Show Navigation

Search Results

Refine Search
Match all words
Match any word
Prints
Personal Use
Royalty-Free
Rights-Managed
(leave unchecked to
search all images)
{ 2926 images found }

Loading ()...

  • Starting from the top of Peak Express chairlift, mountain bikers ride down Whistler Peak in British Columbia, Canada. Castle Towers Mountain rises to 2676 meters elevation (8780 feet) in Garibaldi Provincial Park, in the Coast Range. The Resort Municipality of Whistler is popular for year-round  outdoor sports aided by gondolas and chair lifts.
    1208WHI-091.jpg
  • Harmony Lake reflects trees and blue sky along the High Note Trail on Whistler Mountain, in the Coast Range, British Columbia, Canada. See Blackcomb Mountain (2440 meters) and ski area in the Spearhead Range across Fitzsimmons Valley. The Resort Municipality of Whistler is popular for year-round outdoor sports. This panorama was stitched from 4 overlapping photos.
    1208WHI-022-25pan_Harmony-Lake-Whist...jpg
  • This roof-seat break from around 1890 was used for tailgating at sporting events, with high seats serving as a grandstand at races and spectator events. This light break was an adaption of heavier vehicles used to break or train horses to harness. Shelburne Museum is one of the finest, most diverse, unconventional museums of American folk art. Visit this extensive museum in the town of Shelburne, near Lake Champlain, in Vermont, USA. Over 150,000 works are exhibited in 38 buildings, 25 of which are historic (relocated from New England and New York). See impressionist paintings, American paintings, artifacts of the 1600s-1900s, folk art, quilts and textiles, carriages, furniture, a lighthouse, covered bridge, and 220-foot steamboat Ticonderoga. Electra Havemeyer Webb, an avid collector of American folk art, founded the Museum in 1947.
    1410VT-167_Shelburne-Museum.jpg
  • Tree foliage changes from green to yellow, orange and red in late September in Superior National Forest, Minnesota, USA.
    03MN-G0028.jpg
  • Our trekkers crossed a makeshift bridge over a stream near Deurali, Nepal. .Published in 2009 on Swedish trekking company site www.adventurelovers.se.
    07NEP-2120.jpg
  • SWITZERLAND: Upper Grindelwald Glacier & Tom Dempsey. Published in Wilderness Travel 1989 Catalog.
    81ALP-xx_Upper-Grindelwald-Glacier_T...jpg
  • Bright yellow algae grows in a tarn (mountain pond) which reflects peaks of Dents des Veisivi (left) and Aiguilles de la Tsa (right) above Arolla Valley, part of Val d'Hérens, in Valais (Wallis) Canton, Switzerland, Europe. Hike the High Route (Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route) for classic mountain scenery. Panorama stitched from 2 images. Published in Ryder-Walker Alpine Adventures "Inn to Inn Alpine Hiking Adventures" Catalog 2006-2009, 2011.
    05ALP_3192-3193pan_Dents-des-Veisivi.jpg
  • Trekkers walk along a misty cloud forest trail beneath lichen and moss covered trees near Dhampus in the Annapurna Range of Nepal. .Published in 2009 on Swedish trekking company site www.adventurelovers.se.
    07NEP-1621_trekkers-mist.jpg
  • A hiker walks along the Morteratsch Glacier in the Bernina Range, Engadine, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Pers Glacier flows from Piz Palü (3901 meters or 12,799  feet) into the Morteratsch Glacier (Romansh: Vadret da Morteratsch) in the Bernina massif, in Upper Engadine. A favorite walk is from Morteratsch (second train stop from Pontresina towards Bernina Pass) to Refuge Boval, which has a restaurant and overnight lodging. The trail is well graded 5 or 6 miles round trip with 2700 feet gain. Return via lower trail for partial loop. The Swiss valley of Engadine translates as the garden of the En (or Inn) River (Engadin in German, Engiadina in Romansh, Engadina in Italian). Published in Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures 2013.
    05ALP_5243-Morteratsch_Glacier_hiker.jpg
  • Fossilized sand dunes, Coyote Buttes, Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area, Arizona For licensing options, please inquire.
    03AZ-05-08-The-Wave_Coyote-Buttes.jpg
  • The Wave, Coyote Buttes, located on the Arizona side of Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area, which is public land managed by the United States BLM. Over 190 million years, ancient sand dune layers calcified into rock and created "The Wave." Iron oxides bled through this Jurassic-age Navajo sandstone to create the salmon color. Hematite and goethite added yellows, oranges, browns and purples. Over thousands of years, water cut through the ridge above and exposed a channel that was further scoured by windblown sand into the smooth curves that today look like ocean swells and waves. For the permit required to hike to "The Wave", contact the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM), who limits access to protect this fragile geologic formation.
    03AZ-05-21-The-Wave_Coyote-Buttes.jpg
  • The Wave, Coyote Buttes, Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area, Arizona. Published in "Light Travel: Photography on the Go" book by Tom Dempsey 2009, 2010. For licensing options, please inquire.
    03AZ-04-31_The-Wave-hiker.jpg
  • Refugio Chileno offers horse transportation, and supplies tents fully equipped with pads and sleeping bags. From Refugio Chileno, we hiked to Mirador Base Las Torres (9.5 km or 5.9 miles round trip with 600 m or 1980 ft gain) to view the namesake towers of Torres del Paine National Park, in Ultima Esperanza Province, Chile, Patagonia, South America. The salmon dinner & dessert served at Refugio Chileno was our tastiest meal along the W Route! UNESCO honors the Park as a World Biosphere Reserve.
