Darcie Peet

By late May there is still plenty of snow especially at higher elevations in the mountains. Between Copper Mountain, Colorado, and Leadville, this old mining road marks the trailhead for Mayflower Gulch. Steeped in mining history this rough, worn road slowly climbs to timberline where remnants of mining cabins and equipment dot the tundra of what is referred to as Mayflower Amphitheater, a ring of striking, jagged peaks. Here and there, snowmelt has begun leaving scattered snow piles and puddles reflecting the gleam of the late day sun which also highlights a swath of leafless willows soon to bud with the first touches of spring. This time of year, there is rarely a hiker around, thus utter stillness. For Sale. $5300. Available from David Wilkinson and ArtzLine, America’s Online Gallery, 800-958-5360, www.artzline.com/darcie-peet/ www.darciepeet.com\

Cycling Vail Pass many times over the years, this is one particular location I keep an eye on and often stop to look back. Late summer as the shadows get longer and the sun lower, the light, shadow and color become more dramatic. Climbing the last hill to Vail Pass, long shadows from tall evergreens almost cover the north slope and start to cross the light-reflecting, meandering inlet stream to the highest of the Black Lakes. Still bright with the late afternoon sun, the warm, south-facing slope is strewn with magenta fireweed and touches of daisies. In the distance, lasting snows tip the Gore Range. An occasional marmot greets riders with its high-pitched whistle to add wildlife viewing to this ride of stunning and ever-changing mountain settings. For sale. $5300. Available at The Broadmoor Galleries, 1 Lake Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80906. 719-577-5744, www.broadmoorgalleries.com/darcie-peet/ www.darciepeet.com

At the top of Vail Pass, looking east toward the Ten Mile Range, the deep blue skies of fall richly reflect in this alpine “streamlet.” The greens and wildflowers of summer are gone leaving the warm tans and browns of the shrub-strewn slope. Already there is a decent blanket of snow on the distant high peak with more to come as winter is right around the corner. For sale. $2300. Available at The Broadmoor Galleries, 1 Lake Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80906. 719-577-5744, www.broadmoorgalleries.com/darcie-peet/ www.darciepeet.com

The late-day and sundown skies during mountain monsoon time are absolutely glorious. Billowing, tumultuous clouds, full of color and light as the day dwindles, seem to climb forever and reflect swaths of color across Lake Dillon, Colorado, “twixt and ‘tween” all the islands. Like a solitary beacon, an early rising, full moon glances around the remaining clouds as the storm fades. For sale. $8900. Available at The Broadmoor Galleries, 1 Lake Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80906. 719-577-5744, www.broadmoorgalleries.com/darcie-peet/ www.darciepeet.com