Fossil Springs Wilderness

A view of the valley early into the hike. If you look carefully, you can see the yellows and oranges at the bottom representing the trees that are watered by the springs.

2009-01-09T18:42:36Z

rjphotography
A view of the valley early into the hike. If you look carefully, you can see the yellows and oranges at the bottom representing the trees that are watered by the springs.

An (almost) dried-up stream greeted us when we first reached the bottom of the valley.

2009-01-09T18:40:24Z

rjphotography
An (almost) dried-up stream greeted us when we first reached the bottom of the valley.

rjphotography's photo

2009-01-09T18:38:54Z

rjphotography

Water started gushing out of the dried stream bed a certain distance down, creating an almost magical environment. Here are those big trees with yellow and orange leaves seen from the early ...

2009-01-09T18:40:35Z

rjphotography
Water started gushing out of the dried stream bed a certain distance down, creating an almost magical environment. Here are those big trees with yellow and orange leaves seen from the early ...

The stream emptied out into a large, clear pool. The hanging rope on the left indicates that this place is popular for swimming. The spring water stays warm throughout the year.

2009-01-09T18:40:23Z

rjphotography
The stream emptied out into a large, clear pool. The hanging rope on the left indicates that this place is popular for swimming. The spring water stays warm throughout the year.

Another view of the swimming hole

2009-01-09T18:40:08Z

rjphotography
Another view of the swimming hole

We followed the stream down from the swimming hole. The water was crystal clear.

2009-01-09T18:38:43Z

rjphotography
We followed the stream down from the swimming hole. The water was crystal clear.

More springs gushed out along the trail, making the stream bigger and faster.

2009-01-09T18:35:54Z

rjphotography
More springs gushed out along the trail, making the stream bigger and faster.

rjphotography's photo

2009-01-09T18:37:40Z

rjphotography

rjphotography's photo

2009-01-09T18:37:26Z

rjphotography

The stream eventually reached an old dam (barely seen at the lower right) which was once used to divert the water down to a plant to generate electricity. The plant is no longer running, so ...

2009-01-09T18:34:41Z

rjphotography
The stream eventually reached an old dam (barely seen at the lower right) which was once used to divert the water down to a plant to generate electricity. The plant is no longer running, so ...

A view looking down from the dam. No protective railings! Several people were diving and swimming in the water below.

2009-01-09T18:34:09Z

rjphotography
A view looking down from the dam. No protective railings! Several people were diving and swimming in the water below.

You can see the flume that used to carry the water running horizontally toward the top of this picture. The trail continues downstream and eventually reaches the old power plant.

2009-01-09T18:37:02Z

rjphotography
You can see the flume that used to carry the water running horizontally toward the top of this picture. The trail continues downstream and eventually reaches the old power plant.

rjphotography's photo

2009-01-09T18:34:10Z

rjphotography

rjphotography's photo

2009-01-09T18:35:56Z

rjphotography

Another shot of the stream as we headed back up the trail.

2009-01-09T18:37:11Z

rjphotography
Another shot of the stream as we headed back up the trail.

Views of the valley as we walked out.

2009-01-09T18:35:23Z

rjphotography
Views of the valley as we walked out.

rjphotography's photo

2009-01-09T18:35:06Z

rjphotography

We reached the top as it was getting dark. The golden hours created lovely colors and shadows on the landscape.

2009-01-09T18:34:57Z

rjphotography
We reached the top as it was getting dark. The golden hours created lovely colors and shadows on the landscape.

Pinyon pine trees with their twisted branches at the top of the trail.

2009-01-09T18:35:35Z

rjphotography
Pinyon pine trees with their twisted branches at the top of the trail.