Posted by Phillip Noll on October 8, 2008 at 5:42 PM
While there is still some good colorful aspens to be had, they will soon be winding down. So what is next for you? Anyone planning on fall color photo shoots in the canyons of the SW? Escalante, Zion, Canyonlands, etc.?
I'll be heading to Guadalupe Mountains NP in Texas at the end of Oct to try to catch the bigtooth maples in McKittrick Canyon. I'll also be out shooting the cottonwoods in Bandelier NM and along the Rio Grande.
Just curious as to what subjects people will be shifting to as the aspens wind down and before the snow flies.
Posted by bill meikle on October 8, 2008 at 5:51 PM
Phillip, some head to the desert eg Moab and some soon to Bosque. 200 Sandhill Cranes were seen flying over Ft Collins a few days ago heading south.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on October 8, 2008 at 6:02 PM
I'd like to say I'm gearing up for some winter photography, but this year my work schedule is looking pretty brutal through the winter from November through May .
Next year it looks like I'll be involved in a big server relocation project starting in September. And then I'll probably have the same year end issues from November through May
I'm hoping to take a few days next week to cruise around and look for random colour in southwest New Mexico, probably Socorro and Catron counties. And when winter's here, I've got a number of bad weather locations in mind in the low country (funny how "low country" around here still often means 5,000-6,000 feet).
Phillip, I don't know if you'd be interested in company for any of your cottonwood excursions, but my schedule's pretty flexible these days. Just a thought... my e-mail's on my website.
Posted by Phillip Noll on October 8, 2008 at 6:37 PM
The cranes are coming already, huh?! Haven't heard them yet but any day now I guess. I might even have to make a pilgrimage to Bosque del Apache this winter. Haven't been there in years!
Strange thing about the Sandhill Cranes......when groups of them get over Los Alamos they invariably break formation and circle (kinda chaotically) several times, then reform their formation and head south. I'm told they are changing leaders. Looks like they do some arguing over who is in front!
Posted by Phillip Noll on October 8, 2008 at 6:47 PM
Jackson,
I'm always up for some company! Bandelier might be pretty good this weekend. Let me know if you are interested. The cottonwoods along the Rio still have a ways to go. Do you know of any areas with access to the Rio Grande bosque? The bosque up here is all Indian land with no access.
I used to live in Socorro back in the late 1980s. The Magdalena mtns should have some very nice areas. Water Canyon and Hop Canyon come to mind. There used to be a log cabin just down from Langmuir Lab in the aspens above Water Canyon.
The Catwalk down by Glenwood and Mogollon is always a fun place. Don't know about fall color down there though.
Perhaps Adam S. will chime in and let us know of opportunities around the Rio Grande Gorge? Arsenc Springs/Red River areas?
Posted by John Mumaw on October 8, 2008 at 7:00 PM
I'll be in Canyon de Chelly for several days when the cottonwood trees change colors in the next few weeks.
Posted by Doug Andrews on October 8, 2008 at 7:03 PM
If the past is any indicator of my future photo outings, once the grey up has arrived I'll probably go into photographic hibernation until May.
I have got to force myself to get out there and add some snowy winter scenes to my portfolio.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on October 8, 2008 at 10:02 PM
I'm contemplating taking a long weekend and heading to Zion or Escalante. I think the first or second weekend in Nov will be a good time. Does that sound right to those who live there or have been there recently? What are the colors doing down that way?
Posted by Adam Schallau on October 8, 2008 at 10:43 PM
I'll be heading to Guadalupe Mountains NP in Texas at the end of Oct to try to catch the bigtooth maples in McKittrick Canyon.
Sally and I are considering doing the same thing, plus we'll check out a few other nearby areas.
Posted by Adam Schallau on October 8, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Perhaps Adam S. will chime in and let us know of opportunities around the Rio Grande Gorge? Arsenc Springs/Red River areas?
If you want to photograph the Red River area, then this will probably be your last weekend to do so. I'm heading up to Great Sand Dunes this weekend and will check on Red River along the way. I was up there and Valle Vidal the past two weekends and the aspens were looking good, but I'm afraid this past weekend's storm may have knocked down a lot of leaves.
As for along the Rio Grande Gorge it 's difficult to say. The lower gorge definitely has a way to go, but the upper gorge around Wild Rivers might be ready. Again, if I have time, I will check it out on my way to Great Sand Dunes.
FYI, I heard from a friend yesterday that the aspens were looking good on the road between Tres Piedras and Tierra Amarilla.
