Photograph Ancient Bristlecone Pines on Mt. Goliath
Evergreen, Colorado
Description
Added by Jason Hatfield
Capture these incredible looking old pine trees twisted and shaped by the wind. These trees are ancient, some over 1000yrs old! This spot has the best dark night skies close to Denver.
On the way to the summit of Mt. Evans sits a small 160 acre preserve of some of the world's oldest living trees. The Mount Goliath Natural Area protects a rare site of Bristlecone Pines that make excellent photographic subjects.
Immediately after parking you're surrounded by a miniature forest full of gnarly twisted shapes. While there are many interesting trees close to the small visitor center, the best bristlecone pines are further down the short nature path; look for mostly bare trees for the best subjects.
If you're visiting at night use an app like Star Walk to find out where the Milky Way will be visible. The most interesting tree is actually a 1/4 mile walk up the road towards the summit on the right side. The sharp curve of this tree shows the prevailing wind direction and its isolation really makes it stand out.
For a night photography bonus, head to the summit of Mt. Evans and use the observatory as a foreground subject.
When visiting these ancient trees please protect their fragile environment by not climbing around them or removing branches.
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Photograph Ancient Bristlecone Pines on Mt. Goliath Reviews
Be sure to take the pull over on the way up to the summit of Mt Evans to see the bristlecone pines! There is a parking area and trailhead that makes a little loop. Take it for at least a little while to see these ancient trees!
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Nearby
Hike the Resthouse/Lincoln Lake Trail
Lower and Upper Chicago Lake
Explore Echo Lake Park
Hike to Idaho Springs Reservoir
Mount Evans and Mount Spalding Loop
Hike to Hell's Hole
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