Grand Teton, Yellowstone, & Glacer National Parks

A few images from three of our greatest National Parks. 

From the Snake River overlook, site of Ansel Adams' iconic photo of the Grand Tetons.  The trees have grown up a bit since Mr. Adams shot this view.

 "The Tetons and the Snake River", Ansel Adams, 1942.

A view of the Grand Teton range from a bit further out to the east - Togwotee Pass.

And from up closer at Oxbow Bend near the top of Jackson Lake.

String Lake at sunset.

Oxbow Bend at 5:00 AM.  Lots of stars . . .

Heading north from Jackson Hole into Yellowstone National Park: 

The headwaters area at the southern end of Yellowstone National Park.

Rainbow at Kepler Cascades.

Old Faithful geyser.

And, continuing further north to Glacier National Park: 

Along the shore of Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park.

Lichens.

Nymphalis antiopa, common name "Mourning Cloak".

High country summer - Part II

More photos from summer in the Rocky Mountains. 

The view back towards Forest Canyon and Trail Ridge Rd. from the summit of Mt. Ida.

Mills Lake, Glacier Gorge, Rocky Mountain National Park.

A Bighorn ram forages above the tree line.

A creamy lump of quartz sits among the boulders near Mt. Ida.

Panorama from the top of Twin Sisters Peak.  Mt. Meeker and Long's Peak at left, Estes Park at right.

Equipment from the abandoned Eugenia Mine, on the way to Estes Cone.

An Elk bull looks down on the tree line.

Panoramic view from the top of Estes Cone.  Rt. 7 below left, and Mt. Meeker and Long's Peak at center.

Longhorn beetle.

Hatchling praying mantis on a young pine cone.

These cicadas use their wings to make a distinct snapping or clacking sound high in the trees.

Some moth species fake death by extending their abdominal segments and wings, revealing brightly-colored areas, and remaining motionless.

Looking west towards the Continental Divide from near the summit of Twin Sisters.

Wild rose in bloom.

Indian paintbrush.

The Colorado State Flower, Columbine.

New fruit on a conifer.

Painted sky at sunrise.

Young black bear on the trail.

Columbine blossoms in blue and white.

A glimpse of Emerald Lake from the Flattop Mountain trail.