(nr Creede CO)
North Clear Creek Falls
A short drive off the main highway took me to the parking lot and restrooms for the north falls. Some signage explained the history of the falls and area. It appeared to be a popular stop.
North Clear Creek Falls
The drop measured around 100ft, and was pretty impressive. There were several good viewpoints. So, getting photos was easy. A trail led along the edge of the gorge for even more shots.
North Clear Creek Falls Again
Clear Creek Gorge
South Clear Creek Falls
If there was a north falls, could there also have been a south falls? I went looking, and yes indeed there was. But, it was a goodly distance down a gravel road, and then a hike.
South Clear Creek Falls
South Clear Creek Falls Again
No signs showed the way, so I had to do some looking around. Following a creek took me to the falls on a narrow trail. It was worth the extra effort.
Creek Below the Falls
Camp: Rio Grande NF-Bristol Head boondock
Scene: Waterfall, creek, cliff
Also see: Clear Creek Canyon
I took a look at your website as I was trying to figure out which of the four waterfalls at Clear Creek I was about to post. I visited all four and painted at the two with the easier access. I’d been doing this travelling in motor homes for about 15 years full time and I’d get about 4 large canvasses done each year. I see you have a photo of Lake Roberts. There is a waterfall on your trip up to Lake Roberts that is below Bear Creek Canyon Reservoir. It was flowing making it one of about two waterfalls that big in New Mexico when I saw it last August. If you’re in the Silver City area stop by and see my paintings from my travels. Wilson Hurley mentored me and is part of the reason why I started travelling in the motor homes as I found out what a difference plein air painting is. By the way, your painting which you titled Colorado Pyramid, that appears to be Lizard Head. The Colorado Pyramid is a fourteener, and I’d painted a couple of those, including Maroon Bells and Sneffels. I’d camped overnight at Lizard Head Pass, but did not make the hike to Lizard Head, also painted a little further north down from the pass at Trout Lake, the same view as the painting you can see of it at Phoenix Art Museum by Hamilton Hamilton on the second floor of the museum at the entrance to the western and european art collection, well worth the visit if you’re in Phoenix. We’ve probably seen hundreds of locations we’d both remember as worth painting. One location in Arizona you may not have heard about is Grand Falls. As you may know, some of the best spots you will find to paint you will only find out about from the locals. That was true of Crested Butte, also Silverton, also Page, Arizona and Lake City, Colorado.
Thanks for all the good info Philipp. My painting titled Colorado Pyramid is just what I called it. It kind of looked like that shape; didn’t really know its name. It’s near the border with New Mexico and not near Lizard Head. Nice to learn about Grand Falls. I’ll need to check it out the next time I’m in that part of Arizona. I’ll try to look up your paintings the next time I’m in Silver City; which gallery?