COLORADO COLORADO COLOR September 26 - October 1, 2010 $1,995      Deposit: $400 Airport:  Grand Junction, CO

As Colorado’s aspen trees make the transition from summer to winter they adorn themselves in their brightest colors, literally going out in a blaze of glory. Other locations may have more variety in their autumn colors, but few sites can match the golden brilliance of an autumn stand of aspen ignited by the rising sun. And no place on Earth can compete with the grandeur of the background that Colorado’s Rockies give these golden groves.

Experience the magnificence of autumn aspen surrounded by snow-covered peaks, leaves crunching underfoot, and the crisp, mountain air. However, capturing the beauty of autumn can be a difficult task. Join us as we show the secrets of photographing fall foliage in some of the most scenic locations in the West.

We’ll be staying in two National Historic Districts, Crested Butte and Ouray, dating back to the state’s mining legacy in the 1870’s. These small towns are fantastic photographic subjects in their own right. And, what can you say about Aspen (where we’ll spend one night in Snowmass Village)? We probably won’t see any movie stars, but the Maroon Bells are one of the most famous autumn icons in the world.

We’ll also visit a well-preserved high altitude mining town for some fun ghost town opportunities.  We’ll give your camera gear a work out, with anything from wide angle shots to macros to short telephotos. Learn to use different lenses to create dynamic compositions of the dazzling display before you.

Our itinerary will include some great locations such as Dallas Divide, Red Mountain Pass, Owl Creek Pass, Animas Forks, Kebler Pass, Crystal Lake and of course, the Maroon Bells. Each year the locations change somewhat, but we’ll go where the color is.

Expect changing weather conditions--after all this is alpine country in the fall. We’ll be staying at altitudes of 7,700’ to 9,000’+ and travel higher. We could see everything from warm, sunny days to snow. Come share our Rocky Mountain backyard with us for a spectacular autumn adventure!

To see images from the last Colorado Color Tour, click here.