There’s something magical about Colorado in the fall. With camera in hand, my wife and I set out to capture its grandeur, a journey that began in Estes Park and led me across some of the most iconic landscapes in the state. From the vibrant colors of the aspens to the primal energy of the elk rut, our fall exploration was nothing short of mesmerizing. The crisp air and dramatic scenery felt like stepping into a postcard, offering endless opportunities for photography enthusiasts.
Our first stop was Rocky Mountain National Park, where the sights and sounds of the bull elk rut filled the air with excitement. The majestic creatures called out to their rivals, their bugling echoing through the cool morning mist. It was an awe-inspiring scene, especially near Sprague Lake, where the autumn hues painted the landscape golden. Later, I wandered to Bear Lake, its glassy surface reflecting the fiery orange and red trees that bordered the lake, creating a perfect mirror of the fall foliage. For a photographer, this place was paradise.
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Leaving the park, we made our way toward Dillon Reservoir near Frisco, Colorado. This alpine lake, surrounded by towering peaks dusted with early snow, contrasted beautifully with the warm autumn colors along its shores. The calm waters begged for long-exposure shots, and the gentle waves rippling across the lake added a peaceful dynamic to my images. The surrounding forests, filled with aspens in peak color, provided a stunning backdrop for capturing the essence of Colorado in the fall.
Continuing south, we stopped in Leadville, Colorado. This old mining town, nestled among some of the highest peaks in the Rockies, exudes a historic charm. After a quick exploration, I ventured up Independence Pass, an iconic and winding route that climbs above the treeline, offering panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Here, the aspen groves seemed to stretch forever, their golden leaves shimmering in the gentle breeze. I spent the night in nearby Aspen, ready for the next day’s adventure.
The next morning, we set out to hike the Castle Creek Trail before visiting the world-famous Maroon Bells. As the sun rose, the Maroon Bells reflected perfectly on the still waters below. To our surprise, a family of moose grazed nearby, providing an incredible photo opportunity. Seeing such wildlife amid the pristine beauty of the Rockies was a reminder of how wild and untouched this region still is, despite its popularity.
After Aspen, we headed to Marble, Colorado, in search of the legendary Crystal Mill. The off-road journey was rugged, but the reward was well worth the effort. The mill, perched precariously above a rushing river, was framed by golden aspens and towering peaks—a photographer's dream. The historic structure, with its rustic charm, was the perfect contrast to the natural beauty that surrounded it.
From Marble, we ventured across Kebler Pass, known for one of the largest aspen groves in North America. The trees were in full color, with shades of yellow, orange, and gold lighting up the landscape. The vastness of the grove was breathtaking, and I found myself stopping every few minutes to capture the beauty that unfolded with each turn of the road.
Finally, we made our way toward Montrose to visit the dramatic Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The sharp, rugged cliffs of the canyon offered a completely different kind of landscape, one where shadows danced along the steep walls. We stayed the night nearby, preparing for the final leg of our journey to Telluride via Last Dollar Road, where golden aspen forests stretched as far as the eye could see with the majestic San Juan Mountains standing proudly in the distance. Ending our adventure, I tackled the infamous Million Dollar Highway to Ouray and Silverton, a winding road that clings to the cliffs—thrilling and terrifying, but undeniably worth the views.
As we pulled into Silverton, the trip came to a close, but the images and memories I gathered will last a lifetime. Colorado in the fall is a photographer’s paradise, and 2024 will be remembered as the year I captured the wild beauty of the Rockies in all their golden glory.
See all of my images at dansproul.com
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