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Fall Color Photography in Colorado

Fantastic Photo Locations

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San Juan Mountains: A Golden Landscape

The San Juan Mountains are the crown jewel of Colorado’s fall photography scene. This rugged mountain range, with its jagged peaks and expansive forests, transforms into a sea of gold in late September through early October.

The aspens here symbolize resilience and interconnectedness, key tenets in many pagan traditions. As the trees shed their leaves in preparation for winter, they remind us that endings are merely beginnings in disguise.

For photographers, the San Juan Mountains offer a dramatic backdrop where light dances across the peaks and valleys, creating opportunities for both grand landscapes and intimate, detailed shots of the golden foliage.

Ridgway and the Dallas Divide: A Portal to Autumn’s Splendor

Just west of the San Juan Mountains lies Ridgway, a charming town that serves as a gateway to some of the best fall photography in Colorado. The nearby Dallas Divide, with its stunning view of Mount Sneffels, is an iconic spot for capturing the essence of fall.

Here, the mountains rise majestically above the vibrant aspen forests, creating an awe-inspiring contrast between the earthy tones of the trees and the snow-dusted peaks.

Mountains often symbolize a connection between the earth and the divine—a place where heaven and earth meet. Standing before Mount Sneffels in the fall, it’s easy to see why. The view is both grounding and uplifting, a perfect spot for photographers seeking to capture the sacredness of the land during this time of year.

Dallas Divide and Last Dollar Road: A Journey through Time

The Dallas Divide and Last Dollar Road offer some of the most iconic fall landscapes in Southwest Colorado. The majestic view of Mount Sneffels framed by golden aspens is one of the most photographed spots in the region, and it’s easy to see why.

This area, located near Ridgway, offers sweeping views of ranches and aspen groves, blending the natural and human landscapes.

The changing leaves here are a metaphor for the cycles of death and rebirth. The fall season reminds us that life is a cycle of endings and new beginnings, a central theme in many traditions. The road, winding through the aspens, feels like a journey through time, connecting us with the land’s ancient rhythms.

Dallas Divide ~ Easy Access

This area is BUSY! Everyone and their dog and grandma love to capture Dallas Divide in the fall season, especially when there is snow on the peaks and the color is peak in the valley below.

Photography Gear to Bring to Colorado

Here are the things I bring with me as a basic kit, yours may differ, and I add or remove things depending on what is available to shoot.

• Tripod
• Lens Cloths
• ND Filters
• Polarizer (helps to bring out those fall colors)
• Remote Trigger
• Wide Angle
• Zoom Lens
• Telephoto Lens
• A knee pad or chair
• Warm Clothes
• Lots of batteries

Mount Sneffels Range ~

Free Fall Photography in Southwest Colorado

One of the great things about fall photography in Southwest Colorado is that you don’t need expensive permits or equipment to access these incredible locations.

Many of the best spots, like Last Dollar Road, Dallas Divide, and the various lakes, are free to visit, though some may require a small fee for parking. The simplicity of access aligns beautifully with honoring nature’s gifts as they are, without the need for commercialization or material accumulation.

Pro Tip: Always carry a map or have offline GPS when heading to these locations. The roads, especially Last Dollar Road, can be challenging in wet conditions, but the views are worth it. And don’t forget your polarizing filter to enhance the colors and reduce glare from the leaves!

Colorado Gallery

Here is a small sample of some of my images in my Colorado Gallery, please head over to take a look.

Million Dollar Highway: A Photographer’s Dream

The Million Dollar Highway, a stretch of U.S. Route 550 between Ouray and Silverton, is one of the most scenic drives in Colorado and an absolute must for fall photography. This narrow, winding road offers jaw-dropping views of the San Juan Mountains, with sheer cliffs on one side and dense aspen groves on the other.

It’s a drive that requires both patience and a sense of adventure, but the photographic rewards are immense.

Along the Million Dollar Highway, you’ll encounter countless opportunities to stop and capture the beauty of fall. From sweeping mountain vistas to close-ups of aspen groves, the variety of scenes along this road ensures that you’ll leave with a full memory card.

