The sky was quite clear yesterday as I headed up toward Big Hole peak, and the Mission Mountains some forty miles to the northeast looked much closer than they were. Each time there was a little clearing through the trees I took another picture.
November 3, 2011
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Montana Outdoors 
I can almost imagine being there – like on top of the world.
Breathtaking views… Stacey Dawn
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Comment by Anonymous — November 3, 2011 @ 9:24 pm
The views are an extra reward. Just the experience of being there is magnificent. I walked about 6 miles on a carpet of fresh snow, marked only by the tracks of wildlife while observing a forest in fall color getting ready for winter.
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Comment by montucky — November 3, 2011 @ 9:55 pm
i would sooo buy a coffee table book if you put one together =o)
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Comment by Sandy — November 3, 2011 @ 9:25 pm
I know little about doing something like that, but some time I would like to put together several groups of photos taken in roadless areas. Perhaps a small book format would work. I was pleased last year when the environmental organization Earth Justice used a number of my photos for a section of their website devoted to roadless areas.
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Comment by montucky — November 3, 2011 @ 10:00 pm
Incredible framing in the middle photo. That first one is beautiful, but give me that little queasy feeling… maybe I’ll outgrow that before I leave the earth!
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Comment by kcjewel — November 3, 2011 @ 9:26 pm
I’ve known folks who had that feeling at first too when they saw this part of the country, but it goes away quite soon when you are in the real setting. You might not have liked the road up to the trail head however…
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Comment by montucky — November 3, 2011 @ 10:06 pm
That third photo is magnificent. I love the light on those mountains in the distance.
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Comment by jomegat — November 3, 2011 @ 9:59 pm
That was taken in late afternoon and the setting sun illuminated the mountains almost from the side. They are beautiful whenever you see them though.
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Comment by montucky — November 3, 2011 @ 10:11 pm
I assume that you must have spent the night up there then. Or did you hike back in the dark?
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Comment by jomegat — November 4, 2011 @ 4:13 pm
I made it back to the Jeep before dark. I do carry a head lamp and a flashlight though just in case.
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Comment by montucky — November 5, 2011 @ 7:46 am
Amazing shots!!
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Comment by Roberta — November 3, 2011 @ 10:17 pm
Scenes like these are one of the reasons why I spend as much time as I possibly can on the high mountain trails, Roberta. I’m very fortunate to live where it’s possible to be there.
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Comment by montucky — November 3, 2011 @ 10:27 pm
They do look closer than 40 miles, must be that crisp mountain air. Stunning!
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Comment by Candace — November 3, 2011 @ 11:03 pm
I’ve seen it a little clearer than that, but I’ll take it. There was a trace of smoke still in the air that day. That’s a place I wish I could access in mid-winter when the air is really clear!
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Comment by montucky — November 4, 2011 @ 8:52 pm
From these, photos cannot come better. Your photos are terrific; I love them. Fantastic photos.
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Comment by sartenada — November 4, 2011 @ 4:02 am
Like most of my photos, they are scenes that I came across while doing something else. It’s always pleasant to see what kind of scenes will be available at any given time.
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Comment by montucky — November 4, 2011 @ 8:53 pm
Great post – sums up what I like about exploring the high country – the journey itself is wonderful and then you get those views…
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Comment by Mike — November 4, 2011 @ 4:24 am
Exactly, Mike! Lots of extra bonuses!
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Comment by montucky — November 4, 2011 @ 8:54 pm
Gorgeous views! Those snow capped mountains in the distance make the picture(s).
#2 is nicely framed.
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Comment by TheDailyClick — November 4, 2011 @ 5:22 am
The Missions really stand out when there is heavy snow on their tops and they can be seen from many different places. I can even hike up the mountain behind my house to a place where I can get a look at them.
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Comment by montucky — November 4, 2011 @ 8:56 pm
Seems you really know the time of day to shoot. Love the mountain views. Also, the Western Larch. I have never heard of that type of tree before. They are incredible when they change color!
Chip
http://throughmyeyes-choppography.blogspot.com/
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Comment by choppography — November 4, 2011 @ 7:14 am
The timing on these was just by chance. The late afternoon sun though turned out well on the far mountains. Yes, the larch are spectacular when they turn color and they really brighten up the forests. They are also pretty in spring when their new needles start to grow; they are lime-yellow then. Thank you for visiting!
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Comment by montucky — November 4, 2011 @ 9:07 pm
Definitely “Big Sky Country”.
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Comment by anniespickns — November 4, 2011 @ 7:14 am
Sometimes you can see where it got that name. I’ve even thought that when in the eastern part of the state too.
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Comment by montucky — November 4, 2011 @ 9:08 pm
look at those jagged snow capped mountains… just so beautiful! I could sit & watch them forEVER =)
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Comment by Tricia — November 4, 2011 @ 7:53 am
I spend a lot of time just looking at the mountains, these and several other ranges as well. They change one’s perspective on things.
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Comment by montucky — November 4, 2011 @ 9:09 pm
Love the bottom photo the best– wow!
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Comment by Barbara — November 4, 2011 @ 10:38 am
That was taken from a place where there was a larger clearing through the trees and then I shot at 135mm to just show mostly the mountains. They are so pretty!
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Comment by montucky — November 4, 2011 @ 9:11 pm
Thank you for sharing Mr. Montucky, these are so beautiful. I can just feel the fresh cool air.
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Comment by Homestead Ramblings — November 4, 2011 @ 10:42 am
Photos are, after all, quite limited. Yes, the cool air is delightful as are the sounds of the wind and the smell of the trees. All of the senses participate out there!
