Boondocking Blanca BLM

Erstwhile elk in front of Blanca

Funny how when you don’t have anywhere specific to go, you usually end up going in circles. I’ve spent the summer driving lazy loops around southern Colorado – I have yet to make it north of I-70 – and I keep finding myself back in Alamosa.

When I’m in this part of the state, I usually camp for free on the Blanca BLM in the shadow of 14,345-foot Mount Blanca. I haven’t climbed it yet – Blanca is a beast! – but it’s been calling me back all summer. Here are a few of my favorite shots from my morning and evening walks around Blanca.

Desert Decay

The Road To Blanca. Nicknamed "Jaws", not even the Rover can tackle this crazy Jeep-track to Lake Como, beneath the peak.

The Burly Road To Blanca. Nicknamed “Jaws”, not even the Rover can tackle this crazy Jeep-track to Lake Como.

Blanca Claret Cup

Blooming Cactus

Blooms & Pollen

Blanca Windmill

Self Portrait

Wind-twisted Wire & Blanca Massif

Blanca BLM Gate

Check out my previous Alamosa-area posts: La Ventana Arch, Penitente Canyon, Snowstorm in Great Sand Dune s & Friday Night Lights Over Alamosa.

About theblondecoyote

Mary Caperton Morton is a freelance science and travel writer with degrees in biology and geology and a master’s in science writing. A regular contributor to EARTH magazine, where her favorite beat is the Travels in Geology column, she has also written for the anthologies Best Women's Travel Writing 2010 and Best Travel Writing 2011. Mary is currently based in western Colorado. When she’s not at the computer she can usually be found outside -- hiking, skiing, climbing mountains and taking photographs. Visit her website at www.marycapertonmorton.com.

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