I was trying to decide where to go this year for my annual quest for Colorado wildflowers, and after hearing from a couple sources that the conditions near Crested Butte were epic and in full swing, I headed out for the Elk Mountains. My original plan was to backpack to West Maroon Pass, but soon discovered that the road to the trailhead was buried under 30 feet of snow. Just as well, since there were plenty of hiking and photo ops in and around Crested Butte. A truly epic trip!
Gothic/Crested Butte July 16-18, 2011
Brush Creek I
Overlooking the valley from Brush Creek Road.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Complimentary Colors
From Brush Creek Road.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Brush Creek II
Nearing sunset
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Flower Palette
A mix of colors
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Painted Sage
Sage and flowers as sunset approaches, from Brush Creek Road
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Yellow and Purple
Sunset at Brush Creek Road
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
East River Overlook
Overlook from Gothic Road, pre-sunrise
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Gothic
Gothic Mountain at sunrise
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Gothic Awakes I
Lupines and sunflowers at sunrise.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Gothic Awakes II
Scarlet Gilia and Gothic Mountain.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Gothic Awakes III
Beautiful sunrise from Gothic, Colorado
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
July Reflection
A perfect reflection in a pond off Gothic Road.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Shadows
I finally can control perspective with my new 24 mm tilt-shift lens! 
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Classic Colorado
Classic Colorado morning!
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
No Access
According to the internet--this road is easily traveled by a passenger vehicle....
unless its buried under 30 feet of snow.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Taylor
To mix things up a bit, I drove to Taylor Lake for sunset.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Paradise
A beautiful Monday sunrise in Gothic, Colorado in July.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Paradise II
Slightly different angle at sunrise
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Monday Morning
On the trail to Judd Falls
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Scarlet
Scarlet Gilia along the trail to Judd Falls.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Moon rising
Sunrise and nearly full moon
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Sorta Yosemite
The backside of Gothic mountain reminded me of a scene from Yosemite or Zion!
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Simple Pleasures
One of many small cascades near Judd Falls, Gothic.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Judd Falls
Judd Falls
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.