The Sawatch Range along Highway 24

Stunning photos of snow-capped peaks at morning, noon, and night

When my parents visited in March 2023, we went on a day trip to Salida, Colorado. On our way home, we took the long route and drove along Highway 285, my first time exploring the area north of Salida. As we passed Mount Shavano and Mount Antero, two of Colorado’s impressive “14ers”, I was amazed at their magnificence. The view was completely unobstructed as there was nothing but ranch lands between the highway and the mountains. The Sawatch Range is on the west side of the road, making it perfect for sunrise photography of the sun hitting the tops of snow-covered peaks.

As Adam and I left the Colorado National Monument in May, I asked if we could take the same scenic route I took with my parents. We cut off the interstate at Minturn to take Highway 24 south. After passing through Leadville, the open expanse gives you a great view of the northern mountains of the Sawatch Range: Mount Massive, Elbert, Belford, Harvard, and Yale. I thoroughly enjoyed the drive, spending most of it hanging out the passenger window, taking pictures of the peaks at 70 miles an hour.

We found dispersed camping slightly east of Buena Vista. I walked down the road from our campsite and encountered stunning views of Mounts Princeton, Antero, Shavano, Ouray, and Chipeta Mountain at sunset. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the shadows stretched across the peaks. The clouds above the mountains brightened and filled with color.

The following day, we drove down the road to the Collegiate Peaks Overlook. Dark clouds grew to the west, directing the sunrise onto the peaks. As the sun rose, the mountains lit up with beautiful color.

It was a cold and windy morning, and by the end of it, my fingers were numb. However, the morning was quiet and meditative. Even better, as I took pictures, Adam made hot tea and breakfast in the van. Later, we drove into Buena Vista so Adam could go for a ride, and I spent the rest of the morning editing these photos by the river. It was a perfect way to spend a few hours early on a Monday.

Cheers.