Fall Color in the Rockies – Looking Back

Mammals, Mountains, Scenery / By

Cooler fall weather gives me a longing for a trip to the Rocky Mountains. It conjures up thoughts of fall color, mountains, early fresh snowfall events, and wildlife. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to head west this fall due to starting a new job in June.

So, this post is a reflection back to 2017, when I spent two weeks in Western Wyoming.

Ideally, I prefer the last week of September and first week in October if I go to Wyoming. If Colorado, a week or two later is good for fall color. Of course, the colors are influenced by latitude and elevation.

Driving north through Star Valley, I randomly selected a road heading west out of Etna, WY. Within a few miles, I crossed into Idaho and the Caribou National Forest. It was a great little detour.

A multitude of fall colors blanketed this valley with the Salt River Range in the background. Canon 1D X + 24-105mm lens at 60mm, ISO 400, f8, 1/400 ©Stanley Buman. All Rights Reserved, 2017, Caribou National Forest, ID.

The weather in the Rockies changes frequently. Only a couple hours earlier, I had been driving in a snowfall event. And, further north there was fresh snow in the Tetons.

When the winds are calm, String Lake offers scenic reflection shots. Take your boots so you can wade out from shore. Canon 1D X + 16-35mm lens at 16mm, ISO 400, f18, 1/200 ©Stanley Buman. All Rights Reserved, 2017, Grand Teton National Park.

These dramatic clouds and sky are a remnant of a passing storm system in the Teton Range. Canon 1D Mark IV + 70-200mm lens at 130mm, ISO 400, f8, 1/1250 ©Stanley Buman. All Rights Reserved, 2017, Grand Teton National Park.

Further to the north, fresh snow had already blanketed the upper elevation of the Absaroka Range on the east side of Yellowstone National Park.

Looking east across Yellowstone Lake with the Absaroka Range in the distance. Canon 1D Mark IV + 70-200mm lens at 75mm, ISO 400, f11, 1/200 ©Stanley Buman. All Rights Reserved, 2017, Yellowstone National Park, WY.

Of course, a trip to Wyoming wouldn’t be the right if I didn’t spend time photographing wildlife. Bears are fattening up before their winter hibernation; or more accurately described as entering into a deep sleep called torpor.

This Black Bear was fattening up on berries along the Moose-Wilson Road. Canon 1D X + 600mm lens & 2x teleconverter, ISO 400, f8, 1/400 ©Stanley Buman. All Rights Reserved, 2017, Grand Teton National Park.

I will miss my fall trip to the Rockies this year; maybe next year.

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6 thoughts on “Fall Color in the Rockies – Looking Back”

  2. Sue Way

    Nice to see new pictures (well new to me) I hope you are able to get a trip in soon. This year has certainly been one to teach patience and find ways to support those around us.

    1. Stan Buman

      Sue, it is good to hear from you. I hope all is going well for you. I will miss my fall travel this year. It isn’t so much Covid related as starting a new job.

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