Alpenglow on Snowy Star Dune and Crestone Peaks (31601451293)

NPS/Patrick Myers
The Sangre de Cristo ("Blood of Christ") Mountains were named by early explorers for the crimson light that often appears on them at sunrise or sunset. This color is especially vivid when they are snow-covered!

According to some of the various stories and legends, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains were named by an early Spanish priest, Father Torres. He was shot with an arrow by one of the local tribes, and was taken out into a boat in San Luis Lake, west of the dunes, to flee the attack. As he lay dying at sunset, he looked upon the crimson color on the mountains, and exclaimed "Sangre de Cristo!" before perishing.