Grand Mesa Fall Colors

[IntrepidXJ]

Autumnal Equinox | Fall Colors 2014
Monday, September 22, 2014

After getting home from the San Juan Mountains on Sunday, I turned my attention to photographing local fall colors this week. I did a little research online and found that the colors up on the Grand Mesa were looking pretty good right now, so I decided to head up there after work. I spent much of the evening photographing the colors between Spruce Point, Mesa Lakes and Skyway Point since they were looking pretty good in this area. The clearing clouds from the weekend storms created dynamic lighting conditions and a beautiful magenta sunset. It was a nice way to spend the evening. While I didn't plan it this way, it just so happens that today was also the autumnal equinox, the official beginning of the fall season, so I guess it's fitting that I was out photographing fall colors today.

This vibrant group of aspen trees caught my attention as I drove by, so I had to stop and get a closer look.


Bright by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Orange by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A rainbow of color: yellows, greens, reds and oranges.


Rainbow by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Tracks in the fallen leaves along a Forest Service road.


Tracks by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A group of golden aspen along the rocky shore of Mesa Lake.


Reflection & Color by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A tunnel of yellow aspen trees curve over the road.


Tunnel by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

View over the West Bench from near Skyway Point.


West Bench by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Clouds by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Distant Lake by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Sea of Color by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Chalk Mountain framed by fall colors.


Chalk Mountain by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Framed by Color by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I really like this one.


Grand Mesa Colors by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A colorful drive along the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway.


Scenic Drive by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Backlit Color by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Hillside by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The view from Skyway Point shortly before sunset.


Skyway Point by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I like the layers in this one.


Distant Layers by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A beautiful magenta sunset over the West Bench.


Grand Mesa Sunset by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Magenta Sky by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

>> Grand Mesa Fall Colors Photo Gallery
>> The Original Trip Report on ADVENTR.CO

 

[hankincolorado]

Sweet! Great pics,...

 

[RubiChris]

Spectacular shots!

 

[Sierra Valley]

beautiful

 

[Willman]

Breathtaking shots!

 

[kmacafee]

wow

 

[nwoods]

WOW is right!

 

[Xterabl]

"I really like this one."

Agreed. There's almost an illusion as if trees are growing from both bottom-up and top-down...which forces you to "look twice" and get drawn in.
That pic could grace many a wall in many a home in many a place.

BTW, thanks for taking the time to post so many fantastic trips and photos.
The amount of collective awe, jealousy, and inspiration you create with each new posting is significant...and that's a wonderful thing!

 

[compactcamping]

Randy, thanks for the great shoots. We have a family cabin on Grand Mesa, unfortunately I live in OR, so don't get to use it much.

 

[Wilbah]

Wow....beautiful pics! I would love to see your camera trained on some of the fall colors in VT/NH/ME some time. Sadly when I do it they look like my kids fingerpaintings.