I'd be up for a photo outing this Sunday if either (or both) of you would like to get together.
Posted by Phillip Noll on October 8, 2008 at 10:53 PM
John: I've only been to Canyon de Chelly once. I would love to get there in the fall sometime. Looking forward to your photos!
Kalin: Zion is spectacular at any time of year but it's really special in the fall. Your timing sounds about right. I'll probably go there next fall. The Guadalupe Mountains and McKittrick Canyon reminded me of Zion, albeit a gray version (limestone instead of sandstone). Its about the same scale as Zion though--quite impressive.
Doug: I'm the same way! I really need to get some warmer clothes and get out there for some sunrise/sunset shots in the snow. Maybe Rick Dunn can give us some tips on cold weather shooting? I seem to remember something about Mr. 10 below? In addition to practical photography tips I would also be interested in how to stay warm!
Posted by Phillip Noll on October 8, 2008 at 11:01 PM
Hi Adam
When I mentioned Red River I actually meant where it enters the Rio Grande in the Gorge (I should have been more specific! ). Anyway, do post your observations in the Fall Colors Thread.
If you want to hook up in Guadalupe, let me know. Also, I'm up for something this weekend. If you and/or Jackson have anything specific in mind, let me know. I'll call Bandelier tomorrow and get an update on the colors in Frijoles Canyon. I'll also be up in the aspens above Los Alamos tomorrow and I'll post on the status up there too.
Can't do Sunday, alas, and I might already be committed to something Saturday. But I might not. Do let me know what you hear from Bandelier, Phillip, I'd like to get over there.
My folks live in Magdalena, and there can be some nice oak and a little aspen colour in the Mags. My wife and I are probably heading down that way for a few days next week; I want to check out the Catwalk too, there are supposed to be maples there. Of course there are the Manzano maple groves... so many options!
I don't know of any good Rio access, but how about Jemez Springs? There's access to the canyon rims, and I seem to recall a lot of cottonwoods down there.
Posted by Adam Schallau on October 9, 2008 at 12:08 AM
I don't know of any good Rio access, but how about Jemez Springs? There's access to the canyon rims, and I seem to recall a lot of cottonwoods down there.
I've been meaning to photograph fall color in Jemez Springs for years. Any idea when that are normally peaks?
Posted by Phillip Noll on October 9, 2008 at 12:34 AM
Cottonwood Color in NM.....
Looking back at some fall shots from 2004 and 2006 I would say peak color is:
Bandelier (Frijoles): Oct 15th to 28th
Jemez Springs: Oct. 20th to 30th
Bosque near Espanola: Oct 10th to 25th
Plus or minus a week!
Posted by Jack Brauer on October 9, 2008 at 12:43 AM
I am bidding goodbye to beautiful Colorado for a while, heading down to New Zealand for a few months vacation. Looking forward to checking out something totally new.
Posted by Phillip Noll on October 9, 2008 at 12:46 AM
a few months vacation
What the heck is that?! Sure wish I could get a "few months" off!!
Hope you have a great time and I'm sure you will come back with some fantastic shots! Watch out for Hobbits!
I hiked McKittrick Canyon in late March a few years ago and it was beautiful. It's been on my list of places to visit in fall for a while. Maybe one day...
I'll start hiking up the canyons around Moab to photograph the cottonwoods, birches and oaks soon. There is barely a hint of fall color starting to show in the cottonwoods. A couple more weeks and it'll be going off!
Posted by Chuck Peacock on October 9, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Same as Bret, I'll try to get some cottonwood action at CNM, Dominguez and/or Escalante canyons. I might pop over to Moab at some point too.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on October 9, 2008 at 1:14 PM
I plan on heading to Zion after Oct 21st., with a few stops on the way.
This year I'll be in Bosque del Apache during the Crane Festival - Nov 18-23.
I wanted my wife to experience Bosque and thought the classes and other activities during the festival would add a bit of variety for her.
Check out the festival web site - they have quite a variety of classes/tours/exhibits each day. http://www.friendsofthebosque.org/crane/
I'm looking forward to the tour of the Trinity site.
Between Zion and Bosque, I'm sure I'll find a few stops along the way.
Discussion
20 repliesI'll be heading to Guadalupe Mountains NP in Texas at the end of Oct to try to catch the bigtooth maples in McKittrick Canyon. I'll also be out shooting the cottonwoods in Bandelier NM and along the Rio Grande.
Just curious as to what subjects people will be shifting to as the aspens wind down and before the snow flies.
