National Elk Refuge
Hundreds of years ago, elk roamed much of what was now North America, grazing in grasslands, valleys, and foothills all across the continent. As their lands were settled, their numbers were reduced, and the remaining elk gradually migrated to the mountainous west. People living in Jackson Hole in the late 1800s and early 1900s became aware of the nearby elk herd and began using sleighs to travel to their feeding grounds to see them. Interest in the animals grew, and the refuge was officially established in 1912.
Today, the refuge encompasses 25,000 acres of elk winter range, the only winter range remaining for elk near Jackson Hole.
~ Jackson Hole Website
Monument Rocks are a series of large chalk formations in Gove County, Kansas, rich in fossils. The formations were the first landmark in Kansas chosen by the US Department of the Interior as a National Natural Landmark.
~ Wikipedia
This image has always reminded me of Easter Morning. He Is Risen!
The 70 feet tall sedimentary formations of Niobrara Chalk were created by the erosion of a sea bed. The layers were formed 80 million years ago and can be seen in this image.
Rocks rise out of the prairie. Stunning and yes, monumental!
It’s rare I’m in front of the lens, but I put my camera on a tripod and used a remote shutter release to prove I was here. :)
Near the west edge of the Great Plains of Eastern Colorado, in El Paso County, is the Paint Mines Interpretive Park of Calhan. The phrase “colorful Colorado” is affirmed here at this historic park with its chromatic display of colorful formations.
The phrase “colorful Colorado” is affirmed here at this historic park with its chromatic display of colorful formations. Whispering prairie winds, sandstone-capped spires and hoodoos, vibrant colored clay, and alluring wildlife summon visitors to this quiet part of the world.
~ Uncover Colorado
During the Fall Season many farms throughout Kansas feature these unbelievable crops of Sunflowers. Grinter’s Sunflower Farm outside of Kansas City, Kansas open their fields up to the public to photograph and walk amongst the blooms. Interested people beware, there are busy bees hard at work. Not to worry, they aren’t interested in you as long as you’re not interested in them!
A Kansas Jewel
Bird’s Eye View
Busting Out In Sunshine
Watching The Approaching Storm
Almost Ready To Shine
All Standing In Line
View From The Middle Of The Field
Acres and Acres Of Gold
Ready For Sunset
Day Is Done
Anchoring the southern tip of the Gore Mountain Range is Red Peak. At 13,189ft in altitude it is king of all visible Gore mountains from Silverthorne, Colorado.
Nothing is better then being surrounded by the shocking glow of Aspens and hiking with your most loyal companion leading the way.
Its hard to beat the Fall experience in the midwest. Sit back and scroll through the images captured during the high color season!