Just enough snow on the trail that went through the Valley Below Pulpit Rock make it an interesting winter scene.

I enjoyed seeing the contrast of white against many other beautiful pieces of nature we encountered on this peaceful trail.

Subdued colors stood out vibrantly against the pure white snow.

I found myself fascinated by the black Yucca pods.

Took a series of photos in an attempt to get some good photos, but I don’t think I quite captured the stark beauty I was seeing when hiking among them.

I was lucky enough to take one of my favorite pictures.

I was really excited when I saw the colorful fire hydrant in this snowy field surrounded by green spiky yuccas with their fascinating black pods and Pulpit Rock prominently in the background.

Finding a fire hydrant somewhere that one would not expect to see it always adds a bit of fun to a hike.
And here was one in the middle of nowhere.
And a very colorful one at that.

What a magnificent fun photo this fire hydrant allowed me to take.

And I did have luck in getting a photo of a bird in flight, and I am placing him above the yucca field to give more interest.

Tomorrow planning on taking another hike in the sun.

Haven’t decided where yet, as I need to do one close to Manitou and not too long. Have a busy day and week ahead. There is once again a promise of the sunniest day of the week, so need to get out and explore a beautiful place on a warm winter day.

Hoping to have a bit more blue sky for my photos, but actually the grey day light makes interesting contrast also.

So what ever the day brings, I will enjoy being out in the natural beauty of Colorado in the winter and count my blessings that I can hike all year round here.