Chimney Rock Photography

San Juan Mountains, colorado

This photo almost didn’t happen.

It started as a peaceful fall road trip — just me, my dog Zeke, and my camera gear packed into the back of my truck. We were chasing autumn color through the San Juan Mountains, hoping to catch the aspens in their golden prime.

But Colorado had other plans.

That night, out near Chimney Rock, the skies opened up.

Wind rocked the truck like a boat. Snow slammed down in heavy flurries. Then came the lightning — wild, cracking, close. I was completely alone out there, wondering if I’d made the wrong call staying the night. Even Zeke looked concerned.

By morning, everything was silent.

The storm had passed, the world frozen in fresh white. I unzipped the sleeping bag, opened the door… and there it was.

That view.

Chimney Rock rising from a snow-dusted valley, the sunrise painting the sky in soft morning tones.

This photo is my memory of that wild night — the chaos, the cold, and the calm that followed. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most peaceful scenes come right after the storm.

And honestly? Zeke agrees. 🐾