Bear Creek to Deadmans Gulch, Doubletop, Brush Creek, and Red Ridge Loop

20 miles outside the south central Colorado mountain town of Almont lies Taylor Park Reservoir. The location is secluded and not penetrated by light pollution, making it a perfect place to photograph winter stars.When you arrive to your desired location by the edge of the reservoir you can begin by taking pictures of the collegiate peaks. These 14ers (mountains above 14,000 feet) are part of th...

There are many different places to start the trek up to Castle and Conundrum. The first step, however, is always go to the end of Castle Creek Road just outside of Aspen, CO. When the paved road ends, there is parking available right off the road for those who don't wish to drive further. However, if you drive up Forest Road 102 (rough 2WD) for a half mile or so there is more parking with de...

Cathedral Lake offers an excellent alternative to escape the crowds that swarm the Maroon Bells area, especially in the peak autumn season. The drive along Castle Creek Rd towards the abandoned ski town Ashcroft is lined with aspens showing off their golden hues. Parking at the trailhead is plentiful but fills up quickly by mid day. Cathedral Lake can easily be done as a day hike but the lack o...

At the round-a-bout that leads into the town of Aspen, take the Castle Creek Road exit. Follow this road for 12 miles until you get to the ghost town of Ashcroft. The road itself is very scenic, so be prepared to pull over and whip out your camera!During winter, the road ends at Ashcroft and a cross country ski trail replaces it. In my opinion, the snowshoe trail is much better and more intimat...

Settled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Crested Butte is a mecca for winter sports. Crested Butte Mountain Resort is a local favorite for downhill skiing, but if lift lines (or lifts in general) aren't really your thing, head to Snodgrass Mountain for miles of untouched snow.Snodgrass lies approximately three miles Northwest of CBMR and offers easy roadside parking. The main trail is used...

Upper Westside to Crested Butte is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Crested Butte, Colorado.