Colorado High

I had the opportunity to spend a few days last week in Colorado, specifically in the Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak area.

What a treat! During the course of my stay I made some extended drives on scenic byways in areas west of Colorado Springs. During those drives I experienced some of the best fall foliage I have ever seen, in many ways equal to the most magnificient fall colors we experience here in the Appalachian mountains in North and South Carolina, but with the added plus of really wide and grand vistas.

With any luck and good timing you will find me back in that area in fall 2006 for more than a few days, with the ULF cameras.

Sandy

sanking said:

I had the opportunity to spend a few days last week in Colorado, specifically in the Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak area.

What a treat! During the course of my stay I made some extended drives on scenic byways in areas west of Colorado Springs. During those drives I experienced some of the best fall foliage I have ever seen, in many ways equal to the most magnificient fall colors we experience here in the Appalachian mountains in North and South Carolina, but with the added plus of really wide and grand vistas.

With any luck and good timing you will find me back in that area in fall 2006 for more than a few days, with the ULF cameras.

Sandy

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Sandy, Yes this is the time of year that the aspens turn in the high country. Let me know if you have the opportunity to return, I have lived there and may be able to share some locations with you.

I hate to ask, but did you take a picture or two (in color, E6 perhaps)? tim

Hi Don,

Thanks for your comments. As I indicated, there is a strong chance I will return to the area next year, and any information on good sites or sharing of locations would be very much appreciated.

Best,

Sandy

Donald Miller said:

Sandy, Yes this is the time of year that the aspens turn in the high country. Let me know if you have the opportunity to return, I have lived there and may be able to share some locations with you.

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Pagosa Springs is a nice area down by the border but it's been awhile since I've been there. I know alot of people had moving there when I went thru but the scenery was gorgeous. Do a google search. There's also a webcam at http://pagosa.com/webcams.htm

Sandy,

There is a great deal to see in Colorado. Here are some of my favorite spots.

Eagles Nest Wilderness north of Silverthorne, Colorado

Ten Mile Canyon between Frisco, Colorado and Copper Mountain Ski Area

Collegiate Peaks between Leadville and Buena Vista, Colorado

Independence Pass SW of Leadville to Aspen, Colorado

Great Sand Dunes NM near Alamosa, Colorado

Wolf Creek Pass east of Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Crede, Colorado

Slumgullan Pass, Cinammon Pass, and Engineer Pass near Lake City Colo. (last two passes will require 4WD that can be rented locally)...Awesome place.

The more scenic areas are those from Independence Pass westward to Lake City, Colo.

I'm very jealous. The Colorado high country is my favorite place in the world, especially in early summer and fall. It can be breathtaking.

noseoil said:

I hate to ask, but did you take a picture or two (in color, E6 perhaps)? tim

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What a question. In fact, I ran out of color film in 120 size, both C41 and E6, during the course oif the trip. And I started with several dozen rolls!!

Sandy

Kind of fun reading the comments on my back yard! The locations listed are the normal tourist locations, where you will find the most visible tripod tracks. My advice would be to get off the beaten path and see the beauty of Colorado's high country. Salida, Marshall Pass, Monarch Pass, Tomichi Pass, Hancock Pass, Williams Pass, Altman Pass, Tincup Pass, Cumberland
Pass. See the tiny town of Como and the old South Park engine house, then travel over Boreas pass to the ski areas around Breckenridge. Go West on I 70 through Glenwood Canyon and swim in the hot springs. The Maroon Bells
are a bit South and West of Glenwood, and will display the largest group of "Tri Pod" tracks I have ever seen in one place. WH Jackson, LC McLure, were among the first to visit this area. If you like to hike, The Mt Of The Holy Cross is outstanding. Jackson visited there in 1873 and shortly after by Thomas Moran who in 1875 painted his master piece "The Mount Of the Holy Cross" Then exhibited it to the world in 1876. With a hand camera ride the Durango & Silverton narrow gauge railroad, be on the right side for shots of the Rockwood ledge and Animas River and the Engine snaking around curves
in front of you. Buena Vista, Cottonwood Pass, Independence Pass, Leadville, Mosquito Pass, Fairplay all have fantastic vistas. Travel up Chalk Creek on the old Denver South Park and Pacific railroad grade to St. Elmo, then on up grade to the former mining railroad town of Hancock. A three mile hike will take you to the east portal of the Alpine Tunnel. Another 45 minute hike over Altman Pass will put you at the East portal of the Alpine Tunnel. These few locations I have mentioned are taken from thousands of fantastic "Photo opps" available here in Colorado. Come on down to Canon City and ride the train through the Royal Gorge, then go over to the Gunnison country and take the boat ride through the "The Black Canyon of the Gunnison. From there you can head for lake City, Slumgullion Pass, Cinnamon Pass, Animas Forks and Engineers Mountain ( Pass). Nuff suggestions for now, but there truly are many many scenic wonders "in my back yard" for a "picture maker" to aim his boxes at. Bring all the film you think you will need, then double that amount..........Take Care, Charlie

Durango & Silverton Railroad

Charles, here is one of the first shots I took, in 2000, which started me on my present journey into large format. My old 35mm Fujica STX-1's light meter had died years before, so I just guessed at exposures and had decent luck with the Velvia. This was taken at about the area you suggested on the train going up the hill. Beautiful country, spectacular views and a wonderful ride back in time. The history of this train is fascinating as well. tim

P.S. Obligatory lousy scan