Fall in the Rocky Mountains

Click here to see Fall in the Rocky Mountains slide show

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 alone than in the rest of North America combined. This is 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 236-mile San Juan Skyway, one of the nation's 54 National Scenic Byways, as it loops through historic towns like Durango, Silverton, Ouray and Telluride. We'll take side-trips into the ghost towns of Animas Forks and Alta, and into some of the most spectacular places in the San Juans.

While doing the photography for the book "AMONG THE ASPEN", Branson stopped at a ranger station in the Sawtooth range in Idaho. He told the ranger what he 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--so join us for a photographic adventure you'll never forget.

September 26 - October 1, 2004

Cost: $1,250
Single supplement $250

2005 Dates: October 2-8