Is there any place as beautiful as western Colorado during the peak of the fall leaf-color season? I am sure there is, but this has to rank near the top. This year was no exception. The colors were vibrant and persisted. A little timely snow at higher elevations made for exciting photo opportunities.
When I signed on to work at Colorado National Monument this summer, the opportunity to live in western Colorado and photograph the region during fall color greatly influenced my decision. In 2010, I had visited the same region for fall color photography. I vowed then that I would revisit the area again. I didn’t know it would take me 13 years, though, to return.
One of my personal favorite areas for fall color is the San Juan Mountain range, near Ridgway, CO. I was not disappointed.
Traversing County Road 7 southwest of Ridgway, I rounded a bend in the road and was treated to a beautiful landscape.
Driving further down the road (towards the mountains in the above picture), I did some exploring off the unpaved road. Thankfully, I had packed my muck boots before leaving Iowa in June. They came in quite useful as I explored the valley floor, looking for different photo opportunities.
Headed up the Dallas Divide on Highway 62 provides many photo opportunities.
Further to the west, the Last Dollar Road provides access to a unique feature, sometimes referred to as drunken Aspens.
I thoroughly enjoyed the fall-color season in Southwestern Colorado. My only regret was not taking off a week of work to spend more time exploring.
Super Images. Beautiful colors as always, Mr. Stan.
Thank you Don and Pam. The colors were magnificent this year.
Stan, this is cousin Kathleen. I love your quiet sense of humor. And I also learn something every time I read your newsletter …thank you for always sharing.
Thank you Kathleen. It is always great to hear from you.
You have some photo’s that could be a feature hanging in a public place…keep “shooting”…Myron Johnson
Thank you for the compliment. I need to develop a plan of what I want to do with my images some day.
Those are some of my favorite photos Stan. Thank you so much. My Christmas cards will arrive soon!!! Have a Blessed Peaceful Christmas.
Thank you Sue. I look forward to receiving your Christmas card. I hope you and your family have a terrific day today, celebrating Christmas.
The trees reflecting on the water, absolutely perfect!
Thank you Joel. I had to wait for the sun to hit the foreground but the wait was worth it.
Gorgeous pictures, Stan! The reflection photo is breath taking…hard to believe any place is that calm…
Thank you. I had to wade in water to get there. I only stepping in deep water once that was over my boot. Fortunately, I had on my winter coveralls, which stopped the water from running into my boot.
Beautiful pictures!! Love Colorado
Me too Diane. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to travel the SW quadrant of Colorado while working out there for 5 months.
Your photos are always so stunning yet calming. Breathtaking. Thank you and Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you too Carol. Thank you for your compliments.