10/20/2026
Dawn at Magic Meadow
Sunrise overlooking Magic Meadow towards Prussik Peak. It may not be the most dramatic photograph from the Enchantments, but to me it captures something even more important: the quiet, timeless beauty of this extraordinary place. Everywhere you turn, there is something breathtaking to behold. Towering peaks, pristine lakes, endless granite, and the ever-changing light create a landscape that feels almost unreal.
While I believe there are only a handful of locations in the Enchantments that truly inspire awe beyond words, much of that comes down to timing. The season, the weather, and the quality of the light can transform an already beautiful scene into something unforgettable.
I'm also happy to report that, despite the frequent claims about how heavily impacted the Enchantments have become, my experience offered some encouragement. I'm certainly not denying the challenges that come with increased visitation, but during four days in this remarkable wilderness, I found only two gel-foil pouches, a set of earplugs, and a plastic bag. I picked them up and packed them out, as usual, but that was the entirety of the litter I encountered during my stay.
Places like this are a gift, and their future depends on all of us. If we continue to embrace the principles of Leave No Trace, future generations will have the same opportunity to experience the wonder, solitude, and beauty that I have been fortunate enough to enjoy here for more than forty years. My hope is that decades from now, someone else will stand in this very spot at sunrise, look across Magic Meadow, and feel the same sense of gratitude and awe that filled my heart this morning.
