Winter Sunrise on our way to Boulder Lake, Wyoming
On our way to Boulder Lake, Wyoming, we stopped to explore a group of boulders tucked into the side of a hill. The view was breathtaking. At first glance, you notice the massive boulders resting quietly on the land. What you don’t expect is the backdrop. Depending on which direction you turn, you’re met with the Wind River Range on one side and the Wyoming Range on the other. Standing there at sunrise, surrounded by stone and mountains, the beauty felt overwhelming in the best way.
The Boulders and the Mountain Backdrop
These boulders feel timeless, shaped by weather, seasons, and endurance. With the mountains rising behind them, they stand as quiet witnesses to the changing light. Watching the sunrise here felt sacred—still, peaceful, and grounding.
Photographing the First Light in Wyoming
That morning, I was on a mission—to photograph as many boulders as I could as the sun rose. Sunrise photography in Wyoming, especially in winter, has a depth and softness that’s hard to describe. The golden hour gently touched the boulders as the deep blue of night slowly moved away.
Why Winter Light Feels Different
Winter light photography has something special about it. The cold air makes the colors feel cleaner, quieter, and more intentional. Watching the light shift across the land reminded me to slow down and truly see what was unfolding in front of me.
Finding God in the First Morning Light
As I photographed, I focused on what Conor pointed out—the first light hitting the boulders. It was simple, quiet, and incredibly beautiful. I love God’s first light when we are outside. It always reminds me that each day is a new beginning, an invitation to trust Him again and place our lives in His hands. Out here, faith feels close and personal.
Stillness, Silence, and Prayer Outdoors
There is something about standing still at sunrise that feels like prayer. No words are needed. Just presence. In moments like these, it’s easier to believe that God has better things in store for us.
Wildlife and Wilderness at Sunrise
At sunrise, the land begins to wake up. Almost everywhere we go, we hear coyotes singing with the first morning light. Their calls echo through the open space, creating a grounding and humbling moment. It’s a reminder that this is still a wild place in Wyoming, shaped by nature and time.
Exploring Wyoming with Our Children
The children spent the morning running and climbing over the boulders, completely free and curious. Exploring Wyoming with our children is one of our greatest joys. They see adventure everywhere and remind us to stay present.
Enduring and Loving Wyoming Winters
Winter sunrises in Wyoming are especially meaningful. Winter light has a way of making you feel alive and deeply grateful, especially when you realize what it takes to endure the long, harsh winters here. Even during a mild winter, there is beauty in showing up and embracing the season as it is.
Why Winter Sunrises Are Worth It
There’s something powerful about choosing to step outside in the cold, to witness beauty that feels fleeting and earned. These moments stay with you.
Creating Tangible Memories as a Family
Levon was being a little troublemaker, completely magnetized to a carcass he found, while Conor kept going back to retrieve him. Once I finished photographing the landscape, with my camera steady on the tripod, I took a moment to capture a selfie with Conor and the vast Wyoming backdrop behind us. When I noticed Cuache had made it into the frame too, it made the moment even sweeter.
I love my family, and I especially love creating tangible memories of our outdoor adventures in Wyoming. Levon is growing so fast, and mornings like this remind me how precious this season of life truly is.
We also shared this morning at Boulder Lake, Wyoming in a YouTube video, where you can experience the light, the stillness, and the wilderness as it unfolded. If you’d like to walk through it with us, you can watch the video on our YouTube channel.
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