POTW: More Mountain Goats

More mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) are fascinating creatures that thrive in the rugged terrains of North America's mountainous regions, including the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. These remarkable animals are well-adapted to their harsh environments, showcasing a blend of physical and behavioral traits that enable their survival in some of the most … Continue reading POTW: More Mountain Goats

POTW: Shadow Mountain Lake

Looking across Shadow Mountain Lake into Rocky Mountain National Park, a crown jewel in the American national park system, the park reveals an entirely different character in the winter months. A serene blanket of snow covers the landscape, transforming the park into a tranquil and awe-inspiring winter wonderland. The sharp, rugged peaks of the Rockies … Continue reading POTW: Shadow Mountain Lake

POTW: A Walk in the Woods…

A walk in the woods... John Muir says it best, “In every walk in nature one receives far more than he seeks.” Stella and I seek new adventures as often as we can, we spent Christmas 2021 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and ventured into the woods up on Rabbit Ears Pass. The pass is named … Continue reading POTW: A Walk in the Woods…

2,500 Years of Forest History

Rocky Mountain fires leave telltale ash layers in nearby lakes like this one. Philip Higuera What the extreme fire seasons of 1910 and 2020 – and 2,500 years of forest history – tell us about the future of wildfires in the West Kyra Clark-Wolf, University of Colorado Boulder and Philip Higuera, University of Montana Strong winds … Continue reading 2,500 Years of Forest History

The Case of the Colorado River’s Missing Water

Researchers are trying to unravel the mystery of snow that falls but never shows up in the river. Bella Biondini/High Country News High winds tore at Gothic Mountain as the sleeping giant watched over the cabins nestled in Gothic, Colorado, a remote outpost accessible only by skis during the valley’s harsh alpine winters. The plumes … Continue reading The Case of the Colorado River’s Missing Water

POTW: Mountain Goat

The mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus), also known as the Rocky Mountain goat, is a large hoofed mammal that resides in the mountainous regions of North America. What truly sets mountain goats apart is their unparalleled agility. Their hooves are equipped with specialized features, including rough, rubbery pads that provide exceptional grip on slippery surfaces. This … Continue reading POTW: Mountain Goat

POTW: The Sawtooth Mountain Range

Looking across the Sawtooth Valley floor into the Sawtooth Mountain Range.