astv99 Offline Upload & Sell: On
|
I did my own investigation of the fall colors all day today (9/28). My route was Hwy 285 southwest from Denver over Kenosha Pass, a quick swing by the south end of Boreas Pass, over to Cottonwood Pass near Buena Vista, then up to Twin Lakes and the east end of Independence Pass (didn't bother going up past effective treeline for the aspens).
I didn't take any pics until I got to Cottonwood Pass because everything up until then was very early. Hwy 285 in general needs at least another week. The most color along Hwy 285 was at the Kenosha Pass summit near the Colorado trail, but even that was very sparse. The south end of Boreas Pass was also very green and needs another week at least. It was only about 15-20% yellow. The entire area between Fairplay and Grant on Hwy 285 was still very green and I'd guess will need another week or so to peak.
Cottonwood Pass was early in general and needs another week to develop. The summit of Cottonwood Pass was blanketed in snow, so those looking for wintry backdrops may want to head there.
The east end of Independence Pass was better, with a good general mix of yellows, light reds, and pale greens. The groves below Mt Elbert were very colorful from a distance, and the general area around Twin Lakes including the Mt Elbert Dam should be very good in a few more days. Lots of awesome views in that area that will look especially good at sunrise.
Glad I headed up today, it reassured me that next weekend should be prime for most of the fall color in the state, as I made plans to head to Aspen & Kebler Pass for 10/4-7.
These are all just quick handheld snapshots. No processing except for sharpening & levels tweaks, otherwise straight out of camera.
Cottonwood Pass
Cottonwood Pass summit
Twin Lakes area, facing Mt Elbert
Lower east end of Independence Pass, 1
Lower east end of Independence Pass, 2
Up near Mt Elbert Dam (above Twin Lakes), facing the mountain
|