This year, I decided to embark on a road trip to capture the vibrant hues of autumn foliage, but this time, I wanted to explore a new location instead of my usual spot in the Tumwater Canyon of Eastern Washington. Contemplating between Iceland and Colorado, I reached out to a friend for advice. After mulling over the possibilities, my partner and I chose to embark on a scenic adventure through Colorado's fall landscape.
To say that the experience was breathtaking would be an understatement. The ideal time to witness the striking colors of Colorado's fall foliage is generally from mid-September to mid-October, although this can vary depending on the year and altitude. The rolling hills of Colorado are adorned with shimmering aspen trees that transform into a magnificent spectacle of gold and yellow each autumn. Thanks to the state's varied elevation, the vibrant colors can be enjoyed for most of the season, as long as you're willing to venture to different locations at varying heights. It's worth noting that the higher elevations tend to change color before the lower elevations.
We discovered that the Colorado Fall Color Map is an invaluable resource for identifying the best times and places to capture the enchanting scenery. So, we made sure to check it regularly, which allowed us to witness the beauty of Colorado's fall colors at their peak.
An overnight rain and snow storm covered the Mount Sneffels mountain range in a light dusting of snow. Although the light did not quite work out like we wanted the scene with the fall color and hay bales was a perfect combination. The Double RL Ranch owned by Ralph Lauren offers perfect views of the Sneffels Range. The land is private but the road is access to the wilderness so as long as you stay on the road, you can drive through the ranch. Limited Edition of 100 prints available.
Crested Butte and Kepler Pass
At the end of September, we departed from Seattle, Washington, to commence our 4500-mile road trip. Our first destination in Colorado was Kebler Pass, situated close to Crested Butte. Crested Butte is renowned for its mesmerizing fall colors and is referred to as the wildflower capital of Colorado, with opportunities for mountain biking and hiking.
Kebler Pass is one of the largest aspen groves in Colorado, and it's adorned with stunning fall colors that captivate visitors. The pass is accessible to all types of vehicles, although the peak is at 10,007 feet, so it may be strenuous for those coming from sea level, and I wouldn't recommend engaging in intense physical activity. It's advisable to keep an eye on the weather as the pass closes after the first snowfall of the year. Kebler Pass also boasts beautiful hiking trails that are perfect for a leisurely stroll after a long drive.
Near the summit of Kebler Pass, there is a road that leads to Gunnison through Ohio Pass. Ohio Pass is a must-visit destination for experiencing the splendor of Colorado's fall colors, featuring numerous Aspen trees and picturesque views of The Castles and the Anthracite Range. Ohio Pass is also home to abandoned buildings that offer unique photo opportunities.
We opted to stay at the KOA in Gunnison due to its affordability, pleasant weather, and proximity to Kebler Pass, which was just a 40-minute drive away.
While shooting sunset at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, this twisted Juniper tree stood out and needed to be photographed. Although not much was going on with the sky, the alpen glow adding some much needed color to the scene. This national park contains only 12 of the 48 miles of the canyon but are the deepest and most dramatic sections. Very few people visit this national park and is worth stopping by if you are in the area. Limited Edition of 100 prints available.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
If you're seeking seclusion and a tranquil ambiance, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is an ideal destination. Although it's not abundant in Aspen trees, the fall colors around the canyon's low-lying shrubs are simply breathtaking. We stopped by the park for a mesmerizing sunset view, which was only an hour away from Gunnison, Colorado.
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is 48 miles long, with only 12 miles accessible to the public as a part of the national park. Nevertheless, these 12 miles are the most awe-inspiring sections of the canyon, making it worth the drive to the park for sunset viewing. Additionally, not many tourists visit this location, giving you the opportunity to have the place almost to yourself.
If you plan to visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, allocate 2-4 hours for your visit, unless you intend to hike some of the trails.
We just finished photographing the twisted aspen trees in Ophir, Colorado when we came across this scene on the way back to the highway. Sunshine Mountain was being bathed in the late afternoon sun through the clouds. We had to stop and get the image. Sometimes the perfect light happens when you least expect it. Even the artist painting the mountains stopped painting and pulled out his camera. It was a quite a sight to see. Limited Edition of 100 prints available.
San Juan Mountains and the Dallas Divide
Following our visit to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, we made our way to the San Juan Mountains, located near the towns of Telluride, Ridgway, and Ouray in Colorado. Due to the increasingly inclement weather, we decided to stay in a Camper Cabin at the KOA in Ouray, which served as an ideal basecamp for our explorations. The area surrounding Ouray offered some fantastic photography opportunities, including the Dallas Divide, which afforded stunning views of Mount Sneffels and fields of fall color. We also had the chance to visit the Double RL Ranch, which is owned by Ralph Lauren and spans an impressive 16,000 acres. While we were there, we could hear the sounds of elk bugling during the early morning hours.
What sets the San Juan Mountains apart is their high altitude plateaus and peaks, which result in cities and towns situated at high elevations. For example, the Telluride airport is located at just over 9,000 feet above sea level. Notably, the towns in the San Juan Mountains include Telluride, Ouray, Ridgway, Silverton, and a few others.
