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Photograph Ancient Bristlecone Pines on Mt. Goliath

Evergreen, Colorado

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Description

Added by Jason Hatfield

Capture these incredible looking old pine trees twisted and shaped by the wind. These trees are ancient, some over 1000yrs old! This spot has the best dark night skies close to Denver.

On the way to the summit of Mt. Evans sits a small 160 acre preserve of some of the world's oldest living trees. The Mount Goliath Natural Area protects a rare site of Bristlecone Pines that make excellent photographic subjects.

Immediately after parking you're surrounded by a miniature forest full of gnarly twisted shapes. While there are many interesting trees close to the small visitor center, the best bristlecone pines are further down the short nature path; look for mostly bare trees for the best subjects.

If you're visiting at night use an app like Star Walk to find out where the Milky Way will be visible. The most interesting tree is actually a 1/4 mile walk up the road towards the summit on the right side. The sharp curve of this tree shows the prevailing wind direction and its isolation really makes it stand out.

For a night photography bonus, head to the summit of Mt. Evans and use the observatory as a foreground subject.

When visiting these ancient trees please protect their fragile environment by not climbing around them or removing branches.

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Features

Photography
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Forest
Scenic

Photograph Ancient Bristlecone Pines on Mt. Goliath Reviews

Be sure to take the pull over on the way up to the summit of Mt Evans to see the bristlecone pines! There is a parking area and trailhead that makes a little loop. Take it for at least a little while to see these ancient trees!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike the Resthouse/Lincoln Lake Trail

Lower and Upper Chicago Lake

Explore Echo Lake Park

Hike to Idaho Springs Reservoir

Mount Evans and Mount Spalding Loop

Hike to Hell's Hole