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Lost and Found in Colorado

A road trip to Colorado provided plenty of inspiration for one Fort Lauderdale-based photographer.

Words and Photos by Mark William Thompson

Beaver Lake, Marble. When your plan is no real plan, you allow yourself to stumble upon hidden gems. Marble is that ideal town I was looking for without realizing it. A place that checks off boxes like “small,” “peaceful” and “not overrun with other tourists.” Forget about cell service; instead meet some friendly locals at the one cafe for an inside scoop on adventures to be had. Enjoy a hike and a picnic along Beaver Lake as you gaze at the mountains reflecting in the still waters.
Home is where you park it. Priceless is your loved one, your dog, a fire burning and the trees rustling under the night’s sky.
Bridal Veil Falls, Telluride. Colorado’s tallest falls stands at 365 feet, so we had to visit. For a Floridian, the 35-to-50 degree water can be shocking at first. Bring a bar of soap and enjoy a chilly road-trip shower. right: Marshall Park Campground. Marshall Park Campground in the Rio Grande National Forest sits along the bank of the Rio Grande. You can spend all night watching the Milky Way pass as the Rio Grande flows by your feet and the fire warms you. It can make you feel like you’re in an old western movie, camping along the iconic river. Maybe you’ll look up and ponder what it was like many, many years ago when others were enjoying the same natural splendor.
Marshall Park Campground. Marshall Park Campground in the Rio Grande National Forest sits along the bank of the Rio Grande. You can spend all night watching the Milky Way pass as the Rio Grande flows by your feet and the fire warms you. It can make you feel like you’re in an old western movie, camping along the iconic river. Maybe you’ll look up and ponder what it was like many, many years ago when others were enjoying the same natural splendor.
Near Silverton on The “Million Dollar Highway,” the nickname of A famous stretch of US 550. The rock face is lit by the last sun rays as it sets behind another mountain. This 27-mile stretch is full of amazing views, cliff-hanging blind turns and pure beauty wherever you look. If I had a dollar for every time I said “beautiful” along this road, I’d have a million dollars.
Marble Campground. Many campgrounds have hungry locals who stop in from time to time. This “wild” fox has lost its fear of humans and has no issue walking up and asking for food.
Outside town of Creede in the Gunnison National Forest at 11,000 feet elevation. There are certain spots known for moose sightings where people can wait for hours – or you can just get lucky and spot a few feeding while driving through the mountains. This young bull was still working on growing out his new antlers in anticipation of the upcoming rut.
Blue Lakes. This is one of the waterfalls you encounter or cross when you choose the tougher trail less taken. Most visitors take the easy gravel road to the one lookout point. The best part of Blue Lakes is the adventure traversing through and along the multiple falls along the journey up.
Boreas Mountain Pass in White River National Forest close to Breckenridge. Opening your car door to this morning view is one of the big road-trip perks. Choosing a mountain pass over a busy hotel in a big town sure has its benefits. Just make your coffee and relax.
Blue Mesa Reservoir along Route 50 in Curecanti National Recreation Area. A late-night, drowsiness-induced stop on a gravel pull-off alongside a reservoir paid off well in the morning. The unexpected can be amazing.
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