I had a week off in late September for my annual fall colors shoot--but it was too early this year; the leaves changed about a week-10 days late. So, once back to work, I eyed the weather for a couple opportunites to make quick day trips to the mountains, to catch the peak colors. This was my first whirlwind tour--I snuck it in on a day off so I had a full 24 hours to play with. Drove over Monarch Pass, on to Ohio and Kebler Passes (in the pouring rain), then slid down to 133 and McClure Pass. Next morning, shot Maroon Bells and the Aspen area, then back over Independence Pass and on home! Nothing beats bad weather for good photography. All the mud in my car was well worth it. Here's the highlites!
Over the Divide
The aspen going over Monarch Pass were near peak. Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Split Decision
Neat mix of evergreens and aspen. Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Standing Tall
It started raining harder as I went over Ohio Pass, and I began to wonder how far I'd get with 2WD! Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
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Ferns in White
The famous Kebler ferns. Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
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Marcellina Madness
Marcellina Mountain in its foggy glory. Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
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Marcellina II
Close up of a fresh waterfall. Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
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Ragged Weather
Zooming in on the Raggeds from Dark Canyon. Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
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Raggeds Pano
Panorama pf the Raggeds, as a slight break in the storm allows a quick view. Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Mega-Raggeds
This is a 10 image stitch--nearly 80 million pixels! Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Raggeds Fall I
Fog and Fall are a winning combination! Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
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Apparition
The Raggeds, from the approach to McClure Pass. Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
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Out of the Void
Amazing juxtaposition of cloud and trees. Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
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McClure
The colors were not great at McClure this year--but the weather was! Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
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Maroon Sunrise
I ditched the crowds for my favorite spot on the far side of Maroon Lake, where you can always get a good look at the magnificent fall sunrises! Note line of 60+ photographers way on the shoreline. Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
My Bells
The other direction, the famous Maroon Bells from the untraditional far side of the lake. Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
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Maroon Light I
Close up as the sun rises on Maroon Bells. Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
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Maroon Light II
Vertical orientation. Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
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Green and Yellow
I was struck by the vivid greens welcoming the brilliant yellows of Fall. This is a view from creek above Maroon Lake; it was a bit slippery on the rocks! Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
A Walk in the Woods
A look at the trail up towards West Maroon, Maroon Bells, Snowmass Wilderness. Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
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Fall Above
On the way back up Maroon Creek, I scrambled up this steep hillside to get a shot of the brilliant aspen up higher. These plants led my eye upwards. Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
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Unsettled Aspen
The morning light was terrific in the Maroon valley--where the aspen are second to none! Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
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Stark Independence
A few inches of wet snow covered the tundra at Independence Pass at 12,000 feet. The storm light was amazing. Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Independence
Coming down the Pass towards Twin Lakes, a view down the valley.
That's all from this trip.
Nothing Beats a Fall Storm in Colorado!
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.