Paradise Divide Sunset, Colorado

Mt. Crested Butte at sunset. ©Victoria Lise 2018.

Summer Solstice from Paradise Divide, Colorado. ©Victoria Lise 2018.

The colors of summer solstice. Crested Butte, CO. ©Victoria Lise 2018.

Layers of Mountains colored by sunset. Crested Butte, CO. ©Victoria Lise 2018.

On the first day of Summer and the day that graces us with the longest daylights hours we left work just before dusk to chase the solstice light. There was no guarantee I would capture anything but a memory which would have been more than enough. We were exhausted, burned out from too much labor and not enough play or even sleep. We didn't even have a location in mind so we just drove. Drove down a dirt road with no destination. We're beyond lucky in that way, to be able to have dirt roads within reach, mountains one can summit from the front door, a bounty of natures wonders all around.  As we reached the top of the pass we were in awe of the light show playing in the summer sky. Soft pastels, hues of blue, delicate cloud formations, and perhaps faint smoke tracings in the far distance from the many burning wildfires. The ground around 11,000ft was the lush green we long for during the short summer months and the wildflowers were scattered along in patches as if intentionally planted. It was truly a dream although I feel as if I say (or write) that much too often it doesn't make it any less true. These shots are completely unedited and unfiltered, just as raw as the moment.

If you are planning to visit the valley in the coming weeks please understand the Stage 2 fire ban is still in effect and conditions are extreme. This means absolutely NO fires, no outdoor smoking, no use of charcoal grills and more which can be read here. Please, please obey and respect regulations and if you are unsure of anything call local sheriff's or rangers to clarify. It is our duty to be good stewards of the land. To protect, preserve, and uphold. Please do your part. I promise to do mine.

The last of the solstice light over Whetstone Mountain. Colorado. ©Victoria Lise 2018.

The last light in the Rocky Mountains. ©Victoria Lise 2018.

I hope you all enjoyed this Summer Solstice Series of colorful Colorado! Are you headed to the mountains this weekend? Have a summer mountain trip planned?! Share the details with me below! 

Thank you all for joining me here and until next time, 

Happy Trails♥