    2002PAT-6556.jpg
  • Clouds swirl around Cerro Fitz Roy (3405 m or 11,171 ft elevation) seen from the trail "Loma del Pliegue Tumbado" near El Chalten,  in Los Glaciares National Park, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, Patagonia, South America. From El Chalten, we hiked to Mirador "Loma del Pliegue Tumbado" ("hill of the collapsed fold") 19 km (11.9 mi) with 1170 meters (3860 ft) cumulative gain. El Chalten mountain resort is 220 km north of El Calafate. Chaltén comes from a Tehuelche word meaning "smoking mountain", due to clouds that usually form over Monte Fitz Roy. Los Glaciares National Park and Reserve are honored on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
    2002PAT-2936.jpg
  • Visit the impressive Marble Chapel Nature Sanctuary (Capillas de Mármol) via popular boat tours from Bahía Manso on General Carrera Lake, near Puerto Rio Tranquilo, Chile, Patagonia, South America. This beautiful Chilean Nature Sanctuary sculpted by water and wind has three main geological formations: the Cathedral, the Chapel, and the Cave. You can join a Marble Caves tour in Puerto Río Tranquilo; or save money and time by driving directly 8 km south to Bahía Manso, via a pot-holed very steep side road, where we spontaneously joined a 2-hour tour boat on short notice. The best time is a sunny summer morning in calmer waters. The side road to Bahía Manso was nervously passable with our 2-wheel-drive compact car, but 4WD might be required to return back up if wet.
    2002PAT-1266.jpg
  • One of the high lakes of the Lagunas Altas Trail, in Patagonia National Park, near Cochrane, Chile, South America. Starting from Los West Winds Campground, we hiked the Lagunas Altas Loop Trail (21 km round trip with 1100 m cumulative gain). Intensive ranching on this former estancia caused overgrazing, but through restoration and rewilding, native grasslands have recovered and wildlife has returned. Top-notch park infrastructure includes a lodge, restaurant, visitor center and museums, as well as campgrounds and trails. Patagonia National Park consists of the Tompkins Conservation donation in addition to the former national reserves of Jeinimeni and Tamango, plus fiscal land. Parque Patagonia was created by Conservacion Patagonica, a nonprofit incorporated in California and founded in 2000 by Kris Tompkins. On January 29, 2018, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and Kris Tompkins signed a decree creating 5 national parks, including Patagonia National Park. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    2002PAT-0796-797-Pano.jpg
  • Pinetree Arch, Devils Garden Trail, Arches National Park, Moab, Utah, USA. A thick underground salt bed underlies the creation of the park's many arches, spires, balanced rocks, sandstone fins, and eroded monoliths. Some 300 million years ago, a sea flowed into the area and eventually evaporated to create the salt bed up to thousands of feet thick. Over millions of years, the salt bed was covered with debris eroded from the Uncompahgre Uplift to the northeast. During the Early Jurassic (about 210 million years ago) desert conditions deposited the vast Navajo Sandstone. On top of that, about 140 million years ago, the Entrada Sandstone was deposited from stream and windblown sediments. Later, over 5000 feet (1500 m) of younger sediments were deposited and then mostly worn away, leaving the park's arches eroded mostly within the Entrada formation.
    1909US1-8135.jpg
  • Glacier-clad Mt Edward (2620m) rises above a tramper in Dart Valley during a spectacular 20km round trip day hike from Dart Hut to Cascade Saddle, in Mount Aspiring National Park, Otago region, South Island of New Zealand.
    1901NZ2-0837.jpg
  • Flying over Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, Southland region, South Island of New Zealand. We enjoyed an easy 3-day version of the Hollyford Track: Day 1: fly from Milford Sound to Martins Bay, walk to its oceanfront Hut, and see New Zealand fur seals. Day 2: jetboat on Lake McKerrow to Pyke River Confluence, hike to Hidden Falls Hut for overnight lodging. Day 3: tramp out to Hollyford Road end to our prearranged car shuttle. In 1990, UNESCO honored Te Wahipounamu - South West New Zealand as a World Heritage Area.
    1901NZ1-1797.jpg
  • A curious kea bites a car tire. The kea (Nestor notabilis) is the world's only alpine parrot. In 1986, it received full protection under the Wildlife Act. The kea is one of ten endemic parrot species in New Zealand. Kea are known for their intelligence and curiosity, both vital to their survival in a harsh mountain environment. Kea can solve logical puzzles, such as pushing and pulling things in a certain order to get to food, and will work together to achieve a certain objective. They have been filmed preparing and using tools. Photographed at Homer Tunnel, Fiordland National Park, Southland region, South Island of New Zealand. In 1990, UNESCO honored Te Wahipounamu - South West New Zealand as a World Heritage Area.
    1901NZ1-1379.jpg
  • Decaying old swan pedal boats on Lake Chuzenji (Chuzenjiko), a scenic lake in the mountains above the town of Nikko, in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It's at the foot of Mount Nantai, Nikko's sacred volcano, whose eruption blocked the valley below, thereby creating Lake Chuzenji 20,000 years ago. Chuzenjiko's shores are mostly undeveloped and forested except at the eastern end where the growing hot spring town of Chuzenjiko Onsen was built. Chuzenjiko is especially beautiful in mid to late October, when the autumn colors reach their peak along the lake's shores and surrounding mountains. See panoramic views of Lake Chuzenji along the Chuzenjiko Skyline, an eight kilometer long former toll road accessible by bus or car, which also connects to scenic hiking trails.
    1810JPN-4267.jpg
  • Kurobeko station of Kurobe Cablecar. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route carries visitors across the Northern Japan Alps via cablecars, trolley buses and a ropeway. Completed in 1971, this transportation corridor connects Toyama City in Toyama Prefecture with Omachi Town in Nagano Prefecture. The Tateyama Mountain Range lies within Chubu Sangaku National Park.
    1810JPN-3001.jpg
  • Tent sites rented by Karasawa Hutte, 2309m/7575ft elevation. Karasawa cirque is cradled by the Hotaka Mountains, in the "Northern Japan Alps" (Hida Mountains) in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Japan. Within the cirque, two lodges provide beds and meals for hikers and climbers: Karasawa Goya and Karasawa Hutte. Also known as Mount Hotaka or Hotaka-dake, the Hotaka Mountains reach 3190 meters elevation atop Mount Oku-Hotaka, Japan's third highest peak. About 2000 meters in diameter, the cirque bottoms out at 2300 m elevation. Snow melting here forms the River Azusa which flows through Kamikochi valley below.
    1810JPN-1486.jpg
  • Kalalau Beach & Na Pali Coast sea cliffs seen via helicopter over island of Kauai, Hawaii, USA.