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Comment by montucky — November 4, 2011 @ 9:13 pm
Hi Montucky, Pretty pointed peaks (the rest of the scenery is nice too)! Have a super great day today!
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Comment by wildlifewatcher — November 4, 2011 @ 11:03 am
I glad you liked the photos! Have a great weekend!
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Comment by montucky — November 4, 2011 @ 9:13 pm
For purple mountains majesties…
I know I said this before…I am so glad I found your blog!
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Comment by dhphotosite — November 4, 2011 @ 12:36 pm
I’m glad you enjoy seeing these photos, David! Yes, the mountains are majestic! I never tire of seeing them.
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Comment by montucky — November 4, 2011 @ 9:15 pm
Majestic! I like all views, but the second is my favorite.
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Comment by sandy — November 4, 2011 @ 2:58 pm
It is usually difficult to decide which photos to post, there are so many great scenes to shoot. I liked the color the larch put into that photo.
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Comment by montucky — November 4, 2011 @ 9:16 pm
The third one is surreal. Love it.
How do you get to this hike?
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Comment by Kim — November 4, 2011 @ 5:40 pm
These were taken from the trail to the Big Hole lookout. About 7 miles west of Plains on Highway 200 Weeksville Creek flows down from the north. Take the road (Forest Service road 887) up the creek for about 3 miles, then turn left on the road to Big Hole (Forest Service road 5587). It is nearly 10 miles up that road to the trail head of USFS trail 368 which leads to the lookout. If we have any more snow now, the road will be pretty slippery and later, of course it becomes un-drivable. It’s a great road (although a little narrow) and trail in summer.
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Comment by montucky — November 4, 2011 @ 9:27 pm
Snow-capped Missions….. golden larch… Beautiful!
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Comment by Maureen — November 5, 2011 @ 5:59 am
This has turned out to be a very pretty fall season, Maureen.
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Comment by montucky — November 5, 2011 @ 7:47 am
Beautiful, expansive and breathtaking! My, I could spend some time there just be there soaking all in. I love the last photo of the rugged, snow capped mountains—awesome.
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Comment by Anna — November 5, 2011 @ 8:38 am
I never get enough of the views from high on the mountains, not matter what the season.
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Comment by montucky — November 7, 2011 @ 8:20 pm
Minnesota is a gorgeous State … but, we are missing one thing … Those gorgeous, majestic mountains. What a great sight.
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Comment by bearyweather — November 5, 2011 @ 9:58 am
Back in the 80’s my sister and I were living in Arizona and we wanted our parents to live there along with us. My Dad made the final decision when he said “I just can’t bring myself to leave these mountains”.
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Comment by montucky — November 7, 2011 @ 8:31 pm
mmm, absolutely gorgeous! love that last shot. clear days have grand rewards!
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Comment by silken — November 5, 2011 @ 7:47 pm
Clear days and high places!
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Comment by montucky — November 7, 2011 @ 8:31 pm
Breath taking views! Especially like the last photo.
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Comment by kateri — November 6, 2011 @ 4:45 am
It still excites me when I see the Missions clearly in the distance.
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Comment by montucky — November 7, 2011 @ 8:32 pm
I always like your far away shots of mountains. The Mission Mountains are so appealing to the eye. They also look very cold!
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Comment by Jack Matthews — November 6, 2011 @ 6:25 pm
The Mission range is gorgeous and yes, it’s cold. Most years some snow there will remain all year long. The highest peak there is 9,820 feet.
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Comment by montucky — November 7, 2011 @ 8:35 pm
That last photo — I said “wow” out loud. Everyone in the room wanted to know what was wow, so I passed the photo around. They all said wow too–four wows!!
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Comment by Bo Mackison — November 6, 2011 @ 6:58 pm
I think that term is used a lot in reference to those mountains, Bo. They are at their best when the tops are snow covered.
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Comment by montucky — November 7, 2011 @ 8:37 pm
Landscape photography is, perhaps, the most difficult to master. These are some of the best I’ve ever seen. Way beyond mastery. Simply exquisite. Amazing!
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Comment by Wild_Bill — November 6, 2011 @ 7:39 pm
Thanks Bill! It’s difficult, if not impossible, to show the true beauty of much of this country.
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Comment by montucky — November 7, 2011 @ 8:40 pm
Breathtaking mountain beauty. WOW!
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Comment by Marcie — November 7, 2011 @ 4:10 pm
These mountains give one a different perspective on the world, don’t they!
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Comment by montucky — November 7, 2011 @ 8:43 pm
This is so 3 dimensional that it makes you feel part of the picture.
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Comment by Evangeline Art Photography — November 9, 2011 @ 10:15 pm
Thank you! I would love to have folks feel part of the scenes that I photograph!
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Comment by montucky — November 9, 2011 @ 11:42 pm
If I didn’t know you hiked up there to take the pictures, I’d think they were from an airplane! How wonderful to have these views be such a part of your daily life. The colours and depth are really incredible.
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Comment by farmhouse stories — November 11, 2011 @ 8:19 am
Yes, it’s wonderful to be in such close proximity to these mountains. I could never leave them again.
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Comment by montucky — November 11, 2011 @ 11:14 pm
Those snow capped mountains are 40 miles away? My goodness gracious! I didn’t think the eye could see that far away… no matter how clear the sky! GORGEOUS VIEWS!!! =)
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Comment by Tricia — November 12, 2011 @ 12:03 pm
With clear air and a mountain top, it’s wondrous how far you can see.
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Comment by montucky — November 12, 2011 @ 9:13 pm