As you read last time, I went searching for rocks, and after following the winding roads along the South Fork of the South Platte River at sunrise, I found enough for another edition of this little newsletter.
Not wide enough for a kayak, South Platte River as taken with a DJI Mavic 3, 5 August 2025
Where the boulders tumble to the valley floor, and no longer moved by glaciers, the South Platte River narrows to mere feet in width, squeezing between rocks with less distance between them than can fit a single person. Of course, the temptation to climb these rocks must prove nearly insurmountable (pun intended) as there are signs posted warning against such adventures.
Rocks above the narrows along the South Platte River.
The sun broke over the off-road trails of Rampart Range to the east, to shine once again upon the South Platte that morning.
The author and his light-duty pickup truck, are dwarfed by the rock formations.
I could hardly believe my luck! I’ve passed through this area many times, but only now have had the chance to capture the scenery that I’ve long imagined. The light made the setting magical, although it already had a massive (pun definitely intended) presence.
North Platte River Drive along the South Fork.
The drone doesn’t suffer from the limitations of placement for taking photos, and with the river empty of any other visitors I flew over and between the rocks.
Looking down upon the breach in billion-year-old granite formed by the South Fork.
There was no end to the vista, especially when I can create 180° panoramas of the valley from a practically impossible position of being right over the river.
Views between the rocks that can only be had from within them—without ignoring the signs.
I was in my own little world!
360° panorama of the South Fork at sunrise.
But then, I finally reached “Eagle Rock!” The sun had yet to reach this part of the river, one I had visited before.
Eagle Rock, as seen from ~300’ above the South Platte River.
The ability to get up to the top of Eagle Rock and see the vista beyond is easy with a drone!
The top of Eagle Rock, with the “Chairs” just beyond.
Eagle Rock itself is imposing as seen from the trail. It was a wonderful opportunity to re-acquaint myself with the area.
By the time I reached Two Forks, I had seen the first evidence of other people, including campers along the river near the private property along the North Fork. I was still in my own “little world.”
Another 360° panorama, this time of the North Fork.
South Platte Drive turns into Foxton Road, and I went uphill through Kennedy Gulch to reach Highway US-285 and return home. Thanks for taking the time to visit all these rocks with me! You proved you were ready!
Cathedral Spires as seen from the East over granite slopes next to the North Fork.
Thanks also for reading all the way to the very end of the first two-part edition of Colorado HIGH SKY!
