During the fall weather, Pitkin Colorado can show its tapestry of colors just as good as anywhere else in the Rocky Mountain region.
My name is John Brooks. I will be featuring YMATD’s new segment, “Wilderness King”. I spend as much time as I can exploring Colorado’s beautiful country. Being in and around nature is a life long dream of mine.
I also love photographing and sharing my experiences with people who don’t always have the opportunity to see and do the things I hold precious.
Pitkin, Colorado – in the 2010 census, had a population of approximately 66 residents. The Gunnison area has a few cozy communities tucked away throughout is wilderness terrain.
The rolling valleys are filled with yellow topped Aspen trees that drape the landscape. Sections of 
green pine mixed with the fall colors gives the horizon a dimensional beauty.
You never know who or what might just come around the corner to scope things out. There is lots of wildlife here in the high country. This particular moose stepped out of the woods to investigate my intentions. We shared stares and then both of us went about are own business.
There are so many streams and smaller ponds and lakes throughout Pitkin’s countryside. At certain times of the year, fishing can be almost effortless here.
The streams are so clear, crisp and refreshing. Their soothing sounds invite you to relax and sit or lie down beside them. You can stare up at the blue sky and do nothing but daydream.
There are lots of trails that wind around leading you through valleys, over hills and around mountainous terrain. These trails can be traveled by either foot, ATV and horse back. I chose to explore the dirt paths on my four wheeler.
Log cabins are pretty much the way of life up here. This particular one seems to have met its fate through the occurrence of nature’s ever changing climate.
The peaks and valleys are carpeted with beautiful forestry. Larger streams flow between bodies of rocks and cliffs. This is nature at its finest – unspoiled and as far away from commercialization as possible. This is why I love being outdoors.
By mid October or early November, snow can be predicted. It can be in the mid 60’s one day and have anywhere from a inch to five inches of snow the next. That is considered just a dusting (shown upper – left), but the cold nights are what really gets to you.
Being the ‘Wilderness King’ for You, Me and The Dock, I have seen my fair share of skies. But in my opinion, some of the most amazing skies are directly overhead right here in the Pitkin, Colorado area.
Some call this area God’s country or even heaven. I call it a place where I can relax, think about things and escape the rhetoric of everyday life.
Photographer: John Brooks
Story outline: John Brooks
Enhanced dialog & formatting: Anthony Scopel
Associate editor: Maureen Scopel
Technical support & digital mastering: Matt Kemper
Publisher: You, Me and The Dock in association with Wilderness King
