Gold Season

Gold Season

Fall transforms the San Juan Mountains into a vibrant display of gold, with aspen trees turning brilliant shades of yellow and orange. Known locally as "gold season," this time of year offers stunning contrasts between the golden foliage and the rugged, snow-dusted peaks. The crisp autumn air and striking landscapes make it a perfect season for exploring the outdoors, whether hiking, driving or simply enjoying the view.

The season traditionally begins in mid-September, with the peak colors often occurring towards the end of the month and into early October. However, several factors can affect the exact timing. Aspen leaves change color primarily due to reduced chlorophyll production as daylight shortens and temperatures drop.

Weather conditions such as temperature fluctuations, early frost, and precipitation levels throughout the summer can hasten or delay the transformation. For example, an arid summer might lead to a shorter and more intense season, whereas ample rainfall can prolong the vibrant display. Photographers should know the weather forecasts during this period, as early snowstorms or heavy winds can wreck the leaves.

When capturing the beauty of fall in the San Juan, it’s important to consider your camera settings. To highlight the vivid colors and the contrast between the golden aspens and the deep green pines, use a lower ISO to keep the image crisp, a narrower aperture (around f/8 to f/11) for depth of field, and adjust the white balance manually to ensure the colors are captured true to life. A polarizing filter can also be helpful to reduce glare and enhance the colors, especially under bright daylight.

Whether it’s a misty morning in the mountains or a sunny afternoon hike through an Aspen grove, each moment of the season offers an opportunity to capture something unique. Be prepared for the unpredictable weather common to Colorado in the fall, and dress in layers to adapt to the changing conditions.