Early morning sunlight glows on the rock formations of Devil’s Backbone near Loveland, Colorado, with snow-covered sagebrush and grasses in the foreground.
Early morning sunlight glows on the rock formations of Devil’s Backbone near Loveland, Colorado, with snow-covered sagebrush and grasses in the foreground.

First Snow at Devil's Backbone

from $74.00

This was my first time visiting the Devil’s Backbone in Loveland, Colorado. I hadn’t seen many photographs from this area, but I knew it was a popular hiking trail, so I went in with no real expectations. A light snow had fallen the night before, and when I pulled into the empty parking lot at sunrise, the whole place felt quiet and untouched.

The only problem was the light. A thick layer of clouds sat on the horizon, blocking any chance of a sunrise. I started hiking anyway, moving along the ridge and studying different compositions of the rock formation. Eventually I found a composition that felt right, even if the light was going nowhere. But as I setup my tripod, a gap opened in the clouds and sunlight poured across the landscape. I had only a few seconds before the clouds swallowed the sun again, so I worked fast and captured what I could before the scene went flat.

It was one of those common Colorado moments where a little bit of patience goes a long way. A new place, unexpected conditions, and a fleeting burst of perfect light. I’m already looking forward to getting back out there again.

Photo © copyright by Lucian Manthey.

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This was my first time visiting the Devil’s Backbone in Loveland, Colorado. I hadn’t seen many photographs from this area, but I knew it was a popular hiking trail, so I went in with no real expectations. A light snow had fallen the night before, and when I pulled into the empty parking lot at sunrise, the whole place felt quiet and untouched.

The only problem was the light. A thick layer of clouds sat on the horizon, blocking any chance of a sunrise. I started hiking anyway, moving along the ridge and studying different compositions of the rock formation. Eventually I found a composition that felt right, even if the light was going nowhere. But as I setup my tripod, a gap opened in the clouds and sunlight poured across the landscape. I had only a few seconds before the clouds swallowed the sun again, so I worked fast and captured what I could before the scene went flat.

It was one of those common Colorado moments where a little bit of patience goes a long way. A new place, unexpected conditions, and a fleeting burst of perfect light. I’m already looking forward to getting back out there again.

Photo © copyright by Lucian Manthey.

Print Mediums

Fine art landscape photography printed on ChromaLuxe Metal for sale

Luxury Metal Float Print

ChromaLuxe Metal Prints offer a sleek, modern, and affordable way to display fine art landscape photography. Infused directly onto lightweight yet durable aluminum, these prints deliver rich color, crisp detail, and a stunning floating effect thanks to a pre-installed wooden float hanger. These prints arrive ready to hang with no framing needed. With exceptional archival quality and a vibrant presentation, Metal Prints are the perfect blend of beauty, durability, and value.

Fine art landscape photography print on lustre photo paper

Lustre Photo Print

Loose Paper Prints are printed on premium Lustre Fine Art Paper, offering exceptional detail, sharp resolution, and a refined finish between matte and glossy. These unmounted prints give you the freedom to custom frame your artwork to match your space. Please note: they require careful handling and are not available larger than 24" x 36" without special request.

A fine art print of mountains and snow in a living room

TruLife Acrylic Fine Art Print

TruLife Acrylic Prints are my most premium and visually striking print option, perfect for collectors seeking true gallery-quality presentation. Each piece begins with a fine art metallic paper print which is then face-mounted to a sheet of anti-reflective, scratch-resistant acrylic for breathtaking clarity, depth, and a glowing, almost backlit effect under proper lighting. A hidden wood float mount provides a sleek, modern display, and every print arrives ready to hang. For the ultimate finish, optional handcrafted Italian ROMA frames are available upon request. These prints are the pinnacle of fine art luxury.

Ordering

Choose your photo, select the size and print type, and add it to your cart. Checkout securely with all major cards, Apple Pay, Venmo, or PayPal. Invoices available upon request.

Production Process

Each order is personally reviewed and sent to my print lab within 48 hours. Most prints ship within 1–2 weeks, though large prints may take longer. If you require a rush order, please contact me.

Shipping & Packaging

Shipping is free within the United States. Prints are carefully packaged based on size and medium. Small prints will come in a cardboard box, while larger prints may come in a custom plywood crate. In the rare case of damage, I’ll replace your print at no extra cost—guaranteed.

 

Got questions? Check out my print info page to learn even more about the ordering process and my prints, and always feel free to contact me to inquire about a special order.