The Cimarron Valley, near Owl Creek Pass

The Cimarron River valley in southwest Colorado is filled with groves of aspen trees and many imposing mountain peaks.  I had driven through here after camping below Owl Creek Pass, and was struck the beauty of the area.  Few others were around, even though it was only mid-autumn.  Ever since then, I had wanted to return when the fall colors were at their peak.  I did that this past weekend, and while the weather wasn't cooperating, I did manage to get a few good photographs.

The Crystal River Valley, South of Redstone, Colorado

A familiar trail I've avoided for a while was a perfect place for a short hike last Saturday afternoon.  Few other places have sage brush, scrub oak, and aspen trees.  Because colors are changing later this year, the scrub oak is peaking while the aspens are changing.  It's a great time for landscape photography, especially when using a polarizing filter.

This unmarked trail goes by many names, and is on few maps.  Driving north from Placita to Redstone, the road descends into a canyon.  On the right is a turn-out, and on the left one can pick the grade of a long-abandoned road bed climbing the western slope of the valley.  If you're coming from Redstone, it's about three and a half miles south of the coke ovens on highway 133.