roaring trailhead, as I was removing aspen trees from the road. Corn lillies and golden banner were starting to look very nice just above the CC trailhead. Lupines were also poking out here and there. Aspens were in full leaf up to the CC trailhead, and getting close higher.

I don't think anyone knew Maroon Lake was open. The campgrounds were all half full at best and I saw two other people at sunrise on Sunday (although it was windy). The aspens around Maroon Lake were looking good. Corn lillies were looking good along the road below the lake.

PIc: Capitol Peak from Capitol Creek trail, 5d + 28-75mm

Inlet area of Maroon Lake (WINDY, look at the clouds), 5d + 17-40mm

Aspen and Sievers, 5d + 70-200mm

thanks for the info... I may go backpacking above maroon lake soon.

It's a good thing you don't know how to use that camera or we would be in a lot of trouble. Beautiful shots Jesse!!!

Jesse - do you ever take a bad photograph?? Very nice!

Love that cloud streak shot! I was thinking the same thing as Rene!

"do you ever take a bad photograph??"

Oh yeah. Plenty of crap stuff. I shot 70 images on this trip. 3 are good. But I'm not lettin' you see the others! Thanks guys.

Very nice all the way around Jesse!!!

But you're killing me!! I just get back from 9 days in Utah, and then you show me this? Of course no I gotta go this weekend!!!! DOH!

Actually, was already planning on it. After swinging through the San Juans on the way home Saturday/Sunday, and seeing the nice fresh green aspens, I knew I had to get out and see more!! Thanks for the info!

Just to clarify though, the gate right past the CC trail head is in fact open, right? I went up there early June last year and it was closed. called the ranger district guys, they said it would be open with days. went back 2 weeks later, and still not open!! Grrr.. Just making sure this time. Thanks!

I was just hoping the road would be open to the CC trailhead. That's why I was shocked when I got there - after your experience last year, Brent. Indeed, it WAS open to the upper Hell Roaring trailhead last weekend. Like I said, nobody had even driven to the end of the road yet. It was great for quiet camping. I don't see why it won't stay open. I'm going to try my best to get back up there this weekend, too - if I can get out. The aspens near the end of the road were almost in prime spring form.

Thanks for the info Jesse!! You've pretty much sealed the deal for me!!! Would be cool to see you up there!!

No huge comments, but just wanted to say how nice the photos are, Jesse.

Great stuff as usual Jesse. I particularly like the Maroon Lake shot. Can't wait to get out there myself, sounds like I'm not the only one!

Jesse, nice shots. Is that first shot a crop or a stitched pano? Brent, where are your Utah pics??

It's a crop Scott, albeit two digital GND exposures combined (like we talked about at RMNP).

Jason, it's a good time to get out there. Hope to see you guys out there.

Great shooting, Jesse - that second shot especially. The softness of the clouds and water is killer.

Brent - I might see you up there. After oogeling these pics, I am tempted to head to the Maroon Bells this weekend!

Great shots Jesse, I can only echo whats been said.....................J

Some really nice shots Jesse, as usual! Pic # 2 is a great shot!

I must also add my two cents: while all shots are awesome, I particuarly like that second shot with the fast moving clouds and the dreamy water. Just a great photograph, one of the better mountain shots I've seen in a long time, and a rather unique capture of an icon!