Fall Photography in Colorado (Part 1)
A Road Trip Through Gold
Fall in Colorado is nothing short of magical; crisp alpine air, golden aspens and cottonwoods lighting up the hillsides, oak brush in fiery reds and oranges, snow dusted peaks in the distance, and the shimmering blues of alpine lakes. If you are lucky, you might even spot a moose or hear the call of bugling elk echoing through the trees.
Did you know Colorado is home to some of the most vibrant aspen groves in the country and the largest single aspen grove in the state? Keep reading to find out where to find it.
If you’re flying into Denver and heading to Durango, do yourself a favor: take the scenic route. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Photograph by Martha Montiel
Vail, Independent Pass & Aspen
Start by heading west on I-70 and make your way over to Vail Pass. Exit at Copper Mountain and drive toward Leadville, a historic mining town sitting at a breathtaking 10,151 feet. You’ll get sweeping views of Mount Elbert, Colorado’s tallest peak at 14,440 feet.
Next, wind your way up CO-82 to *Independence Pass, one of my all-time favorite drives. Every pull-off is a photo op. Descend into Aspen and, if time allows, hop on the shuttle to visit the iconic Maroon Bells. It’s a Colorado classic for a reason.
From Aspen, head to Carbondale (fun fact: one of our co-founders is a Carbondale native!) Continue south on CO-133 over McClure Pass.
*Independence Pass opens after Memorial Day
The views here are incredible, especially at the top. Pass by Paonia Reservoir and take a left onto CO-12.
Kebler Pass
Now get ready for a real treat; Kebler Pass is home to Colorado’s largest aspen groves in the state, and it puts on an unforgettable display of fall color. I’ve seen moose relaxing near the little water holes along the way. The aspen grove in Kebler Pass is the second largest organism in the world, after Pando in Utah.
Feeling hungry? Grab a pizza and a beer at Secret Stash Pizza in Crested Butte, it’s worth the stop.
Photograph by Martha Montiel
We’ll share the second leg of this stunning road trip in our next newsletter. Yes, the beauty keeps going all the way to Durango - home of the Horizons Photography Conference.