    1701HAW-1254.jpg
  • Face in giant tropical leaf. The exquisite Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden near Hilo is my favorite garden in the Hawaiian Islands! Delightful paths and boardwalks take you through a soothing green tropical wonderland endowed with streams (Alakahi Stream, Boulder Creek), waterfalls (Onomea Falls) and oceanfront vistas across Onomea Bay. Purchased in 1977 and transformed over 8 backbreaking years by Dan and Pauline Lutkenhouse, the garden opened to the public in 1984 and was donated to a nonprofit trust in 1995. On the Big Island, a few minutes north of Hilo off of Route 19, take the narrow four-mile Pepe'ekeo Scenic Drive which winds along coastal cliffs, across one-lane wooden bridges over picturesque waterfalls, to reach this peaceful oasis. The garden grows over 2000 plant species, representing more than 125 families and 750 genera, with diverse palms (nearly 200 species), heliconias (80+ species) and bromeliads (80+ species). Address: 27-717 Old Mamalahoa Highway, Papaikou, HI 96781, USA. For this photo’s licensing options, please inquire.
    1701HAW-2480.jpg
  • An actor portrays an 1800s farm woman at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Fishers, Indiana, USA. Conner Prairie provides family-friendly fun for all ages. Founded by pharmaceutical executive Eli Lilly in the 1930s, Conner Prairie living history museum now recreates life in Indiana in the 1800s on the White River and preserves the William Conner home (listed on the National Register of Historic Places). For licensing options, please inquire.
    1610IND-180.jpg
  • Fallen tree & roots. Goat Lake trail is in Henry M. Jackson Wilderness (Trail #647), east of Barlow Pass, in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, in the Central Cascades, accessed from the Mountain Loop Highway, Washington, USA.
    1606GOA-016.jpg
  • Baring Mountain (left), seen from Beckler Peak Trail (7.4 miles round trip with 2200 feet gain) in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington, USA. See vistas of the town of Skykomish, Skykomish Valley, and Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Wild Sky Wilderness and Henry M. Jackson Wilderness. Directions: Drive US Highway 2 to near Milepost 52, and turn north onto Forest Service Road 6066. Drive 6.6 miles on a gravel road to the Jennifer Dunn Trailhead.
    1606BEK-044.jpg
  • From Diavolezza cable car station, admire tremendous views of the icy Bernina Range, in Switzerland, Europe. Above Pers Glacier rise Piz Palü (3900 m on left), Piz Zupò (3996 m), and Piz Bernina (4049 m on right), in the Swiss canton of Graubünden (or Grisons / Grigioni / Grischun). If not afraid of heights at Diavolezza, don't miss the magnificent hike to rocky Munt Pers (gaining 265 meters over just 4 km round trip). The Swiss valley of Engadine translates as the "garden of the En (or Inn) River" (Engadin in German, Engiadina in Romansh, Engadina in Italian) and is part of the Danube basin. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    16SWI-9488-90pan.jpg
  • From Diavolezza cable car station, admire tremendous views of the icy Bernina Range, in Switzerland, Europe. Above Pers Glacier rise Piz Palü (3900 m on left), Piz Zupò (3996 m), and Piz Bernina (4049 m on right), in the Swiss canton of Graubünden (or Grisons / Grigioni / Grischun). If not afraid of heights at Diavolezza, don't miss the magnificent hike to rocky Munt Pers (gaining 265 meters over just 4 km round trip). The Swiss valley of Engadine translates as the "garden of the En (or Inn) River" (Engadin in German, Engiadina in Romansh, Engadina in Italian) and is part of the Danube basin. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    16SWI-9419-21pan.jpg
  • Hike from Pontresina up Roseg Valley to Fuorcla Surlej for stunning views of Piz Bernina and Piz Rosegg, finishing at Corvatsch Mittelstation Murtel lift. Walking 14 km, we went up 1100 meters and down 150 m. Optionally shorten the hike to an easy 4 km via round trip lift. Pontresina is in Upper Engadine, in Graubünden (Grisons) canton, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. The Swiss valley of Engadine translates as the "garden of the En (or Inn) River" (Engadin in German, Engiadina in Romansh, Engadina in Italian).
    16SWI-9175.jpg
  • From Zermatt, hike the Five Lakes Trail from Sunnegga Express funicular, in the Pennine Alps, Switzerland, Europe. Although especially nice for families, the 5-Seenweg loop walk is aesthetically marred with ski slope infrastructure throughout (5 dammed artificial lakes, power lines, lifts, dusty roads, snow-making sprinklers, etc). Visually, the most aesthetic features are the old wood buildings in upper Findeln, and the reflecting lakes of Grindjisee and Stellisee. Experience Stellisee best at sunrise with great reflections of the Matterhorn, after overnight at relaxing Fluhalp (half board meals, coin showers, private rooms), 40 minutes walk from Blauherd lift.
    16SWI-8523.jpg
  • Mountain bikers carry bicycles up steep Höhbalmen Höhenweg trail, below Ober Gabelhorn (4063 m/13,330 ft) and Arben Glacier in the Pennine/Valais Alps, Switzerland, Europe. From Zermatt, hike the scenic Höhbalmen Höhenweg loop via Bergrestaurant Edelweiss, Trift Hut and Zmutt. With delightful views, this strenuous loop accumulates 1200 meters vertically, up and down over 21.6 km (13.4 miles). This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    16SWI-8289-91pan.jpg
  • Mountain bikers carry bicycles up steep Höhbalmen Höhenweg trail, below Ober Gabelhorn (4063 m/13,330 ft) and Arben Glacier in the Pennine/Valais Alps, Switzerland, Europe. From Zermatt, hike the scenic Höhbalmen Höhenweg loop via Bergrestaurant Edelweiss, Trift Hut and Zmutt. With delightful views, this strenuous loop accumulates 1200 meters vertically, up and down over 21.6 km (13.4 miles). For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-8285.jpg
  • The Matterhorn (4478 m/14,692 ft) rises above Zmutt Valley. From Zermatt, hike the scenic Höhbalmen Höhenweg loop via Bergrestaurant Edelweiss, Trift Hut and Zmutt, in the Pennine Alps, Switzerland, Europe. With delightful views of alpine meadows, peaks and glaciers, this strenuous walk went up and down 1200 meters over 21.6 km (13.4 miles).
