Autumn in the San Juans

October 2019  |  San Juan Mountains, Colorado

The fall colors in the San Juan Mountains have been beautiful this season, though the persistent clear blue skies have put somewhat of a damper on the photographic potential. But it's always glorious to walk through colorful aspen groves regardless of the weather, and we did have a few short windows of more interesting skies and light to enjoy. Here are my favorite photos from this October in the northern San Juans near Ridgway and Ouray.

A fresh dusting of snow on Corbett Mountain above autumn aspens along the Sneffels Range.

A fresh dusting of snow on Corbett Mountain above autumn aspens along the Sneffels Range.

Backlit aspens in the Cimarron Range near Ridgway, Colorado.

Backlit aspens in the Cimarron Range near Ridgway, Colorado.

Sunset light illuminates autumn aspens.

Sunset light illuminates autumn aspens.

A dusting of snow in a colorful aspen grove along the Sneffels Range.

A dusting of snow in a colorful aspen grove along the Sneffels Range.

A colorful aspen in the San Juan Mountains.

A colorful aspen in the San Juan Mountains.

Autumn colors along the Cimarrons near Owl Creek Pass.

Autumn colors along the Cimarrons near Owl Creek Pass.

Fantastic sunset light illuminates golden aspens, Chimney Rock, and Courthouse Mountain in the Cimarron Range.

Fantastic sunset light illuminates golden aspens, Chimney Rock, and Courthouse Mountain in the Cimarron Range.

Aspens glowing in rich dusk light.

Aspens glowing in rich dusk light.

Moonrise behind Courthouse Mountain as seen from the town of Ridgway, Colorado.

Moonrise behind Courthouse Mountain as seen from the town of Ridgway, Colorado.

You can see my entire collection of autumn aspen photos here.

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