MORNING SPLENDOR AT BIERSTADT LAKE Size:40x60 METAL PRINT it was still dark out

it was still dark out

I gazed out into the wilderness in awe at how beautiful this scene was

A couple of beautiful young saguaro cacti are surrounded by other cactus like the prickly pear and palo verde tree at Saguaro National Park

I crossed over the South Fork Kishwaukee River and noticed the sunlight lighting up the clouds and the prairie landscape with a remarkable and beautiful light

is the river trail bridge that crosses over LaSalle Creek at Starved Rock State Park

MORNING SPLENDOR AT BIERSTADT LAKE Size:40x60 METAL PRINT it was still dark outIt was a cool August summer morning when I arrived at the trailhead to Bierstadt Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. I started up the steep trail at 5: 15 am to catch the sunrise at the lake and the Continental Divide. It would take me just under an hour to reach the lake. There are numerous switchbacks leading up the mountain through some stands of aspen trees. After about 20 minutes, I no longer needed my headlamp to guide my way up the mountain.