    16SWI-8217.jpg
  • In Zermatt, Switzerland, the Gornergrat rack railway (GGB) takes you to a spectacular ridge (at 3135 m or 10,285 ft) between Gornergletscher and Findelgletscher, with views of 20+ four-thousand meter peaks, whose highest are Dufourspitze (Monte Rosa massif), Liskamm, Matterhorn, Dom and Weisshorn. Gornergrat train, opened in 1898, climbs almost 1500 m or 4900 ft via Riffelalp and Riffelberg in the Pennine Alps, Europe.
    16SWI-7652-p1.jpg
  • Monte Rosa massif / Dufourspitze(4634 m / 15,203 ft, second-highest mountain of the Alps and highest of Switzerland), in the Pennine/Valais Alps, Europe. In Zermatt, the Gornergrat rack railway (GGB) takes you to a spectacular ridge (at 3135 m or 10,285 ft) between Gornergletscher and Findelgletscher, with views of more than twenty 4000-meter-high peaks. Gornergrat train, opened in 1898, climbs almost 1500 m or 4900 ft via Riffelalp and Riffelberg.
    16SWI-7613.jpg
  • Zermatt, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe.
    16SWI-7463.jpg
  • Hike the dramatic Sentier des Chamois from Verbier, in Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. The Chamois Path starts at La Chaux ski lift and ends at Fionnay PostBus. Cross Col Termin (2648m/8688 ft) in Haut Val de Bagnes nature reserve and descend to Lake Louvie via 1800s stone barns to the north, then to Fionnay (640 m up, 1415 m down in 8.5 hours). Along the way, we admired a group fighting of Hérens cows, ibex with huge horns, and the glaciers of Grand Combins. Optionally stay overnight in dorms Cabane de Louvie.
    16SWI-7204.jpg
  • From Fiesch, lift to Fiesheralp, then hike to vast views of Aletsch Glacier via Hohbalm, Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Riderfurke, and Riederalp. Grosser Aletschgletscher is the largest glacier in the Alps (23 km or 14 miles long in 2014). The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-6684.jpg
  • The Schreckhorn, Finsteraarhorn and Eiger (left to right) rise impressively above Grindelwald, in Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. The Finsteraarhorn (at left 4274 m / 14,022 ft) is the highest mountain in the Bernese Alps and the most prominent peak of Switzerland (in terms of height above the lowest topographic contour at the mountain's base). The Schreckhorn (4078 m / 13,379 ft) is the northernmost summit rising above 4000 meters in Europe. On the right, the north face of the Eiger rises to 3970 m (13,020 ft). This whole massif and surrounding glaciers were designated as part of UNESCO's Jungfrau-Aletsch World Heritage Site. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    16SWI-5845-48pan.jpg
  • Finsteraarhorn (left) rises impressively above Grindelwald, in Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. The Finsteraarhorn (4274 m / 14,022 ft) is the highest mountain in the Bernese Alps and the most prominent peak of Switzerland (in terms of the lowest topographic contour at the mountain's base). This whole massif and surrounding glaciers were designated as part of UNESCO's Jungfrau-Aletsch World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-5813.jpg
  • Don't miss Eigeralp farm's traditional breakfast (or a longer farm stay), at Bussalp, above Grindelwald, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Every day, immediately in front of you, Eigeralp farm produces a variety of artisan cheeses and Alpine butter from raw milk in a large cauldron over an open fire. For breakfast, enjoy fresh bread from the oven, Alpine butter, various cheeses, yogurt, homemade jams, coffee, tea and fresh milk! While Eigeralp's huts were built in 1892, its traditional cheese hut dates from the 1600s. While grazing, gaze out over the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in these astoundingly spectacular high meadows. The farm, on the internet at www.Eigeralp.ch, can be reached as follows: ride the private GrindelwaldBus.ch to the last stop in Bussalp, then ascend 40 minutes on foot. The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-5779-p1.jpg
  • Don't miss Eigeralp farm's traditional breakfast (or a longer farm stay), at Bussalp, above Grindelwald, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Every day, immediately in front of you, Eigeralp farm produces a variety of artisan cheeses and Alpine butter from raw milk in a large cauldron over an open fire. For breakfast, enjoy fresh bread from the oven, Alpine butter, various cheeses, yogurt, homemade jams, coffee, tea and fresh milk! While Eigeralp's huts were built in 1892, its traditional cheese hut dates from the 1600s. While grazing, gaze out over the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in these astoundingly spectacular high meadows. The farm, on the internet at www.Eigeralp.ch, can be reached as follows: ride the private GrindelwaldBus.ch to the last stop in Bussalp, then ascend 40 minutes on foot. The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-5479.jpg
  • Mürren, Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-4657.jpg
  • Gimmelwald, Lauterbrunnen Valley, in Bern canton, Switzerland, Europe.
    16SWI-4549.jpg
  • From Tanzbodeli trail base in Upper Lauterbrunnen Valley, see Gimmelwald village (near) and Wengen (far) in Switzerland, Europe. We loved hiking to the quiet retreat of Berghotel Obersteinberg, which offers tremendous views of waterfalls and peaks in Upper Lauterbrunnen Valley. Lit by candle light at night, this romantic escape built in the 1880s recalls an earlier era without power. The main luxuries here are flush toilets down the hall, and traditional Swiss hot meals. The private double rooms lack electricity, and bowls of water serve as bath and sink. Obersteinberg is a 2-hour walk from Stechelberg, or 4 hours from Mürren, in one of the world's most spectacular glaciated valleys. From Obersteinberg, don't miss the 2-3 hours round trip to the deep-blue tarn of Oberhornsee in the upper glacial basin, beneath snowcapped Grosshorn, Breithorn and Tschingelhorn. The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-4477.jpg
  • We loved hiking to the quiet retreat of Berghotel Obersteinberg, which offers tremendous views of waterfalls and peaks in Upper Lauterbrunnen Valley, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, Europe. Lit by candle light at night, this romantic escape built in the 1880s recalls an earlier era without power. The main luxuries here are flush toilets down the hall, and traditional Swiss hot meals. The private double rooms lack electricity, and bowls of water serve as bath and sink. Obersteinberg is a 2-hour walk from Stechelberg, or 4 hours from Mürren, in one of the world's most spectacular glaciated valleys. From Obersteinberg, don't miss the 2-3 hours round trip to the deep-blue tarn of Oberhornsee in the upper glacial basin, beneath snowcapped Grosshorn, Breithorn and Tschingelhorn. The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-4120.jpg
  • We loved hiking to the quiet retreat of Berghotel Obersteinberg, which offers tremendous views of waterfalls and peaks in Upper Lauterbrunnen Valley, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, Europe. Lit by candle light at night, this romantic escape built in the 1880s recalls an earlier era without power. The main luxuries here are flush toilets down the hall, and traditional Swiss hot meals. The private double rooms lack electricity, and bowls of water serve as bath and sink. Obersteinberg is a 2-hour walk from Stechelberg, or 4 hours from Mürren, in one of the world's most spectacular glaciated valleys. From Obersteinberg, don't miss the 2-3 hours round trip to the deep-blue tarn of Oberhornsee in the upper glacial basin, beneath snowcapped Grosshorn, Breithorn and Tschingelhorn. The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-3953.jpg
  • A fancy rösti or röschti dinner plate is heaped with potatoes, egg, bacon, tomato and pickles at Hotel Oberland, Lauterbrunnen village, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe.