In the town of Ophir, Colorado lies this little gem of a scene. These twisted aspen trees are right next to an avalanche chute which may have caused them to become this shape when they were young. I have no proof an avalanche caused the bent shape but it sounds good so I'm sticking with it. Colorado has some of the most amazing fall colors I have scene in all my years of photography. Limited Edition of 100 prints available.
Ophir, Colorado
The twisted aspen trees in Ophir are definitely a unique sight to see, and your theory about how they got that way is interesting. Ophir's history as a mining town adds to the charm and character of the area, and its high elevation makes it a great spot for fall color viewing. Ophir Pass is another scenic route that connects Ophir to Silverton, but it's important to have a high clearance vehicle if you want to take that route. With a population of only around 180 people and no paved roads, Ophir is truly a remote and peaceful destination for those seeking solitude in the mountains.
Million Dollar Highway
The last full day of our trip in Colorado was cold and rainy, but we still wanted to drive part of the Million Dollar Highway. The highway stretches for about 25 miles from Silverton to Ouray and is one of the most stunning roads for fall color. As you leave Ouray, the road becomes steep with numerous hairpin corners, so it's important to be cautious when driving. One of the highlights of the drive from Ouray to Silverton is a stop at Crystal Lake. There's a large pullout with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, and the lake is surrounded by plenty of aspen trees.
There are various theories as to why the road is called the Million Dollar Highway. Some say it's because of the high cost of building it, while others attribute it to the stunning views. However, my favorite theory is that there's a significant amount of gold ore in the roadway fill. Regardless of the true reason, the Million Dollar Highway is definitely worth a drive.
Fall Color Hikes in Colorado
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness: Located near Aspen, Maroon Bells is one of the most iconic spots for fall foliage in Colorado. The Crater Lake Trail offers breathtaking views of the Maroon Bells peaks and is surrounded by groves of aspen trees that turn a brilliant golden hue.
Rocky Mountain National Park: With its diverse ecosystems, Rocky Mountain National Park provides a wealth of fall color opportunities. Trails like the Bierstadt Lake Loop, Bear Lake Loop, and Fern Lake Trail offer picturesque views of golden aspen groves against the backdrop of towering mountains.
Kenosha Pass: Situated on the Colorado Trail, Kenosha Pass is renowned for its expansive aspen groves that create a stunning display of yellow and gold. The Colorado Trail offers a relatively easy hike and rewards visitors with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains.
Kebler Pass: Located in the Gunnison National Forest, Kebler Pass is famous for its aspen groves, often referred to as one of the largest living organisms on Earth. The pass offers scenic drives and hiking trails, such as the Lake Irwin Loop and the Lost Lake Trail, that showcase the vibrant fall foliage.
Telluride: The town of Telluride and its surrounding area are known for their captivating fall colors. Hikes like the Jud Wiebe Trail and Bear Creek Falls Trail provide opportunities to immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of autumn hues while enjoying breathtaking mountain vistas.
Indian Peaks Wilderness: Just outside of Boulder, the Indian Peaks Wilderness offers a variety of trails that meander through stunning fall foliage. The Isabelle Glacier Trail and Mitchell Lake Trail are popular choices that showcase the vibrant colors of the aspen trees set against the rugged alpine landscapes.
Grand Mesa: As the largest flat-topped mountain in the world, Grand Mesa boasts a diverse range of ecosystems and a multitude of trails for exploring fall colors. The Land O' Lakes Trail and Crag Crest Trail offer breathtaking views of aspen groves and the surrounding mesas.
Conclusion
This was my first time to Colorado so I know I missed a few location but I'm already planning a trip for next year. You can find many of my images from Colorado in the premium fine art galleries. When is the best time to see fall colors in Colorado? Usually from mid-September though mid-October. Colorado fall color photography workshops happen throughout the fall. If you're new to photography, these are a great way to get started with the basics of fall color photography. Find the Colorado Fall Color map and be prepared for a lot of driving. The locations I mentioned aren't all the areas. Colorado fall color goes through most of the state so we had to choose where to go with the time we had.
Standing at the Dallas Divide near Ridgway, Colorado just after a storm rolled through the area showing off the brilliant fall color. I couldn't help but to make a panoramic image with so much color. A single image would not do this scene justice. The pointy peak in the background is Mount Sneffels standing 14,158 feet tall and located in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Limited Edition of 100 prints available.
The day started out with broken clouds and some sunshine. By mid day the rain came in and never let up until sunset. We set off of to explore the Million Dollar Highway past Ouray, Colorado up to Red Mountain Pass. As the road winds up the pass, you get amazing views down the valley so I had to get the shot. A single image would not do the scene justice so I chose to shoot a panoramic image. Comprised to 6 vertical images, this scene captures the beauty of the Colorado fall color. Limited Edition of 100 prints available.
While photographing thIs Japanese Maple tree in Kubota Gardens in Seattle. The twisted trunks of the Japanese Maple Trees are unlike other trees. The fall color of the Japanese Maple trees turns a vibrant red and orange for a couple weeks a year. Limited edition of 100 prints available.
