Greetings from a blustery day in San Cristobal.
Last weekend saw us at the Zapata Falls campground for what turned out to be a frigidly cold night on the mountain. Fortunately, the visit to the falls made up for it. I’ve not visited the falls before, it was well worth it, and I can recommend it. Join me next winter, and I’ll take you there. Be sure to bring your crampons or your own Husky! My good friend John did just that.
Fifty miles to the west of the falls is the Monte Vista NWR, where the Sandhill Cranes were present in the thousands. I hope to post a video next week. I have to say that the Sandhill Cranes, coming in for a landing, look like amateur flyers, and all flaps down!
The sunset views from the Zapata Falls campground and parking area are incredible, as you can see in the photo below. The peaks from left to right are Challenger Point, Kit Carson Mountain, Columbia Point, Crestone Peak, and Crestone Needle. The dune field in the foreground is in continuous flux. If you feel like climbing the dunes, you will gain approximately 750 feet elevation. One step forward, two steps back, but you’ll get there! And running down is a lot of fun!
The Full “Worm Moon,” the “Sap Moon,” or “Crow Moon,” didn’t disappoint. The clouds thinned out in time, and the moon illuminated the night, keeping us awake, beaming through the windows as it traversed the night sky.
As always, thank you for looking. G
19 thoughts on “Zapata Ice Falls, Sandhill Cranes, Full Worm Moon.”
Great as ever love the cranes and Kiki. The scenes too of course. Alison
The cranes aren’t sweet but not as sweet as Kiki.😀 Thank you, Alison. I hope you are well. G
Thrilling!!
Thanks for showing us!
Thank you, Gary. I appreciate that. G
Very lovely sand dunes with peaks in the background.
Thank you, Jay. I appreciate it. G
That SdC sunset shot is awesome, Geraint! I finally got to the Valley 2 weeks ago. First trip there in over two years! Cranes were magical as always
Paul
Thank you so much, Paul. I’m glad you finally got there. It’s my favorite place to be alone and present. We really must meet up soon. G
Fantastico! Gracias!!!
Thank you, Robert. I appreciate that. G
Makes me want to run up to both places. I’ve been part of the way up to Zapata Falls in May with our Chinook sled dog, Buck, but it looks a lot warmer (dryer) in your pictures. Camping up there this time of year would be COLD! All great photos, as usual.
It’s probably still frozen for another week but definitely melting. There are a few cold-temp days coming up. I don’t plan on camping there in winter again. Thanks so much, Gary. G
We got a chance to see the cranes last week. You captured their antics perfectly accurately. Many thanks again for these posts. Always a treat.
Wow, so much beauty. Thank you for turning us on to a new place to visit!
“Viva Zapata”
Have been out of touch recently, on a mule ride into the deep canyons in Baja to see prehistoric cave paintings. Your pictures are amazing as always, thanks again for sharing.
June
Welcome back and thank you, June. I hope you had a good trip. It sounds exciting. G
The cranes are comical! What a great catch….
Beautiful falls photos. Thanks for sharing!
Mary
Thank you, Mary. G