The Crystal Mill stands as a remnant of the past in the idyllic forests of Colorado.

With about a 1.5 hour drive between Maroon Bells and the Gunnison National Forest, a conscious decision had to be made nightly to decide what to shoot the following morning.  Seeing rain and snow on the forecast in the upcoming days, I was concerned my window for driving in such conditions would be limited therefore decided to chance a hike to the Crystal Mill without knowing conditions for Fall colors in this secluded part of Colorado.  This trailhead begins at the town of Marble, where ample weather-tested signs are posted warning ambitious drivers about the need for a high-clearance vehicle.  Hiking the full 8 mile trail was always my intention knowing it would allow me to take in the overture of dense trees, peaks, and streams before the chorus of the Mill itself.  As I took off on the trail the frigid morning did not numb me to the looming rain clouds which seemed to follow at a distance.

Within the angelic settings I moved with demonic speed as four miles passed more quickly that I expected.  I was lost in the scenery when the iconic Mill revealed itself behind a forest of aspen at prime Fall colors.  It was one of those photography moments when the scene is so pristine I felt I had to move quickly because such conditions are momentary at best.  There are several possible compositions here, but with such amazing light and color I chose a wide-angle shot to include as much detail as possible.  For all the breathtaking views I saw on this Colorado trip, this photo is definitely my piece-de-resistance.