    16SWIC-295.jpg
  • The village of Griesalp is in the municipality of Reichenbach im Kandertal. Above the beautiful lake of Oeschinnensee, easily reached by lift from Kandersteg, is a challenging hike traversing steeply up over Hohtürli Pass then down to Griesalp in the remote valley of Kiental, Switzerland, Europe. Ascend 1120 meters and descend 1380 m in 13 km, which feels much longer due to steep, exposed rocky & gravelly slopes. Stairs and ladders assist your footing. Optionally stay overnight in Blüemlisalp hut at Hohtürli Pass. For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-3152.jpg
  • Weaving through limestone outcroppings, we hiked the stunning Lisengrat, a sinuous chain-protected trail from Rotsteinpass to the summit of Säntis. The Lisengrat is a magnificent ridge route between Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet elevation) and Altmann (2435 m / 7989 ft), the two highest peaks in Appenzell's Alpstein range. The rocky route is safe, but can be scary for those with fear of heights. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via cable car or with effort via trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance. For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-2105.jpg
  • Weaving through limestone outcroppings, we hiked the stunning Lisengrat, a sinuous chain-protected trail from Rotsteinpass to the summit of Säntis. The Lisengrat is a magnificent ridge route between Säntis (2502 m / 8218 feet elevation) and Altmann (2435 m / 7989 ft), the two highest peaks in Appenzell's Alpstein range. The rocky route is safe, but can be scary for those with fear of heights. Shared by three cantons, Säntis can be reached easily via cable car or with effort via trails, to see vast mountain views across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy. The Appenzell Alps rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance.
    16SWI-2056.jpg
  • Hiker at Rotsteinpass (2120 m) in Switzerland, Europe. Behind, a transmission tower caps Säntis (2502 m), the highest mountain in the Alpstein massif of northeastern Switzerland, and highest of the Appenzell Alps. Appenzell Innerrhoden is Switzerland's most traditional and smallest-population canton (second smallest by area). For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-1916.jpg
  • View looking east from pastures of Meglisalp along the Rotsteinpass trail, in the Alpstein limestone mountain range, Appenzell Alps, Switzerland, Europe. Appenzell Innerrhoden is Switzerland's most traditional and smallest-population canton (second smallest by area). For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-1826.jpg
  • Dairy cows at sunrise. Berggasthaus Meglisalp can only be reached on foot in the spectacular heart of the Alpstein mountain chain in the Appenzell Alps, Switzerland, Europe. This authentic mountain hostelry, owned by the same family for five generations, dates from 1897. Meglisalp is a working dairy farm, restaurant and guest house surrounded by majestic peaks above green pastures.
    16SWI-1759.jpg
  • Berggasthaus Meglisalp can only be reached on foot in the spectacular heart of the Alpstein mountain chain in the Appenzell Alps, Switzerland, Europe. This authentic mountain hostelry, owned by the same family for five generations, dates from 1897. Meglisalp is a working dairy farm, restaurant and guest house surrounded by majestic peaks above green pastures.
    16SWI-1600.jpg
  • Berggasthaus Meglisalp can only be reached on foot in the spectacular heart of the Alpstein mountain chain in the Appenzell Alps, Switzerland, Europe. This authentic mountain hostelry, owned by the same family for five generations, dates from 1897. Meglisalp is a working dairy farm, restaurant and guest house surrounded by majestic peaks above green pastures.
    16SWI-1592.jpg
  • Hikers at Bötzel pass contemplate the distant peak of Santis, in Switzerland, Europe. Shared by three cantons, Säntis (2502 m) is the highest mountain in the Alpstein massif of northeastern Switzerland, and highest of the Appenzell Alps, which rise between Lake Walen and Lake Constance. Accessible via cable car or spectacular trails, Säntis provides a spectacular view across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy.
    16SWI-1547.jpg
  • View down to Sämtisersee lake from Hoher Kasten mountain in the Alpstein limestone range, Appenzell Alps, overlooking the Rhine in Eastern Switzerland, Europe. Hoher Kasten (1795 m) is on the border between the cantons of Appenzell Innerrhoden and St. Gallen. Appenzell Innerrhoden is Switzerland's most traditional and smallest-population canton (second smallest by area).
    16SWI-1133.jpg
  • Appenzell's Roman Catholic St. Maurice (or Mauritius) parish church was built 1560–84. Adlerplatz is the heart of Appenzell village, in Switzerland, Europe. Most of the notable buildings in Appenzell were built in the 1500s. Appenzell Innerrhoden is Switzerland's most traditional and smallest-population canton (second smallest by area).
    16SWI-0992.jpg
  • Group of people meet at graveyard of St. Maurice / Mauritius parish church, Appenzell village, Switzerland. Appenzell's Roman Catholic St. Maurice (or Mauritius) parish church was built 1560–84 at Adlerplatz, the heart of Appenzell village, in Switzerland, Europe. Most of the notable buildings in Appenzell were built in the 1500s. Appenzell Innerrhoden is Switzerland's most traditional and smallest-population canton (second smallest by area).
