Garden of the Gods Photography

Colorado Springs, colorado

Seven times.

That’s how many attempts it took to get this exact shot of Garden of the Gods.

I had a vision in my head — snow-covered red rock, glowing morning light, and clean visibility of the dramatic formations. But every single time I went, it slipped through my fingers. The snow would melt. The clouds would roll in. The trails would be blocked. The light… gone.

Then came the storm.

I woke up at 1 a.m., saw the radar, and knew this was maybe the one. Drove through the night to Colorado Springs — only to find the road was closed. No way in by car.

So I hid my gear, tightened my boots, and hiked nearly 4 miles in knee-high snow for almost four hours, wondering with every step if I was just chasing another disappointment. By the time I reached my scouted vantage point, the sky was dark and heavy. It felt like the moment had passed. Again.

And then — boom — the clouds cracked open, just for five minutes. A golden blast of light swept across the snow-covered rock and painted the entire scene like it had been waiting for me.

I took the shot.

No one else got it.

This frame is one of a kind.

This photo isn’t just a winter scene — it’s a reminder that persistence, intuition, and a little wild faith can lead to something truly rare. I hope it brings that same energy into your space.