On a mild winter’s day, the low winter sun broke through the clouds a few times on a hike through the hills.    A bit of snow covered the ground, but there were bare spots under the trees too.     I chose a route following trails for a while, then went cross country through open forest and grasslands meadows, making a decision about the next turn when I got to a spot which offered options.   Mostly I chose to go to the top of each hill in the area.

On the off-trail slopes were many old snags that had fallen, mostly ponderosa pines, toppled on windy days.    A number of snags were still standing too.    A few images are shared here.   Click an image for a lightbox view. 

From each hilltop there were new views across the hills.   

There are a number of trails in this area and I did hike part of the route on the single tracks, but the more interesting spots were on off-trail routes, making my own “trails”.

“Do not follow where the path may lead.   Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” 

(Ralph Waldo Emerson)