    16SWI-0936.jpg
  • Bicyclist. In Appenzell village, the Rathaus (built 1560-83) houses the city hall, Appenzell Museum, tourist office and library, on Hauptgasse (Main Street), in Switzerland, Europe. The Rathaus facade mural was painted by August Schmid from Diessenhofen (1928). Appenzell Museum shows a cross section of the Swiss Canton's history and culture (1400s flags and banners, embroidery, folk art, and even historic torture instruments). Appenzell village is in Appenzell Innerrhoden, Switzerland's most traditional and smallest-population canton (second smallest by area).
    16SWI-0882-p1.jpg
  • Beautiful paintings of medicinal herbs decorate the facade of Löwen pharmacy in Appenzell village, Switzerland, Europe. Johannes Hugentobler painted medicinal herbs on the round-arched panels covering the shutters. Appenzell Innerrhoden is Switzerland's most traditional and smallest-population canton (second smallest by area).
    16SWI-0742.jpg
  • Appenzell Museum, which is in the town hall, shows a cross section of the Swiss Canton's history and culture (1400s flags and banners, embroidery, folk art, and even historic torture instruments). Appenzell village is in Appenzell Innerrhoden, Switzerland's most traditional and smallest-population canton (second smallest by area).
    16SWI-0675.jpg
  • Bicyclist. Frescoes decorate buildings in Appenzell village, in Switzerland, Europe. Appenzell Innerrhoden is Switzerland's most traditional and smallest-population canton (second smallest by area).
    16SWI-0672.jpg
  • Peruvian doll nativity scene for sale in Stein am Rhein, Switzerland, Europe.
    16SWI-0190.jpg
  • Beacon Heights is a scenic half-mile round trip walk with 130 feet gain from Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 305.2 in Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, USA. Enjoy brilliant fall leaf colors in mid October atop an outcropping of quartzite rock. Local trees release hydrocarbons into the atmosphere, creating a characteristic blue haze over the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are a subset of the Appalachian Mountains. Beacon Heights Parking Area (elevation 4220 feet) is near the intersection with Hwy 221 (near Grandfather Mountain Entrance Road). This trail also connects with the Tanawha Trail (13.5 miles to Price Lake) and the Mountains to the Sea Trail. The scenic 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway was built 1935-1987 to aesthetically connect Shenandoah National Park (in Virginia) with Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, following crestlines and the Appalachian Trail. This panorama was stitched from 3 overlapping photos taken October 12, 2015.
    1510SE-1303-05pan_Beacon-Heights_NC.jpg
  • Ohiopyle State Park is traversed by the Youghiogheny River Trail South section of the Great Allegheny Passage, part of a 318-mile system (512 km) of off-road long-distance trails for biking and walking between Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. Visit Ohiopyle State Park for peak fall colors starting in late October, in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, USA. 14 miles of the Youghiogheny River Gorge pass through the park, providing some of the best whitewater boating in the Eastern United States. View impressive rapids from a high rail-trail trestle and from a loop trail around the meander of Ferncliff Peninsula Natural Area, with a side trip to Ohiopyle Falls. Ohiopyle's Kentuck Campground is just 17 minutes from Fallingwater, the famous Kaufmann Residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Ohiopyle SP is bisected by Pennsylvania Route 381, about 90 minutes southeast of Pittsburgh via car.
    1410PA-007_Ohiopyle-SP.jpg
  • Rainbow Falls. In Watkins Glen, the spellbinding Gorge Trail winds two miles over and under 19 waterfalls of Glen Creek, which descends 400 feet under 200-foot-high cliffs. Watkins Glen State Park is south of Seneca Lake in Schuyler County in the Finger Lakes region New York, USA. The Devonian sedimentary rocks are mostly soft shales, with some layers of harder sandstone and limestone. The vertical panorama was stitched from 12 overlapping photos.
    1410NY-531-542pan_Watkins-Glen.jpg
  • Hikers on the Skyline Divide trail admire Mount Baker (elevation 10,781 feet) in Mount Baker Wilderness, in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington, USA.
    1309BAK-106.jpg
  • Hikers admire sharp peaks of the Cadini Group in the Sesto Dolomites, Veneto region, Italy, Europe. In the Cadini di Misurina, Cima Grande rises to 2999 meters (9839 feet), between Cima Piccola and Cima Ovest. The Cadini Group is in the municipality of Auronzo, in the Sesto Dolomites (Dolomiti di Sesto, or Sexten/Sextner/Sextener Dolomiten) which lie north of the Fiume Ansiei valley. From the Rifugio Auronzo toll road, hike for spectacular views around Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Italian for "Three Peaks of Lavaredo," called Drei Zinnen or "Three Merlons" in German). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-50065-p1a_Cadini-Group-Dolomit...jpg
  • From a stairway at Rifugio Guido Lorenzi on Monte Cristallo, see Lago di Landro/Dürrensee in Val Pusteria/Pustertal beneath the Sesto Dolomites (Dolomiti di Sesto, or Sexten/Sextner/Sextener Dolomiten). A lift to Forcella Staunies on Monte Cristallo gives unforgettable views over the Dolomites mountains near Cortina d'Ampezzo, in the Province of Belluno, Veneto region, Italy, Europe. Monte Cristallo lies within Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti d'Ampezzo. Directions: From Cortina, drive 6km east on SR48 to the large parking lot for Ski Area Faloria Cristallo Mietres (just west of Passo Tre Croci Federavecchia). Take a chair-lift from Rio Gere to Son Forca (rising from 1698m to 2215m). Then take the old style ovovia (egg-shaped) Gondellift Forcella Staunies to Rifugio Guido Lorenzi (2932m) for astounding views. Climbers enjoy spectacular via ferrata routes here. The beautiful Dolomiti are part of the Southern Limestone Alps. Cortina gained worldwide fame after hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-40143_Lake-Landro_Durrensee.jpg
  • Bicyclists rest by an old red hotel marked Km.119.000 on Strada Statale 51, about 20 minutes north of Cortina d'Ampezzo, in the Province of Belluno, Veneto region, Italy, Europe.
