Fall and Winter on the Grand Mesa

[IntrepidXJ]

Fall Colors 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012

The Original Trip Report on ADVENTR.CO

After work I decided to drive up on top of the Grand Mesa for a few hours to try and photograph some of the fall colors before it was too late. I was hoping to come back with a couple of photos, but instead I came back with a whole trip report! The colors were outstanding and the active weather provided a lot of interesting views throughout the evening. I even got caught in a snowstorm while on the very top, reminding me of the approaching winter.

There were some nice clouds over Mount Garfield as I drove past on my way to the Grand Mesa, so I had to stop for a quick photo.


Mount Garfield by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

As I was driving up the switchbacks that climb the side of the Mesa, I saw a storm in the distance lit up by some light getting through the clouds.


September Rain by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Stopped along the highway to check out the fall colors.


Grand Mesa Scenic Byway by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A group of aspen trees that caught my eye.


Chaos by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Snow on the pine trees, clouds hovering in the small valley, and a touch of gold below.


A Touch of Color and Clouds by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I stopped at a great overlook along the highway that offered a lot of different compositions, not to mention some great colors, snow on the trees and some low clouds above Chalk Mountain in the distance. Needless to say, I spent quite a bit of time photographing this area.


Fall on the Grand Mesa by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Fall Layers by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Fall to Winter by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Yellow Ridge by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Fresh Snow by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

My original plan for the evening was to try and photograph the sunset from the viewpoint at the end of the Land of Lakes trail, so that's where I headed to next. As I climbed higher on the Mesa, I soon found myself in a snowstorm and in the clouds.

My Jeep at the Land of Lakes trailhead. I guess I was the first one here since the snow started to fly.


Alone in the Snow by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Talk about a great view! I guess my plan for photographing sunset from here didn't work out so well. I made the best of it!


What a View! by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A lone tree lost in the snowstorm at the edge of the cliff near the overlook.


On the Edge by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

My tracks in the fresh snow along the trail.


Tracks in the Snow by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Hiking back to my Jeep through the trees.


Winter Path by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

This short trip turned out to be a great way to spend a few hours after work!

>> Fall on the Grand Mesa Photo Gallery

[Scott Card]

You captured some sweet shots! Well done.

[Pelon1]

Those shots with the dusting on the pines and the fall colors are pretty amazing.

[accadacca]

Snow already?

Great pix!