Otto's Trail Sunset

[IntrepidXJ]

Thursday, April 19, 2012

The Original Trip Report on ADVENTR.CO

The clouds in the sky this evening were looking pretty nice, so I decided to drive up to the Monument to hopefully catch a nice colorful sunset. I didn’t get the spectacular sunset I was hoping for, but I did end up with with a few good photos while I was up there.

As I drove up Fruita Canyon I finally got a decent photo of Balance Rock in the late afternoon sun with some clouds. Usually as I drive by the sky is either completely blue, or I miss the direct sunlight on the sandstone.


Balanced Rock by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I’m glad I stopped at Balance Rock this time because I also ran into a large group of Desert Bighorn Sheep with a few babies. I grabbed my long lens and took a few photos before they were out of sight.


Young Bighorn Sheep by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

After the bighorn sheep were gone, I got back in my Jeep and decided to hike Otto's Trail and catch the sunset from that area.

The shadows creep across the canyon floor towards Independence Monument.


Independence Monument View by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A view past the sandstone of Monument Canyon and over the Grand Valley towards Mount Garfield and the Book Cliffs. I even caught a bird flying through the photo.


Grand Valley Layers by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The top of the Pipe Organ right in front of me and The Island beyond.


Spire Tops & The Island by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A few nice clouds over Monument Canyon.


Storm Over the Mesa by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

As I walked back to my Jeep in the twilight, I stopped for one last photo of this dead tree's silhouette.


Dead Tree at Dusk by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

>> Otto's Trail Sunset Photo Gallery

[gnwatts]

Nice shots Randy. I like #4 the best. Have you ever driven over to Rattlesnake Canyon? Beautiful arches over there.....
Greg