    13ITA-30381_red-hotel.jpg
  • Rifugio Passo Sella provides scenic roadside lodging beneath the Langkofel/Sassolungo Group at Passo Sella, above Val Gardena/Gröden in the Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. For a scenic walk from Selva di Val Gardena, take the Ciampinoi lift for views of Alpe di Siusi then hike to Passo Sella and return by bus. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol) of Italy, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-50422_Langkofel-Sassolungo-Dol...jpg
  • Hike through forest to Two Medicine Lake and No Name Lake on the Dawson Pass Trail in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA. Since 1932, Canada and USA have shared Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, which UNESCO declared a World Heritage Site (1995) containing two Biosphere Reserves (1976). Rocks in the park are primarily sedimentary layers deposited in shallow seas over 1.6 billion to 800 million years ago. During the tectonic formation of the Rocky Mountains 170 million years ago, the Lewis Overthrust displaced these old rocks over newer Cretaceous age rocks. Glaciers carved spectacular U-shaped valleys and pyramidal peaks as recently as the Last Glacial Maximum (the last "Ice Age" 25,000 to 13,000 years ago). Of the 150 glaciers existing in the mid 1800s, only 25 active glaciers remain in the park as of 2010, and all may disappear by 2020, say climate scientists. (Panorama stitched from 4 overlapping images.)
    10GLA-2403+07-09pan_Two-Medicine-Val...jpg
  • A hiker reflects in a mountain tarn (pond). Mount Shuksan (9127 feet elevation, located in North Cascades National Park) is seen from Heather Meadows, Mount Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington, USA.
    1010SHU-223.jpg
  • Sailboat silhouette. July 11, 1991 partial solar eclipse over Puget Sound, seen from Sunset Hill Viewpoint Park, Seattle, Washington, USA. Captured on Kodachrome 64 film. Published on the cover of "The Mountaineer" September 1996 (monthly magazine of The Mountaineers club). Winner of Best Scenic in their 1996 cover photo contest. Published in "Light Travel: Photography on the Go" book by Tom Dempsey 2009, 2010.
    91ECL-Partial-solar-eclipse_Puget-So...jpg
  • See Bird Rocks and other sea stacks from scenic Chapman Beach, which is just north of Ecola Creek, the biggest stream running through the town of Cannon Beach, on the Oregon coast, USA.
    2102OR2-298.jpg
  • Women surf in waves seen from Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area, Otter Rock, Oregon coast, USA.
    2102OR2-414.jpg
  • A diver cleans rock walls of a large tank at Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport, Oregon, USA.
    2102OR2-522.jpg
  • Ascend steep switchbacks up Knapsack Pass, a notch in Mother Mountain at the headwaters of Mist Park, in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. Mount Rainier rises to 14,411 feet elevation. Caution: the unmaintained and unmarked Knapsack Pass trail exposes experienced hikers to slippery scree and steep snow (possibly icy), best hiked in late summer using a good GPS device, map, and trekking poles.
    2008WA-094.jpg
  • Mid morning at Nutter Lake (on our hike out from Summit Lake) in Hoover Wilderness of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Eastern Sierra Nevada, Mono County, California, USA. Multiple overlapping photos were stitched to make this panorama. Our backpacking trip from Green Creek Trailhead to Summit Lake was 7.6 miles with 2360 ft gain, 310 ft descent, over a leisurely 3 days, then out on the fourth day.
    2007CA-2924-29-Pano.jpg
  • Hoover Lakes seen from the trail to Burro Pass in Hoover Wilderness of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Eastern Sierra Nevada, Mono County, California, USA. Our backpack from Green Creek Trailhead to Summit Lake was 7.6 mi with 2360 ft gain, 310 ft descent, over a leisurely 3 days, then out on the fourth day. From Summit Lake, we day hiked east to Burro Pass with a view to Virginia Lakes (2180 ft gain over 4 miles round trip). Multiple overlapping photos were stitched to make this panorama.
    2007CA-2696-97-Pano.jpg
  • A hiker at West Lake in Hoover Wilderness of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Eastern Sierra Nevada, Mono County, California, USA. Our backpack from Green Creek Trailhead to Summit Lake was 7.6 mi with 2360 ft gain, 310 ft descent, over a leisurely 3 days, then out on the fourth day. A day hike from our Green Lake campsite to West Lake was 3.9 mi with 1830 ft gain to 8896 ft elev. From Summit Lake, we day hiked east to Burro Pass with a view to Virginia Lakes (2180 ft gain over 4 miles round trip).
    2007CA-2066.jpg
  • Hikers eat lunch on Piute Pass, overlooking Desolation Lake in Humphreys Basin in John Muir Wilderness, Inyo National Forest, California, USA (9.7 miles round trip, 2200 ft gain). Multiple overlapping photos were stitched to make this panorama.
    2007CA-1555-69-Pano.jpg
  • A hiker pauses to admire a field of purple-blue lupin flowers blooming on Piute Pass Trail (9.7 miles, 2200 ft gain) in John Muir Wilderness, Inyo National Forest, Mono County, California, USA.
    2007CA-1486.jpg
  • Ritter & Banner Peaks rise behind hikers doing yoga tree pose on Mammoth Crest. Inyo National Forest, Mammoth Lakes, California, USA. We hiked from Lake George Trailhead to Crystal Lake (side trip) and Mammoth Crest for 7 miles with 2000 ft gain.
    2007CA-1152.jpg
  • Hiking Mammoth Crest in Inyo National Forest, Mammoth Lakes, California, USA. We hiked from Lake George Trailhead to Crystal Lake (side trip) and Mammoth Crest for 7 miles with 2000 ft gain.
    2007CA-1138.jpg
  • A crayfish at Secret Lake. We hiked Leavitt Meadows Loop clockwise (8.9 miles with 1570 ft gain with ridge extension above Lane Lake) in Hoover Wilderness, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, California, USA. Trailhead is at Leavitt Meadows Campground, 38.33401 N, 119.55177 W. Staying below 8000 ft elevation, this makes a good training hike. The best ambiance is at Secret Lake. Roosevelt and Lane Lakes provide pleasant views.
