Fall Colors 2013
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Getting out on the last weekend of September to check out the fall colors in Colorado is kind of a tradition of mine, and this year would be no different, even if the colors are a little behind this year. On Saturday, Kelly and I headed up to the San Juan Mountains between Ouray and Silverton for a day trip just to see how the colors were. We found the best color between Ouray and Red Mountain Pass with the best display around Ironton Park and Crystal Lake. Lucky for us, a recent storm had capped the surrounding mountains with fresh snow, too! We spent the morning hiking around Crystal Lake and taking plenty of photos.
The Red Mountains reflected in the rippled water of Crystal Lake.
Crystal Lake by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
The colors of fall reflected on the water below.
Color Reflection by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Red Mountain #1 coated with fresh snow and framed by aspen trees.
Fresh Snow by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
There was a very thin layer of ice on this small tarn that reflects Red Mountain #1
Icy Reflection by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
The Red Mountains and calmer water.
Red Mountains Reflection by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Closeup of this vibrant mountainside.
Colorful Mountainside by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Brown Mountain covered in fresh snow above aspen changing from green to gold.
Changing by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
On the road to Ironton.
Ironton Road by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Changing colors and snow-capped peaks over Red Mountain Creek.
Changing Colors by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Of course, I had to take a photo of the famous Yankee Girl.
Yankee Girl by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Red Mountain #2 visible between tall pine trees.
Through the Trees by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Before heading back home for the day we made a quick trip up to the Dallas Divide to see how the colors were coming along. As I figured, there was still a lot of green, but I did like the light on Mount Sneffels and the hills in the foreground.
Sneffels Sunset by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr