Suggestions on photographing fall color in Colorado
As a landscape photographer, I have always been drawn to the stunning beauty of Colorado in the fall. With its soaring mountains, golden aspen groves, and crisp autumn air, this state offers some of the most incredible opportunities for capturing the magic and majesty of the changing seasons.
Over the years, I have spent countless hours exploring the best locations for photographing fall colors in Colorado, and I am always amazed by the incredible diversity and beauty of the landscapes I encounter. From the rugged peaks of the San Juan Mountains to the rolling hills of the Front Range, there is no shortage of stunning vistas and hidden gems to discover.
One of my favorite locations for capturing fall colors is the iconic Maroon Bells near Aspen. This stunning landscape, with its towering peaks and shimmering aspen groves, is a true photographer's paradise. I love to arrive at the Bells early in the morning, just as the first rays of sunlight are starting to peek over the horizon. As the warm, golden light illuminates the landscape, the aspens come alive with an incredible display of yellows, oranges, and reds, creating a breathtaking contrast against the deep blue sky and snow-capped peaks.
To capture the true essence of the Maroon Bells in the fall, I often hike up to one of the many scenic overlooks in the area, such as Maroon Lake or Crater Lake. From these elevated vantage points, I can compose stunning panoramic shots that showcase the incredible scale and beauty of the landscape. I also like to experiment with different focal lengths and compositions, from wide-angle shots that capture the grandeur of the peaks to more intimate close-ups of the delicate aspen leaves.
Another must-visit location for fall color photography in Colorado is the Dallas Divide near Ridgway. This stunning landscape, with its rolling hills, winding roads, and expansive views of the San Juan Mountains, is a true gem of the American West. I love to arrive at the Dallas Divide just before sunset, when the warm, golden light is at its most stunning. As the sun dips below the horizon, the entire landscape is bathed in an incredible array of colors, from deep oranges and reds to soft pinks and purples.
To capture the true magic of the Dallas Divide in the fall, I often set up my tripod along one of the many scenic pullouts along the highway, looking for compositions that showcase the incredible depth and scale of the landscape. I also like to experiment with different shutter speeds and aperture settings to create a sense of motion and depth in my images, whether it's capturing the gentle movement of the grasses in the foreground or the soft, dreamy blur of the distant mountains.
For those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience, I highly recommend exploring the stunning fall colors of the West Elk Mountains near Crested Butte. This remote and rugged landscape, with its winding roads, hidden valleys, and expansive aspen groves, is a true photographer's paradise. I love to arrive in the West Elks early in the morning, when the soft, diffused light is at its most stunning. As the mist starts to lift off the valleys and the aspens start to glow in the warm, golden light, I feel like I have been transported to another world entirely.
To capture the true essence of the West Elk Mountains in the fall, I often hike deep into the backcountry, seeking out hidden groves and secluded vistas that showcase the incredible beauty and diversity of the landscape. I also like to experiment with different compositions and perspectives, from grand, sweeping vistas to more intimate, abstract shots of the colorful leaves and twisted trunks.
Of course, no discussion of fall color photography in Colorado would be complete without mentioning the iconic Peak to Peak Highway near Estes Park. This stunning drive, which winds its way through the heart of the Rocky Mountains, offers some of the most incredible views and aspen groves in the entire state. I love to arrive on the Peak to Peak just as the sun is starting to set, when the entire landscape is bathed in an incredible array of warm, golden hues.
To capture the true magic of the Peak to Peak Highway in the fall, I often stop at one of the many scenic overlooks along the route, such as Rainbow Curve or Many Parks Curve. From these elevated vantage points, I can compose stunning shots that showcase the incredible scale and beauty of the landscape, from the rugged peaks of the Continental Divide to the shimmering aspen groves that blanket the valleys below.
As a photographer, I am constantly in awe of the incredible beauty and diversity of Colorado in the fall. Whether I am capturing the grandeur of the Maroon Bells or the intimacy of a hidden aspen grove, I always feel a deep sense of connection to the land and the changing seasons. And with each photograph, I strive to share that sense of wonder and appreciation with others, inspiring them to seek out their own adventures and discoveries in this incredible state.
So if you are a fellow photographer or simply someone who loves the magic and beauty of the fall season, I cannot recommend a trip to Colorado highly enough. With its stunning landscapes, incredible colors, and endless opportunities for exploration and discovery, this state truly has something for everyone. And who knows – you may just discover your new favorite place, and create some incredible photographs and memories that will last a lifetime.
