Landscapes Suggestions while in Colorado

[venchka]

That's comforting.

[lfmerrell]

Colorado Springs: 1.a, Starr Kempf front yard Starr Kempf's Kinetic Wind Sculptures - Colorado Springs, Colorado - Kinetic Sculpture and Art on Waymarking.com
1.b, Starr kempf - Flickr: Search
2.Over the top to Victor and Cripple Creek. This is via Gold Mine Camp Road over the top of the mountain to Victor. There is a short tunnel on the Victor side of the drive. http://www.stevegarufi.com/goldcamproad.htm

[BethG]

I grew up on the western slope of Colorado - in Grand Junction. You're missing out on an entirely different landscape if you don't take the drive across the mountains and into the desert of Colorado. Colorado National Monument provides landscapes much like you would see in Moab Utah but it's quite a bit closer to C-Springs! (though it is still a drive and probably not a day trip). Also...remember that the sun rises much earlier in the Colorado mountains this time of year - like about 5:00 a.m - and sets later. We were in Crested Butte last year about this time. Fortunately there's an hour's difference so we still got to sleep in an extra hour in spite of the bright sun coming in through our windows!

[groovyone]

I went to a wedding in Montrose and stayed in Junction. haha

[BethG]

Originally Posted by groovyone

I went to a wedding in Montrose and stayed in Junction. haha

You should have taken the highway in the opposite direction and headed to Crested Butte...God's country. It's breath taking!

[groovyone]

Wish I had the time back then. It was an end of school year before you go back home to work trip.

[z-monster]

Originally Posted by BethG

I grew up on the western slope of Colorado - in Grand Junction. You're missing out on an entirely different landscape if you don't take the drive across the mountains and into the desert of Colorado. Colorado National Monument provides landscapes much like you would see in Moab Utah but it's quite a bit closer to C-Springs! (though it is still a drive and probably not a day trip). Also...remember that the sun rises much earlier in the Colorado mountains this time of year - like about 5:00 a.m - and sets later. We were in Crested Butte last year about this time. Fortunately there's an hour's difference so we still got to sleep in an extra hour in spite of the bright sun coming in through our windows!

Well put and most agreeable. I currently live in Fountain, Colorado. If you're staying in Breckenridge I would personally avoid Garden Of The Gods since your trip is on a rather short timeline. You're more than likely to see far better where you are than to drive to Colorado/Manitou Springs to see the Gardens. Scottbuckel is dead on about mountain driving. It will suck a good portion of your day.

However if you plan on seeing more than the Gardens on my side of the mountains then the drive would be worth it. Helen Falls is worth seeing and photographing. If you find interest in Rainbow Falls (aka Graffiti Falls) be warned! There are bums and drug users in this area! I went to Rainbow Falls with my gear bag last week packing my 40mm SIG in the open. If you spot Seven Falls on the map or some advertisement, I would avoid it as it is a tourist trap.

Anyway, below are some night shots of the Gardens for you to enjoy. Both were taken at night with 2x 580EX II flashes left and right.

I hope you enjoy your time in Colorado!