    2007CA-1021.jpg
  • Secret Lake. We hiked Leavitt Meadows Loop clockwise (8.9 miles with 1570 ft gain with ridge extension above Lane Lake) in Hoover Wilderness, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, California, USA. Trailhead is at Leavitt Meadows Campground, 38.33401 N, 119.55177 W. Staying below 8000 ft elevation, this makes a good training hike. The best ambiance is at Secret Lake. Roosevelt and Lane Lakes provide pleasant views.
    2007CA-1012.jpg
  • Dry Fork Coyote Gulch in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah, USA. We hiked from the Lower Trailhead of Dry Fork Coyote Gulch to the slot canyons of Peekaboo Gulch and Spooky Gulch, looping back via Dry Fork (5.7 miles round trip) to a bench trail. (Instead, I recommend starting at the Upper Trailhead, to cover similar mileage, to further transit the coolness of Dry Fork, and to save 10 minutes of side road driving time.) To license this Copyright photo, please inquire at PhotoSeek.com.
    20.10US1-0143.jpg
  • We hiked 14 km (8.5 miles) round trip with 1082 m (3550 feet) gain to Mirador Laguna Cerro Castillo. Steep basalt walls of the mountain Cerro Castillo resemble a castle (or Castillo in Spanish). The peak is 75 km south of the city of Coyhaique along Carretera Austral (CH-7). The town of Villa Cerro Castillo serves as a handy base for exploring Cerro Castillo National Reserve, in Coyhaique Province, Chile, Patagonia, South America. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    2002PAT-1440-46-Pano.jpg
  • Los Cuernos (The Horns) rise high above Lake Nordenskjöld in Torres del Paine National Park. Chile, Patagonia, South America. The well-equipped Los Cuernos Refugio & Camping are at the base of the striking cluster of peaks called Los Cuernos del Paine, or the Horns of Paine. The Park is listed as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    2002PAT-6287-95-Pano.jpg
  • Los Cuernos Refugio & Camping are at the base of the striking cluster of peaks called Los Cuernos del Paine, or the Horns of Paine. Torres del Paine National Park is listed as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, located in Ultima Esperanza Province, Chile, Patagonia, South America. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    2002PAT-6241-50-Pano.jpg
  • Walking the road along Lago Pehoe to Hosteria Pehoe, in Torres del Paine National Park, Ultima Esperanza Province, Chile, Patagonia, South America. The Park is listed as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
    2002PAT-4574.jpg
  • Cerro Fitz Roy (3405 m or 11,171 ft elevation), seen from the Los Glaciares National Park Visitor Center in El Chalten, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, Patagonia, South America. Monte Fitz Roy is also known as Cerro Chaltén, Cerro Fitz Roy, or Mount Fitz Roy. The first Europeans recorded as seeing Cerro Fitz Roy were the Spanish explorer Antonio de Viedma and his companions, who in 1783 reached the shores of Viedma Lake. In 1877, Argentine explorer Francisco Moreno saw the mountain and named it Fitz Roy in honour of Robert FitzRoy who, as captain of HMS Beagle, had travelled up the Santa Cruz River in 1834 and charted large parts of the Patagonian coast. Mt Fitz Roy was first climbed in 1952. Cerro is a Spanish word meaning hill, while Chaltén comes from a Tehuelche word meaning "smoking mountain", due to clouds that usually form around the peak.  Los Glaciares National Park and Reserve are honored on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
    2002PAT-4468.jpg
  • A hiker crosses a side stream footbridge in Rio Electrico Valley, returning from Refugio Piedra del Fraile, towards parking along gravel Ruta 23, northwest of El Chalten, in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, Patagonia, South America. We hiked to Refugio Piedra del Fraile ("Stone of the Friar", 14.5 km round trip). From the refuge, an easy day hike visits scenic Lago Pollone (8.5 km round trip with 320 m gain) beneath towering Cerro Fitz Roy and Aguja Pollone. A more challending path from the refuge ascends very steeply to Paso Quadrado (gaining 1340 m vertically in 8.4 km round trip).
    2002PAT-4453.jpg
  • To reach Paso Quadrado, we ascended steep snow using trailrunning shoes (but could have required crampons if icy), near El Chalten, in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, Patagonia, South America. Initially, hike the scenic Rio Electrico Valley to Refugio Piedra del Fraile ("Stone of the Friar", 14.5 km round trip). From the refuge, a path ascends very steeply to Paso Quadrado (gaining 1340 m vertically in 8.4 km round trip). Views keep improving the higher you go.
    2002PAT-4422.jpg
  • Paso Quadrado affords a spectacular panorama south to Lago Quadrado, the North Fitz Roy Glacier, and peaks including Guillaumet, Mermoz, Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, and Aguja Pollone (left to right), near El Chalten, Argentina, Patagonia, South America. We hiked scenic Rio Electrico Valley to Refugio Piedra del Fraile ("Stone of the Friar", 14.5 km round trip) to stay overnight in dorms. A path from the refuge ascends very steeply to Paso Quadrado (gaining 1340 m vertically in 8.4 km round trip). The last kilometer climbs up steep snow which could require crampons if icy (but was passable in soft snow using our trailrunning shoes). Views keep improving as you ascend. Monte Fitz Roy is also known as Cerro Chaltén, Cerro Fitz Roy, or Mount Fitz Roy (3405 m or 11,171 ft elevation). The first Europeans recorded as seeing Mount Fitz Roy were the Spanish explorer Antonio de Viedma and his companions, who in 1783 reached the shores of Viedma Lake. In 1877, Argentine explorer Francisco Moreno saw the mountain and named it Fitz Roy in honour of Robert FitzRoy who, as captain of HMS Beagle, had travelled up the Santa Cruz River in 1834 and charted large parts of the Patagonian coast. Mt Fitz Roy was first climbed in 1952. Cerro is a Spanish word meaning hill, while Chaltén comes from a Tehuelche word meaning "smoking mountain", due to clouds that usually form around the peak. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    2002PAT-4313-47-Pano_Monte-Fitz-Roy_...jpg
Next
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
x

Portfolio of Tom Dempsey / PhotoSeek.com

  • Portfolio
  • BLOG | PhotoSeek HOME
  • ALL IMAGES + captions
    • Worldwide favorites
    • ALL GALLERIES
    • CART
    • Lightbox
  • SEARCH
  • ABOUT
  • How to buy my images
  • Camera reviews + sales