Nature photographer John Fielder got his first glimpse of Colorado's majestic mountains on a school field trip to Rocky Mountain National Park when he was thirteen. He never forgot that glimpse, and it inspired his celebrated, decades-long photography career.

Fielder’s career took him across Colorado, capturing mountain scenes that define our Centennial State—the joy of a snowy morning on their slopes, the peace of a sun-dappled hike, the wonder of their purple silhouettes at sunset. From the Native Nations who call Colorado’s mountains home to outdoor enthusiasts across the state, the mountains have always been a central part of life here. 

To mark Colorado’s 150 years of statehood, we turned our view to the mountains, inviting History Colorado’s community of members to choose their favorites from among the spectacular scenes Fielder captured. We included many of these chosen photos in our recent exhibition Mountains Majesty: On the Summit with John Fielder, but with so many incredible photos to choose from, inevitably we had to leave some on the cutting room floor. This article features those photos, along with a handful of our favorites from the exhibition—all accompanied by quotes from History Colorado members, and the late John Fielder himself.

“The sunrise color reflected among the mounds of snow beautifully contrasts the shadowed evergreen trees. I marvel at Fielder’s eye for the beauty of Colorado.” 

— Mary Halpin, History Colorado Member

“A layer of flowers catches your eye, which leads to a layer of forest, which leads to a classic skyline. This picture pretty much has it all, captured by a true artist.”

— John and Betsy Crawford, History Colorado Members

“We are so often in awe of the high peaks, but it is the meadows, woodlands, and montane forests that we pass through with little notice. The transitions and ecotones between are rich with diversity of life.”

— Becky Wegner, History Colorado Member

“The mountains bring texture and diversity to the landscape. There is so much variety, from the San Juans to the Gore Range to the Wet Mountains. Fielder's photographs are the gold standard in nature photography.”

— William Arndt, History Colorado Member

“The contrast of light, shadow, texture, and depth is extraordinary. From the height of the summit to the ground level, every detail makes you feel like you are standing there.”

— Mary Marsh Zulack, History Colorado Member

“This photo reminds us that these well-dressed mountains are still changing. Imagine this place in another ten thousand years. What will still be here?” 

— Thomas Baxter, History Colorado Member

“I've tried to use my photos to make the world a better place to influence change.”

— John Fielder

“One of the benefits of having to carry sixty-five-pound backpacks up and down mountains is humility. You learn how frail you really are trying to deal with the challenges that nature gives you from day-to-day and sunrise to sunrise, and that humility begets an appreciation for where you are.”

— John Fielder

“Half of photography is good eye, design and composition, and understanding light, but the other half is being at the right place at the right time.”

— John Fielder

“The flowers are the first thing that catch your eye, but then the steep slope makes you want to hold on to something. The light on the peak balances the whole thing out. Overall, it makes you Oh So Joyful. Thank you, John Fielder.” 

— John and Betsy Crawford, History Colorado Members

“This photograph makes me feel like getting out for a hike and maybe finding this place.”

— Ginny Gelbach, History Colorado Member

“I marvel at Fielder's eye for the beauty of Colorado. The Maroon Bells have such a gentle power, from the wispy snow to the foreground of partially frozen water.”

— Mary Halpin, History Colorado Member