High above the bustling ski town of Vail and the drone of cars and trucks zooming along Interstate 70 rise the rugged mountains of the Gore Range, surrounded by civilization yet harboring some of the burliest peaks and wildest valleys in Colorado. In early August Claudia and I ventured into those mountains for a 3-day backpack loop. We entered and exited via two popular trails, but spent much of the time off trail, crossing over three obscure passes and navigating through some truly wild and pristine valleys along the way. Here are a few photo highlights from our adventure!
Wild in the Gore Range
August 2022 | Gore Range, Colorado

August morning in the Eagles Nest Wilderness.

Mules Ears wildflowers cascade down a steep gully.

A friendly mountain goat says hi in the Eagles Nest Wilderness.

Thick fields of wildflowers fill this remote, paradisaical valley deep in the Eagles Nest Wilderness.

A mountain called The Spider reflects in a misty lake at sunrise after a very rainy and thundery night.

Some lovely aspens in the Gore Range.