If outdoor photography is on your short list, consider the road up to Wolf Creek Pass as one of your Colorado vacation destinations. Located along Highway 160 in the southwest corner of the state, this region is famous for its abundance of winter snow. All of this snow translates into year ‘round outdoor activities.
Wolf Creek pass
Wolf Creek Pass tops out at 10,857 feet in elevation and is the home of Wolf Creek Ski Area, a true gem for winter sports enthusiasts. Claiming to receive the most snow in Colorado, it frequently backs up that claim. Located just 20 miles from Pagosa Springs, the ski area attracts locals and regional visitors alike. A central hub for airline travelers is the Albuquerque airport, where a scenic four hour drive is in order to reach Wolf Creek.
Wolf Creek is photography country. Several pullouts along the way provide the nature photographer many opportunities for a digital camera workout. In addition, the highway skirts the eastern boundary of the Weminuche Wilderness Area, Colorado’s largest. This wilderness area encompasses more than 480,000 acres of breathtaking scenery, with elevations for everyone, ranging from 8,000’ to over 14,000’. It has almost 80 miles of the famous Colorado Divide Trail within its boundaries, making it a boon for Colorado tourism. The wilderness also contains an additional 400 miles of hiking trails, taking the outdoor photographer deep into the backcountry, making a quality wilderness map an essential item on the checklist.
Get The Gear To Get Out There!
Mountain photography
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There is classic mountain photography in this area, with subject matter as varied as an intimate stream to stunning views from the Continental Divide. Near the summit of Wolf Creek Pass is a gravel road leading off to the west, taking the photographer up to a parking area near a large communications tower. Follow the trail at the western edge of the parking area for several hundred yards in order to find some pristine Colorado photography. This is a great spot for sunset photography, providing stunning views to the east and west.
Back on the highway, working your way down to the valley floor, several pullouts provide access to great waterfalls along Wolf Creek. Here you can test your personal awareness skills. Listen for the roar of crashing water to help guide your way to a series of spectacular waterfalls that most people drive right on by, oblivious to the special beauty tucked within the trees.