Wait a second... that's not Costa rica, that's Colorado! That's right, Colorado. We had no idea there were beaches in the Centennial State. This is Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest body of water located entirely within Colorado. Blue Mesa Reservoir was created in the 1960's by damming the Gunnison River.
The photographs above and below are from the Hogback Ridge Trail in Boulder County, Colorado. This trail runs through Xeric Tallgrass Prairie and reaches elevations that are within the montane ecosystem.
Below is a Sagebrush Steppe community in proximity to Antelope Creek near Gunnison, Colorado.
More Stagebrush Steppe is shown below. This photograph is from Lost Canyon near Gunnison.
Another shot of Sagebrush Steppe from the same site is shown below.
We made a short stop at Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery to do some birding and were treated to a beautiful view of what I think of as a typical Colorado river. This is the East River near Almont, Colorado.
Below is a mountain view from near Mill Creek in Gunnison County.
A typical montane aspen-fir-spruce forest is shown below. This photograph is from near Mill Creek in Gunnison County.
As we rose in elevation, the temperature dropped and we started seeing an accumulation of snow on the ground.
Just as we did during our first trip to Colorado a few years ago, we had a great time and can't wait to get back. Thanks to the Fairlees and to Lynn Cudlip for their hospitality and for showing us some great natural areas!
4 comments:
Great shots. Loved these.
Thanks, Opticron!
Great photos! I have been trying to find some good swimming areas in CO, do you happen to know the name of the beach you were at on the Blue Mesa Reservoir, or how to get there? -Looking to swim in CO
Thanks Anonymous. I contacted my friend in Colorado regarding your question and here is her reply...
The reservoir is very low so finding beach should not be too hard . Go to the first bridge (to Lake City) and a short distance until you see pull offs on the right hand side. Or go past the bridge and exit left at the Bay of Chickens. Have them ask a ranger, too.
Hope this helps.
Scott.
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