A lighting apparatus using at least one light-emitting diode (“LED”), back-reflecting collection optics for LEDs, and an improved heat sink mounting apparatus which promotes efficient heat dissipation generated from the LED while minimizing light obstruction and glare. The lighting apparatus contains a main housing; a reflector disposed within the main housing, the reflector having a front side and a rear side; a top rim thermally coupled to one end of the main housing; a heat conducting body positioned to face the front side of the reflector, the heat conducting body comprising a heat pipe thermally coupled to the top rim; at least one light-emitting diode thermally coupled to the heat conducting body, the at least one light-emitting diode being positioned to face directly at the front side of the reflector so that light emitted from the at least one light-emitting diode is directed to the front side of the reflector.