Fall Photography in Colorado (Part 2)

Crested Butte to Durango

This leg takes you all the way to Durango, (fun fact: one of our co-founders is a Durango native!) Durango is also the home of the Horizons Fall Photography Conference, a weekend full of inspiration, learning, connection, and, of course, photography!

Crested Butte - Gunnison

Head south to Gunnison. Need a bite? The Dive Gunnison is a great local stop.

Photograph by Shanda Akin

Gunnison - Montrose - Ouray

Continue toward Montrose, then turn south onto US-550. This stretch takes you into Ouray, nicknamed the “Switzerland of America.” Expect hot springs, cozy cafes, quirky shops, and mountain charm at every corner.

Ouray - Silverton

This section is UNFORGETTABLE. The Million Dollar Highway lives up to its name, some say it refers to the construction cost, others to the fear factor (Not for a million dollars would I drive that again!”) With no guardrails, tight switchbacks, and breathtaking drop-offs, it’s a wild ride with world-class views. Take it slow and stop as often as possible, your camera and your friends will thank you.

This is also the route we will take you for our Fall Drive Field Trip with speaker Dusty Doddridge. Let us do the driving and take you to the best viewpoints so you can enjoy the views and make amazing photographs.

Photograph by Shanda Akin in Silverton, Colorado

Silverton - Molas Pass - Durango

Roll into Silverton, a historic mining town filled with preserved Victorian architecture and home to the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

From there, head up and over Molas Pass, soaking in the dramatic views of the Needle Mountains, and make your way to Durango.

Next stop: the Horizons Fall Photography Conference

We’ll see you there, camera in hand and eyes wide open.

Photograph by Shanda Akin