Colorado’s Rocky Mountains in October are the definition of autumn. Hillsides and valleys filled with fall color spread out below jagged snow-capped peaks that push themselves into the wild blue yonder. The San Juan Range of the Rockies is southwestern Colorado’s most dramatic example of this landscape, and the town of Ouray is at the heart of it.

The graphic scenery around Ouray offers abundant photo opportunities at every turn, from dawn to dusk. Sweeping vistas, stark rock outcroppings, stands of vibrant trees, and high-country lakes are within easy reach. A bit farther up the road, we will find old mining towns, colorful rangelands and some of the largest groves of aspens in the country. It has everything you could hope for, with some surprises thrown in – even a starry night if conditions are right.

Plan on bringing a full range of lenses from a wide-angle zoom to a telephoto zoom that extends to at least 200mm and as long as 400mm. These will be good landscape lenses when the scenery calls for them. Though we won’t plan on searching for wildlife, a long lens would be best for the surprise appearances of elk or mule deer — also, a macro lens for close-ups of fallen leaves and autumn reflections.

Co-led with Cliff Zenor, our small group of eight photographers and two leaders means you will get plenty of individual attention.