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Clouds build over the glacier-carved slopes of Snowmass Peak. Afternoon thundershowers are one of the most common but most serious threats at high altitudes and is a leading cause of death of creatures who live at these elevations like mountain goats.
Another high alpine pass led us to a beautiful valley filled with Willow Lake and innumerable large ponds, set against the backdrop of tall peaks and sheer red cliffs. The small, wind-stunted trees in the foreground, referred to as krummholtz (a German word meaning "flag trees"), are the same species that grow over 100 feet tall at lower elevations.
Raindrops bead up on one of my favorite flowers, chiming bells.
This unnamed 13,000-foot peak provided some spectacular shots. The white stone at the top, which looks like snow flowing down the slopes, is a granite intrusion in the red sandstone.
Growing in the crevices of the red sandstone at the top of Willow Pass is the aptly named sky pilot, the flowers of which mirror the deep blue skies above.
What looks like a reflection in this photo is actually a second butterfly. This pair remained in love's embrace while the two fed and even flew from flower to flower. "Live for today" appears to be the butterfly motto.
Fluffy clouds and clear, afternoon sunlight flood the sheer face of Pyramid Peak, the third 14,000-foot peak within a two-mile radius, one of the densest concentrations of tall peaks in the United States.