I try to visit the American Southwest as often as I can as the scenery is second to none. One area, the Grand Circle, boasts the largest concentration of national parks and monuments in the US. Located in the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and Utah, the Grand Circle is home to 12 national parks.
Many of the parks are recognizable to everyone (Grand Canyon, Zion to name a couple) but there are a few that most people never heard of. One of those is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. In fact, it only became a national park in 1999. The park is about 2 hours north of Durango, Colorado just outside of Montrose. To quote the National Park Service, “No other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths offered by the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.” It is an extremely rugged landscape with the Gunnison River flowing at its depths. It is also a favorite destination of rock climbers.
We had driven about four and a half hours from Manitou Springs on our way to Montrose and reached the park pretty late in the day. The visitors center had just closed so we were left to ourselves to explore the 12 miles of scenic road in the park. The sun was beginning to set and the landscape was painted with shadows and light. It was a wonderful ending to a great day.
Click to learn more about the Grand Circle and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Colorado must be a beautiful state for scenic to take photos in. I would love to go to the Grand Canyon on a photo venture.
The shadows here give a sense of the day cooling.
Nice shot Len - I like the subtle tones… you timed it perfectly!
I’ve not been back to the Grand Canyon since a 6 week family holiday touring the US, way back in 1982… sheesh, that makes me feel old! I’d love to get back there again sometime, especially now that my passion is photography… maybe, just maybe!
I just love scenes like this one, that have both light and shadow in them. What a view, looks like it stretches on forever. Outstanding work man
Stunning scene, Len.
I have just added this to my list of places to visit, having never been there. Love the elements of this, great sky, light and shadow combination. Nice work!
I like the clouds in this, Len
Lovely shot, I like the contrast, and the natural looking HDR effects are spectacular. I like this one.
Wow, Len, this is absolutely breathtaking! Great light to be enjoyed here, and as mentioned the clouds are really an interesting added element! Awesome work.
Very nice. We will be in Durango this Friday. Might have to set aside some time for this trip.
Great capture Len! Love the different lighting and great textures in the clouds.
Just beautiful Len. I’ve never been to the Grand Circle but I have visited the southwest and many state parks and I agree with you. It is one of my favorite places to visit and photograph. I love the lighting and composition on this image.
that is beautiful Len, well done!
I can’t get over those clouds. Stunning shot man.
Wonderful shot Len. I’d love to be able to get out there more often. It is so beautiful.
Beautiful shot! This makes me feel small and insignificant - the way a truly great landscape should. Way to go!
Great blog post, and you just helped me add a few new places to my list of places to see in the southwest…
Can’t wait to get down to the Black Canyon. I hear the painted walls are spectacular. Maybe in September between trips I can get down there. Excellent image. It really shows the depth and ruggedness.