Next year it looks like I'll be involved in a big server relocation project starting in September. And then I'll probably have the same year end issues from November through May
Phillip, I don't know if you'd be interested in company for any of your cottonwood excursions, but my schedule's pretty flexible these days. Just a thought... my e-mail's on my website.
Strange thing about the Sandhill Cranes......when groups of them get over Los Alamos they invariably break formation and circle (kinda chaotically) several times, then reform their formation and head south. I'm told they are changing leaders. Looks like they do some arguing over who is in front!
I'm always up for some company! Bandelier might be pretty good this weekend. Let me know if you are interested. The cottonwoods along the Rio still have a ways to go. Do you know of any areas with access to the Rio Grande bosque? The bosque up here is all Indian land with no access.
I used to live in Socorro back in the late 1980s. The Magdalena mtns should have some very nice areas. Water Canyon and Hop Canyon come to mind. There used to be a log cabin just down from Langmuir Lab in the aspens above Water Canyon.
The Catwalk down by Glenwood and Mogollon is always a fun place. Don't know about fall color down there though.
Perhaps Adam S. will chime in and let us know of opportunities around the Rio Grande Gorge? Arsenc Springs/Red River areas?
I have got to force myself to get out there and add some snowy winter scenes to my portfolio.
Sally and I are considering doing the same thing, plus we'll check out a few other nearby areas.
If you want to photograph the Red River area, then this will probably be your last weekend to do so. I'm heading up to Great Sand Dunes this weekend and will check on Red River along the way. I was up there and Valle Vidal the past two weekends and the aspens were looking good, but I'm afraid this past weekend's storm may have knocked down a lot of leaves.
As for along the Rio Grande Gorge it 's difficult to say. The lower gorge definitely has a way to go, but the upper gorge around Wild Rivers might be ready. Again, if I have time, I will check it out on my way to Great Sand Dunes.
FYI, I heard from a friend yesterday that the aspens were looking good on the road between Tres Piedras and Tierra Amarilla.
I'd be up for a photo outing this Sunday if either (or both) of you would like to get together.
Kalin: Zion is spectacular at any time of year but it's really special in the fall. Your timing sounds about right. I'll probably go there next fall. The Guadalupe Mountains and McKittrick Canyon reminded me of Zion, albeit a gray version (limestone instead of sandstone). Its about the same scale as Zion though--quite impressive.
Doug: I'm the same way! I really need to get some warmer clothes and get out there for some sunrise/sunset shots in the snow. Maybe Rick Dunn can give us some tips on cold weather shooting? I seem to remember something about Mr. 10 below?
When I mentioned Red River I actually meant where it enters the Rio Grande in the Gorge (I should have been more specific!
If you want to hook up in Guadalupe, let me know. Also, I'm up for something this weekend. If you and/or Jackson have anything specific in mind, let me know. I'll call Bandelier tomorrow and get an update on the colors in Frijoles Canyon. I'll also be up in the aspens above Los Alamos tomorrow and I'll post on the status up there too.
My folks live in Magdalena, and there can be some nice oak and a little aspen colour in the Mags. My wife and I are probably heading down that way for a few days next week; I want to check out the Catwalk too, there are supposed to be maples there. Of course there are the Manzano maple groves... so many options!
I don't know of any good Rio access, but how about Jemez Springs? There's access to the canyon rims, and I seem to recall a lot of cottonwoods down there.
I've been meaning to photograph fall color in Jemez Springs for years. Any idea when that are normally peaks?
Looking back at some fall shots from 2004 and 2006 I would say peak color is:
Bandelier (Frijoles): Oct 15th to 28th
Jemez Springs: Oct. 20th to 30th
Bosque near Espanola: Oct 10th to 25th
Plus or minus a week!
What the heck is that?!
Hope you have a great time and I'm sure you will come back with some fantastic shots! Watch out for Hobbits!
I'll start hiking up the canyons around Moab to photograph the cottonwoods, birches and oaks soon. There is barely a hint of fall color starting to show in the cottonwoods. A couple more weeks and it'll be going off!
This year I'll be in Bosque del Apache during the Crane Festival - Nov 18-23.
I wanted my wife to experience Bosque and thought the classes and other activities during the festival would add a bit of variety for her.
Check out the festival web site - they have quite a variety of classes/tours/exhibits each day.
http://www.friendsofthebosque.org/crane/
I'm looking forward to the tour of the Trinity site.
Between Zion and Bosque, I'm sure I'll find a few stops along the way.