This amazing road could be seen as a metaphor for life’s journey—a winding, sometimes treacherous path that ultimately leads to transformation and renewal.

A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense. ~ Ansel Adams

Trout Lake, Crystal Lake, Lizard Head Pass, and Ironton: Hidden Gems for Fall Photography

While the big names like Mt. Sneffels and the Dallas Divide often steal the spotlight, some lesser-known locations offer equally breathtaking opportunities for fall photography in Southwest Colorado. Trout Lake, located just outside of Telluride, is one such hidden gem.

The lake reflects the golden aspens that line its shores, creating a mirror image of the vibrant fall colors against the backdrop of the San Juan Mountains. This serene spot is perfect for capturing the quiet, reflective beauty of autumn, reminding us of the pagan idea of balance between light and dark, life and death.

As you journey along the Lizard Head Pass, be sure to stop at the many random pullouts that offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The winding road reveals hidden corners of fall beauty that are often missed by those racing to the bigger, more popular spots.

These random stops are perfect for capturing the unexpected moments that nature offers—a deer crossing a stream or the way the afternoon light filters through the leaves.

Finally, the Ironton ghost town, nestled in the Red Mountain Pass, offers a unique blend of history and fall color. The old mining town, with its weathered cabins and rusting equipment, stands in stark contrast to the vibrant hues of the surrounding aspen trees.

Ironton feels like a reminder of the transient nature of human endeavor, while the land endures and thrives. This juxtaposition of decay and renewal is a powerful symbol of the cycles we honor in pagan beliefs, and it creates a truly compelling subject for fall photography.

These hidden spots in Southwest Colorado provide not only stunning fall colors but also a deeper connection to the land’s rhythms, offering an opportunity to capture the magic of transformation that defines this sacred season.

Wilson Peak, Ophir Trees, Cushman Lake, and Owl Creek Pass: A Photographic Journey

Wilson Peak, one of Colorado’s most iconic mountains, offers a stunning backdrop for fall photography with its dramatic, jagged summit framed by golden aspens.

It’s easily recognizable from the town of Telluride, and during autumn, the peak seems to rise from a sea of gold, creating breathtaking landscape compositions. The peak is a symbol of strength and endurance, reflecting the pagan reverence for the ancient and unchanging forces of nature.

Nearby, the Ophir trees provide a more intimate fall experience. Ophir, a small, off-the-beaten-path town, is surrounded by dense groves of aspens that come alive with color each fall.

Walking through these aspen groves feels like stepping into a sacred space, where the vibrant yellow leaves flicker like candles in the wind, illuminating the path for photographers seeking to capture nature’s quiet, mystical moments.

Top Left to Bottom left clockwise: Ophir Trees, Wilsons Peak, Owl Creek Pass, Cushman Lake.

Cushman Lake, tucked away in the San Juan Mountains, offers tranquil waters reflecting the golden hues of autumn. The calm surface of the lake creates a mirror-like effect, doubling the beauty of the surrounding landscape. This kind of symmetry in nature can evoke feelings of balance and harmony—a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things.

Lastly, Owl Creek Pass is a hidden gem, winding through dramatic canyons and dense forests. In fall, the pass is lined with colorful aspens and offers sweeping views of the rugged peaks beyond. It’s a place where you can truly connect with the land, finding moments of solitude to reflect on the changing season and the eternal cycles that govern both nature and human life.

Conclusion: Fall in Southwest Colorado as a Sacred Experience

Fall photography in Colorado is more than just capturing vibrant colors—it’s about witnessing the turning of the seasons, honoring the cycles of life, and connecting with the earth on a deeper level. Whether you’re standing before the golden aspens, the majestic peaks, or the sweeping vistas of Dallas Divide, let the land speak to you.

Let the colors of the aspens, the rugged peaks, and the quiet moments of reflection guide your lens. And remember, as the trees shed their leaves and prepare for winter, so too can we let go of what no longer serves us, preparing for our own cycles of renewal.