Album Fall Colors 2014

Nanda said:
Drove up to Silver Lake Flat in American Fork canyon. Most of the colors are there, especially in higher altitude. I think a week from now it should really be at its peak. I plan to go back in a week and do the alpine loop drive.
Silver Lake Flat, AF by hopescooter, on Flickr

Untitled by hopescooter, on Flickr
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Glad to hear. I was thinking about heading up over the weekend. I'm going to hit up Snowbasin as it is in it's prime right now. We drove through Emigration Canyon and it is at least one to two weeks away.
 
between Cedar Breaks and Panguitch Lake

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I've seen some nice patches, but in a lot of areas it's like some of the reds turned a dull red, and at this point have completely fallen off, while other large patches of trees are still completely green or just turning brown and losing their leaves. I think my problem is I am comparing to 2 years ago when we had that epic fall and everywhere was just blazing with color.
 
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For the 17th straight year I have failed to get up early enough to get the iconic picture of the Maroon Bells (near Aspen, Co) above Maroon Lake. Maybe next year.
My favorite grove to walk through in the fall unfortunately happens to be on the way to Crater Lake, above Maroon Lake. Usually on a week day in the fall it is not that crowded on this trail, but yesterday it was like the Santa Monica Freeway at rush hour. Ok maybe not that bad.
Crater Lake is about 2 miles from Maroon Lake, but is a much more dramatic and beautiful place than Maroon IMO. The Bells fall right down to your feet, and my wife and I were blessed with beautiful colors.
Above & below: Crater Lake



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View of Maroon Lake from the trail. It was so packed that people had their tripods out into the lake:


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andyjaggy said:
Holy mother, no wonder I haven't shot there.
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IntrepidXJ said:
...the reason I have never photographed the Bells.
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If you you want to photograph a view that is one of the more iconic landscapes in the world, but is one of the most photographed views in the world (kind of like the shots everyone gets at the Wave or other spots), then drive up early, park, walk a couple hundred feet and set up your camera along with a hundred other souls and pour a cup of coffee, then wait for the magic.
If you are looking for a beautiful hike on a trail during peak color season, the Crater Lake trail is the place to be. Crowded, but beautiful. At least the people you meet are making an effort to see something beyond the parking lot. Once you reach Crater Lake, it was easy to find solitude and a quiet place to sit.
This place is a short way off the trail to Crater Lake, a rock I like to visit, you feel you are in a golden room, like you are under a yellow lens:

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As a photographer, I would not avoid this place, because with a little effort you can avoid the crowds, and visit one of the most spectacular places around. BTW we did not have time (had to get back to work) but if you hike past Crater Lake there are some very unique views that you hardly ever see. Again, it just takes a little effort.
 
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That shot of the aspen stand is beyond breathtaking!

Anybody been over Hwy 12 lately?

I've been checking the leaf report for Utah and Southern Utah is supposed to peak in mid to late October. My friend in Kanab says no leaves are changing in town yet, just in the mountains. Man I hope I don't miss fall this year! Less than a month until I get there…..these photos are both killing me and inspiring me.
 
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