Fall is here! Last weekend, I made a trip into the mountains to see the fall colors. On Saturday, I arrived at Cottonwood Pass shortly before sunset. The aspen trees were still green at at base of the pass. About half way up the pass, they took on their yellow fall colors.
Aspen On Cottonwood Pass
On Sunday morning, I was up before sunrise, packed up the tent and headed to Twin Lakes and Mount Elbert. Looking down towards the lakes, were these aspen peeping out from the pine trees.
Colorado Gold On Mount Elbert
Looking up, I was rewarded with the gold against the clear blue sky.
Aspen And Blue Sky, Mount Elbert
This summer was extremely dry. This weekend was no exception with no clouds in the sky until Sunday sunset — there were about six wanabe clouds down south towards Gunnison! It was so dry that that driving on dirt roads kicked up tons of dust. This evening it rained down here in the city; I hope the mountains got some too.
With all the aspen, we must not forget about the little guys. The forest floor is covered with low growing plants. These plants typically turn orange and red to complement the aspen gold.
Don't Forget The Little Guys
The road up Mount Elbert meanders though the forest, forming an avenue of aspen.
Avenue Of Aspen On Mount Elbert
Finally, here are glowing aspen leaves, up close and personal.
Colorado Gold, Up Close