Mount Evans, July 2023

I took last summer off from my typically annual pilgrimage to the summit of Mount Evans to commune with the Mountain Goats.  This year it was time to scratch that itch again.

In past years I've gone up early enough to shoot the sunrise on the mountain.  This year I showed myself some grace and didn't reach the summit until around 7:30.  That was still early enough to get some nice warm light.

I always like shots of animals interacting with each other, or at least tolerating each others' presence. 

Babies are the main draw, and there are typically several.  But this year I only saw one.

There were some moments when the little one stayed fairly close to who I assume was its mama ...

... but also plenty of times when it was off on its own.

Testing boundaries is an essential part of growing up for any critter, I suppose.  I TOLD YOU TO GET OFF THOSE ROCKS!

It's always fun to see the winter coats being shed.

Some of the goats probably don't find it quite as fun.

I get big Every Breath You Take video vibes from this pose.

I typically focus on individuals or pairs, but I thought there was an interesting energy and dynamic to the whole group at the summit on this morning.

An occasional Yellow-bellied Marmot also poked its head out, as per usual.

As the sun rose higher in the sky there seemed to be more posing going on than grazing.

The goats don't seem to distinguish much between the natural terrain and the man-made elements.

On my drive back down I got a quick shot of a marmot walking more purposefully than I've probably ever seen.

It's always great to not only see and spend some time among these beautiful creatures, but also to commiserate with other wildlife photographers.  I'm glad I made it back up this year!

Related Links:

• Mount Evans, July 2021: Some of the Mountain Goats
• Mount Evans, July 2021: The Rest of the Mountain Goats
• Mount Evans, July 2019: Summit
• Mount Evans, July 2018: Part I
• Mount Evans, July 2018: Part II
• Mount Evans Mountain Goats: July 2017, Part I
• Mount Evans Mountain Goats: July 2017, Part II
• Mount Evans, July 2014: Part I