Elegant Hermosa Peak rises above a high tundra plateau just west of Bolam Pass, in a remote sector of the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado. Hermosa Peak marks the eastern end of the Rico Mountains, a small and often overlooked sub-range of the San Juans. This photo was shot near the trailhead for climbing the peak, which rises well over a thousand feet above the plateau. The climb of the mountain is brief due to the short distance, but it has a little of everything to offer, and the view from the top is downright incredible. It's a great reward for the effort required.

San Juan Mountains, Summer, 2009
Photo by Aaron Johnson