Sunday, April 19, 2009

Scouting Roxborough

Last weekend I decided to drive up to Roxborough State Park. near Denver, CO. It was a bit of a risk because we were having a snow storm, and the drive involves going over the Palmer divide, a notoriously messy drive in bad weather. To my surprise, I found it to be raining on that side of the divide.

Roxborough park features red, white and yellow sandstone formations. You can find similar formations all along Colorado's front range. I took the trip to scout out locations for a sunset shoot. It's a good idea to know the area somewhat before stumbling around in the dark looking for a good place to catch the rising sun.

At the park entrance, I read that the park opens at 8:00AM. Bummer. When I inquired about the chances of getting in early, I found that the park generally opens once a month to allow photographers in for sunrise shooting! Now, I just need to set the alarm and somehow wake up at 2:30AM on the appointed day.

Be sure to point your browser to Scenic Sunday for other great scenery.

14 comments:

Sharon said...

Wow, what a beautiful place & a fantastic photo!

Anonymous said...

Good shot. I really like the composition on this. I'll have to get up there sometime myself.

The Explorer said...

I think it will be worthy to wake-up early in the morning once you saw lots of amazing scenery

Linnea said...

That is very interesting geology. I love the perspective of this shot. Can't wait to see some sunrises!

Bryan said...

2:30 AM? Yikes. Hopefully you have good weather on that day.

Very interesting formations here. Nicely captured.

ms toast burner said...

Exceptional photo, Russ.

Neil Tasker said...

2'30am.... that's serious stuff mate! Look forward to it though.

Petit Eyekiss said...

Nice photos but...are you a climber to ?

Anonymous said...

Very nice & scenic for Scenic Sunday! Great shot

Unknown said...

I am always amazed at the huge-ness of the rock formations in the western United States. I just can not image the great forces of nature required to push those rocks up at such angles. I love your photography.

Unknown said...

That one image is inviting enough for any photographer to mark his calendar for the appointed day. Beautiful shot Russ

Russ said...

Thanks, ya'll!

This area is better suited for sunrises than sunsets. When I grumble about that, my wife asks me "how bad do I want the shot"? :)

Mike - it's totally worth the drive up there.

Petit Eyekiss - I've done some climbing, but I'm not a climber. This shot was on the edge of a cliff. Luckily, I don't have a fear of heights.

Karen - What's really amazing is that the Garden of the Gods is part of the same strata - and its formations are mostly vertical. Only 80 or so miles separate them.

joshi daniel said...

beautiful image and nice view!

cieldequimper said...

Superb composition of a dream spot.