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Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Colorado National Monument, Colorado


Colorado National Monument

Text And Photography By Brian MacStay
Labels: Locations

This Article Features Photo Zoom
Location
colorado
This image of a dead juniper tree, “Sunset Sentinel,” was captured during a warm summer afternoon, cliffside, at Coke Ovens Overlook inside Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction, Colo. Located on the Colorado and Utah border, this beautiful national park, one of 12 in Colorado, reminds me more of a place you might see inside Utah or Nevada with almost blood-red earth and a rugged desert trail system. Most of Colorado National Monument rises more that 2,000 feet above the Grand Valley of the Colorado River. Entrance to the park is accessible from the cities of Grand Junction and Fruita. You can drive straight through the 32-square-mile park along Rim Rock Drive, stopping along the way at the overlooks for expansive views from sheer cliffs of deep canyons, the Grand Mesa and the cities below. Many of the more picturesque views, such as that of Independence Monument, the impressive 450-foot sandstone monolith, can be viewed just a few steps from your vehicle. Many couples have been known to hold wedding ceremonies at Book Cliffs Overlook, featuring a stunning view of Wedding Canyon and the entire Grand Valley.

Weather
Colorado National Monument is great to explore during all four seasons, but expect extreme weather conditions. Summer temps reach up to 110 degrees F. Be sure to pack lots of water if you plan to do extensive hiking on the sprawling trail system. Don’t expect relief from the hot sun in the shade either. There are few trees with adequate foliage for shade, so sunscreen and head coverings are an absolute must. During the winter months, temperatures can fall below freezing. On
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average, 38 inches of snow accumulate per year, usually between January and February, with an annual average rainfall of 11.03 inches. The moisture is typically spread throughout the year, with the wettest months being August through October.

Photo Experience
Some of the best photographs of Colorado National Monument are taken cliffside during low-light conditions, when slower shutter speeds are required, so a sturdy tripod is essential for a sharp image. Though a tripod may slow you down, this change of pace is helpful for setting up and composing your shot. This image was taken while the camera was firmly secured on a Manfrotto tripod, and a shutter release was used to eliminate camera shake. A wide-angle lens, such as a 17-50mm, is a must in order to capture the open spaces and deep canyons. The vast array of wildlife, such as snakes, coyote, foxes, cottontail and squirrels, can be seen scampering about the area, so you’ll also need a fairly long zoom lens to catch them in action.
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14 Comments

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  1. Brian MacStay makes this comment

    Monday, 06 July 2009

    Hi Kels, This is the photographer.... Thank you for the perspective. I'm not even sure what you mean by "burn job...." Even if I knew what it was I'm not sure I would know how to do it. But let me ask you this though, if the sky were "burned in," how could that then be perfectly reflected in the surrounding rock and plant life? Another thought.... The great Ansel Adams was well known for perfecting the art of "dodging and burning" in the dark room. If that's what you mean, then I take your comments as a compliment.

  2. kels makes this comment

    Tuesday, 30 June 2009

    hey, not to rein on the parade here but isn't this a fairly obvious burn job on the sky to bring in the sky to make it look like a professional photo...

  3. GBPackers68 makes this comment

    Monday, 29 June 2009

    I lived in Grand Junction most of 2007 and 2008. It is one of my favorite National Parks (or Monuments). They have a great park association that hosts various presentations throughout the year - I highly recommend the "Bench Trail" and any geology, astronomy, or Big Horn Sheep hikes. Schedule is available here: http://coloradonma.org/ I took over 14,000 pictures out there in a year and got some wonderful panoramas. Grand Junction is a great base camp for other nearby parks too (Arches/Canyonlands is 90 minutes away, Black Canyon is also fairly close). There are plenty of Indian drawings to be found (but you will likely have to find someone who knows where they are since the park staff doesn't like to reveal their locations due to vandalism)

  4. Jennifer makes this comment

    Monday, 29 June 2009

    this is in my back yard and a GREAT place for amazing shots.

  5. Papa Parnell makes this comment

    Wednesday, 24 June 2009

    Thats my boy Nico...Lance invited us over for Italian Cuisine the other night. We brought a true authentic italian dish...Ragu and Kraft Noodles...Nico calls it the Goolash... I will post later, Lance is coming over to rub my balls.

  6. Riaga man makes this comment

    Wednesday, 24 June 2009

    I could triple dyno that tree. Are there any killer sharks in Colorado?

  7. Sean P. makes this comment

    Wednesday, 24 June 2009

    Reminds me of a great Phil Collins song, which was written while I sat on his lap!

  8. Nico makes this comment

    Wednesday, 24 June 2009

    This reminds me of the time Lance Armstrong and I went biking through the Andes. Great shot Brian!

  9. Nick makes this comment

    Wednesday, 24 June 2009

    It's photography like this that reminds us all how beautiful our country is if we would just stop and open our eyes.

  10. Benny makes this comment

    Wednesday, 24 June 2009

    A good friend of mine always tells me how beautiful Colorado is. I need to make a visit. Great photo, keep up the great work

  11. Bob makes this comment

    Wednesday, 24 June 2009

    Was ready to plan a Colorado RV trip. I will be sure to make this one of my stops. Great job.

  12. Jeff makes this comment

    Wednesday, 24 June 2009

    Great work Brian... Keep them coming.

  13. Coreena makes this comment

    Wednesday, 24 June 2009

    My brother has told me it's beautiful there. I guess I have to put it on my list of places to go see! Thanks for letting us enjoy your work!

  14. Jay makes this comment

    Wednesday, 24 June 2009

    Awesome photo! I love it over there. Thanks for sharing it with us.

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