Set aside by U.S. Congress in 1993, Buffalo Peaks Wilderness is a wilderness area in central Colorado.  The area is named for the 13,000 foot-high volcanic mountains, East Buffalo Peak and West Buffalo Peak.  The area lacks soaring heights and jagged mountain landscapes and is perhaps not as photogenic as other wilderness areas in Colorado, but Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Area more than makes up for it in solitude and rolling alpine beauty. 

Indeed, solitude may be the main draw of Buffalo Peaks.  The area is far from major population centers, so chances are, you will be able to enjoy the wide-open meadows, beaver ponds, small creeks and pine forests in quiet isolation.  (we only saw a couple other hikers during two days in Buffalo Meadows, for example)

Hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing and fishing are the main activities.  Bikes and other forms of mechanical transport are not allowed in wilderness areas.

What to Do There

If your interest is in hiking, there are several trails to choose from that will take you up to the high altitude meadows of Buffalo Peaks Wilderness.  The Rich Creek Trailhead on FR 425 (CR 5) allows access to Rich Creek Trail and Tumble Creek Trail.  Rich Creek Trail is the most direct route and heads west from the trailhead along Rich Creek.  Several miles of hiking will see you to the meadows and the complex series of beaver ponds.  

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Take a trip up the Oregon coast and prepare yourself for some fantastic vistas.  From Brookings to Coos Bay, to Reedsport and beyond, this coastal landscape is a playground for photographers, hikers, bikers, campers and ocean-lovers.  For more information on State parks and places of note, check this previous Southern Oregon travel blog.

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View higher resolution copies of these photos here - Southern Oregon Coast photos

The Rio Camu begins high in the mountains in the north-central Dominican Republic and can be a refreshing getaway from the humid summer heat.  And yes, the water is cold, very cold.  

View and download a higher resolution copy here - River Camu, Dominican Republic

Thinking of heading up the southern Oregon coast?  You shouldn’t have a problem finding things to do or finding a place to camp. You’ll come across tremendous scenery around every bend in the road and a campground literally every couple miles.  There are ample opportunities for hiking and biking, exploring the many coves or just relaxing on a sheltered beach.  Here are some state and county parks especially worth visiting on a trip up Highway 101.  

Humbug Mountain State Park

Humbug Mountain State Park provides a cozy leeward valley, several miles of beach, access to Brush Creek and the Humbug Mountain hiking trail.  The Oregon Coast Trail also passes through the park.  Hiking, biking, beachcombing and wildlife viewing are all popular in the area.  The campground has nearly 100 spots and full amenities.  

Battle Rock Wayside Park

Continuing north on Highway 101, you will see Battle Rock Wayside Park to your left just before you enter Port Orford.  The park is so named for the 1851 battle between the first white settlers and the native tribes.  Check out Battle Rock just off the highway, where the settlers held out during the fighting, and then head down across the beach to see the many other rock formations rising directly out of the sand and surf.  

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There's no doubt that Chiricahua National Monument is a memorable travel experience and a landscape photographer's dream.  I visited Chiricahua a couple months ago and finally have all the photos sorted and processed.  So it's time for an official photo roundup.  For more information on hiking trails, camping and directions to the monument, see my previous Chiricahua National Monument travel blog.

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View higher resolution copies of these photos here - Chiricahua National Monument photos

Sometimes getting up early is really worth it.  (for a night owl like myself, that's not easy to admit)  This was one of those mornings.  There was a thin fog over the valley, and the golden-hour sun made the landscape look especially magical.

View and download a higher resolution copy here - Bonita Canyon, Arizona

A thing out of its normal element can make an interesting study.  Especially if that thing is a fishing vessel up on wheels in dry-dock.  Wish we could have spent more time here, as the colors and lighting were amazing, but as is usually the case when you're traveling, the clock was ticking.

View and download a higher resolution copy here - Dry-Docked at Port Orford

The Oregon coast is absolutely gorgeous.  Majestic headlands.  Myrtle-green forests.  Fresh ocean breezes.  Secluded beaches and sheltered valleys.  If your idea of paradise includes any of these, then you may want to strike out for Oregon and the Pacific Ocean. 

Just south of Port Orford, the Humbug Mountain Trail takes you to the summit of one of the highest mountains along the coast.  Mount Humbug rises directly from the ocean to a height of 1,756 feet, and on the way to the top you can experience firsthand the old growth rainforest, small waterfalls and expanses of clovers and ferns.

Recommended Route

Humbug Mountain Trail is approximately five miles round trip, to the summit and back.  If you are staying at the Humbug Mountain Campground, you can step right out of your trailer or tent and start the hike.  Head east from Loop B (west from Loop A), and take the footbridge across Brush Creek.  A tunnel will take you under the highway to the trailhead. 

For those not staying at the campground, there is a dedicated parking area on Highway 101 just west of the campground entrance. 

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Nevada isn't all dirt and sand and garish Vegas shows.  Northern Nevada harbors some interesting mountain ranges and high altitude getaways.  For example, South Fork Reservoir isn't a bad place to stop off for the night.  During our stopover, the sunset over the lake was impressive.  For once I remembered to bring my tripod.

View and download a higher resolution copy here - South Fork Reservoir, Nevada

Just upgraded to iOS 4, and it's really slick.  But that has nothing to do with this post.  Here is the latest collection of random iPhone photos from my queue.  Summer 2010!

If a geyser starts shooting up in your front yard, cap it off and use the hot water to heat your house

The oh-so-green foliage of the Oregon coast

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