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FALL IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS
October 3-9, 2010
Location: Southwest Colorado
The San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado form one of the most awe inspiring ranges in North America. Comprising the largest range within this country’s Rocky Mountains, they are also the highest range in the country, with thirteen peaks rising to over 14,000 feet, and many others only slightly less. There are more 14,000 foot peaks in the San Juans just north of Durango, Colorado, where this trip begins and ends, than in the rest of North America combined outside of Colorado (where there are 53 such peaks!) Amazing country.
And it’s a photographer’s paradise in late September and early October, when the aspens are turning red and gold, fresh snow covers the rugged peaks, and you are enveloped by the incredible blue of a Rocky Mountain sky. We’ll follow the San Juan Skyway/Million Dollar Highway, one of the nation’s 54 National Scenic Byways and the one chosen a few years ago as the best of them all based on natural beauty and cultural history, as it loops through the historic towns of Durango, Silverton, Ouray and Telluride. We’ll explore the ghost towns of Animas Forks, Red Mountain and Ironton, and we’ll photograph the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge train as it steams it’s way along the Animas River towards the deep gorge leading from Durango to Silverton. And we’ll head deep into the aspen forests to experience the magic of light amidst the splendor of the San Juans.
While doing the photography for the book "AMONG THE ASPEN", I stopped at a ranger station in the Sawtooth range in Idaho. I told the ranger what I was doing and asked where he would suggest going to photograph aspens in spectacular settings. His reply was: "Go down around Durango, in southwest Colorado. It’s beautiful here, but it doesn’t compare with the San Juans". Good advice.
Cost: $1,385/Single Supplement: $75
To register, please fill out the tour application and payment options forms. You may reserve a space (50% deposit or full payment) with your credit card or Pay Pal account or send a check to: Branson Reynolds, POB 3471, Durango,Co 81301
Arrival/Departure Point: Durango, Colorado
Nearest Large Airport: Albuquerque, New Mexico; Salt Lake City, Utah
Frequently asked Questions: Details on lodging, transportation, and other questions relating to this trip.
