Fall Colors of Colorado

Perfect for All Photographers
Whether you’re passionate about landscapes, drone photography, or capturing intimate details of nature, the San Juans offer unparalleled diversity. This region is a haven for creativity, from the shimmering golden forests reflected in alpine lakes to winding backroads that lead to hidden treasures. The crisp mountain air and ever-changing light create ideal conditions for producing stunning imagery.

Relax in Luxury After the Adventure
After a day of exploring and photographing these majestic landscapes, unwind at a luxury hot springs resort nestled in the mountains. Soak in natural mineral pools surrounded by breathtaking views and relax in upscale accommodations that blend comfort and elegance.

Join us for this unforgettable fall photo tour, where the vibrant colors of the San Juan Mountains will inspire your photography and leave you with memories to cherish forever.

Physical Difficulty: Easy. The average day hikes would be less than 2 miles.

Fitness Level: A reasonable degree of fitness is ideal for any outdoor activity, but we will not engage in strenuous physical activity.

Weather: Participants must be prepared for temperatures between 32°F and 70°F. Even if we are not traveling during the rainy season, we must be prepared for rainy and especially windy weather conditions.

Transportation: Included in the tour price except for the flights to and from Durango. 

Lodging: The Tour’s price includes hotels (double occupancy). For 3 nights in Ouray, we will stay at a hot spring resort. Participants can upgrade their lodging for a single occupancy for an additional $1,100. 

Meals are not included in the tour price except for breakfasts in the hot springs resort.  

Day 1. October 1, Wednesday

We’ll meet at Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) around noon to 1 PM, kicking off our adventure into the stunning San Juan Mountains. For those arriving a day early, we can pick you up from your hotels in Durango on our way out.

Our first stop will be a carefully chosen spot to photograph the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Steam Train as it passes through a scenic location surrounded by golden aspens. This classic fall scene adds a unique touch to our day.

Next, we’ll head deeper into the San Juan Mountains, making several stops to capture alpine lakes reflecting rugged mountain peaks, vibrant aspen groves, and even a scenic hot spring.

We’ll wrap up the day with a sunset shoot at one of the region’s mountain passes, where snow-dusted peaks and glowing fall colors create an unforgettable scene.

Afterward, we’ll return to Durango for a hearty dinner and a relaxing night at a comfortable hotel.

Day 2. October 2, Thursday

In the morning, we’ll have another opportunity to photograph the steam train traveling to Silverton. Drone enthusiasts can capture incredible shots of the train hugging the cliffs above the deep Animas River Canyon—a theatrical scene.

From there, we’ll head up to Molas Pass, where breathtaking alpine lakes surrounded by fall colors await.

Next, we’ll make a quick stop in Silverton, a charming historic town with picturesque streets, unique galleries, souvenir shops, and the historical train station where the steam train stops.

Our journey continues through the San Juan Mountains, exploring:

• Miners’ Ghost Towns steeped in history and character
• The iconic Red Mountains, glowing with vibrant colors
• Legendary old mines, including the photogenic Yankee Girl Mine

There will be plenty of drone photography opportunities throughout the day, capturing unique landscape angles.

We’ll also visit a scenic waterfall and end the day with a breathtaking view of Ouray from above, showcasing its stunning mountain backdrop.

We’ll unwind with dinner in the evening and spend the night at our comfortable hot springs resort. Multiple hot springs of varying temperatures promise ultimate relaxation after a full day of adventure.

Day 3. October 3, Friday

Our day begins with an early start, but the reward is immeasurable. We’ll position ourselves for a breathtaking sunrise with a panoramic view of the majestic Sneffels Mountain. 

After capturing the dawn’s brilliance, we’ll enter Telluride — a charming town in the middle of the San Juan Mountains. This historic mining town offers a different kind of photographic opportunity. We’ll take some time to explore its unique character, browsing through local art galleries showcasing stunning landscape photography and other creative works.

The afternoon takes us off the beaten path and onto a backcountry adventure via some mountain pass. This rugged road winds through breathtaking mountain scenery, offering unparalleled views and a sense of solitude that’s hard to find elsewhere. The aspen groves are often untouched and incredibly vibrant, creating a photographer’s paradise. We’ll have ample opportunities to stop and photograph the stunning panoramas, the close-up details of the aspen bark, and the interplay of light and shadow dancing through the leaves. Be prepared for a truly immersive experience surrounded by nature’s artistry.

We’ll venture off the main path to discover a picturesque canyon that cradles a secret waterfall for a touch of mystery and hidden beauty. The journey itself is part of the adventure, leading us through enchanting landscapes. This location provides unique photographic challenges and rewards, from capturing the silky smooth motion of the water to framing the falls within the dramatic canyon walls. Our instructors will guide you on using different shutter speeds and techniques to capture the essence of this hidden gem.

We’ll drive along one more picturesque back road as the day winds down.  This scenic route offers a culmination of the day’s experiences, showcasing a diverse tapestry of landscapes. The photographic opportunities are endless, from rolling meadows dotted with golden aspens to sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges. We’ll aim to capture the magic of the late afternoon light-painting the landscape in warm hues, creating a perfect ending to an unforgettable day of photography.

We will return to our resort for dinner in the evening and relax in the hot spring. 

Day 4. October 4, Saturday

Today’s plan is simple, beautiful, and hopefully within reach: capturing classic shots of vibrant aspens against a majestic mountain backdrop. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the weather plays nice and the roads are clear because we’re heading into some real history if they are.

We’re aiming for one of the high-altitude basins tucked away up there. Think old mining territory, filled with remnants of a bygone era, now softened by groves of shaking aspens. It’s a photographer’s dream — around every corner, a new angle, a different play of light on the yellow leaves and weathered structures.

Even better, everything we explore today will be new to us. This area is just brimming with possibilities, like a treasure chest waiting to be opened. We never know what stunning vista or interesting detail we’ll stumble upon, and that’s part of the thrill. Cameras will be at the ready, that’s for sure! There are so many chances to capture something truly special.

And after a day of exploring and snapping photos, breathing in that crisp mountain air, we know what awaits: a relaxing soak at the hot springs resort. It’s become a welcome routine these past few days, a perfect way to wind down and soothe tired muscles after a day of adventure. 

Day 5. October 5, Sunday

Early tomorrow, we’ll position our tripods to capture the final sunrise of our journey, with the stunning town of Ouray spread out beneath us. After soaking in those last golden rays, we’ll check out around 11 a.m. 

Our drive to Durango Airport will begin shortly after. We aim to arrive between 11:30 a.m. and noon. Please book your return flights accordingly. 

Alternatively, for those preferring a closer option, Montrose Airport is just a short Uber ride from our hotel (about 25 miles).

Recommended Photo Equipment:

• Camera (DSLR or Mirrorless) with extra batteries and memory cards.
  
• Tripod with a ball head (leveling base is optional but very helpful for panoramic shots).
  
• Wide to standard zoom lens, with their lens hoods (I carry 16-35mm and 24-70mm lenses).
• Telephoto zoom lens for extraction and abstract scenes (I use 70-200mm and 100-400mm lenses).
  
• Circular polarizer filter to remove glare from the water and leaves. 
  
• Graduated neutral density filters (if you use them).
  
• Drone with extra batteries (if you use it). 
• Rocket blower and microfiber cloths to keep glass surfaces dry and clean.
  
• Most importantly — a great attitude!

Recommended Personal Gear:

• Flashlight or headlamp
• Rain jacket and pants
• Fleece jacket
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Windshield jacket
• Backpack (bag) to carry your photo gear.