Posted by Bill Pelzmann on September 2, 2012 at 11:01 PM
#1 - Mt Toll from Mitchell Lake
Although the aspens in the Brainard Lake area were still quite green last week, the grasses and brush added a nice touch of fall color along the Mitchell to Blue Lake hike.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on September 2, 2012 at 11:01 PM
#2 - Along the trail to Blue Lake.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on September 2, 2012 at 11:03 PM
#3 - Mt Audubon
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on September 2, 2012 at 11:03 PM
#4 - Mt Toll from the west end of Blue Lake
Posted by Kane Engelbert on September 3, 2012 at 10:04 AM
Bill, looks like a beautiful day in the IPW. Such an underated area of beauty. About a decade ago I remember being obsessed with Mount Toll's pyramidal look. Its truely one of the better looking mountains in that range. If you ever take the time to make it up to that saddle just to the left of Toll, there's a stunning view of the very rugged Lone Eagle Cirque that awaits. Certainly well worth the effort.
I think I'm going with #3 and #4. I love the cool colors in all photos.
BTW, how much are they charging to get into Brainard Lake these days?
Posted by Ken Henke on September 3, 2012 at 11:20 AM
Nice primer to the upcoming fall season. Being we haven't had really cold nights yet, I am somewhat surprised to see the color change at that elevation. I had good intentions of exploring the Indian Peaks area all summer, but have deferred until the smoke subsided.
I am somewhat frustrated that the backcountry overnight permits are so inconvenient to acquire coming from N.Colorado.
Posted by John Mumaw on September 3, 2012 at 12:36 PM
Ah, what beautiful country! Very nice Autumn accents you captured, Bill. My favorites are #'1 & 3. Good work!
Posted by Morris McClung on September 3, 2012 at 1:32 PM
Beautiful set, Bill. I am liking #1 and #4. Great Autumn colors starting.
Posted by Glenn Randall on September 3, 2012 at 2:48 PM
I have to echo John Mumaw's comments: one and three are my picks. Fall is coming! Let's hope it's not as smoky as the summer!
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on September 4, 2012 at 4:06 PM
Thanks for the input, guys.
FYI: #1 was the last shot, taken at 1 PM. I have to keep reminding myself that midday shots are worth taking, sometimes.
Kane, I hope Indian Peaks remains "underrated". The parking areas are crowded almost every day of the week. It sure has changed since we first visted in the '70s. Back then you could camp around Lake Isabelle & no permits reqjuired.
The entry fee is now $9 per car, but they honor the annual National Parks Pass.
Thanks for the tip about the view from the saddle. I've not been there.
Ken, I understand the backcountry permits are only required between June 1 and Sept 15th.
Posted by Chikku Baiju on September 8, 2012 at 1:58 AM
Very nice set of shots here! Love #1 and #2. The autumn accents add a nice touch to the scene.
Discussion
11 repliesAlthough the aspens in the Brainard Lake area were still quite green last week, the grasses and brush added a nice touch of fall color along the Mitchell to Blue Lake hike.
I think I'm going with #3 and #4. I love the cool colors in all photos.
BTW, how much are they charging to get into Brainard Lake these days?
I am somewhat frustrated that the backcountry overnight permits are so inconvenient to acquire coming from N.Colorado.
FYI: #1 was the last shot, taken at 1 PM. I have to keep reminding myself that midday shots are worth taking, sometimes.
Kane, I hope Indian Peaks remains "underrated". The parking areas are crowded almost every day of the week. It sure has changed since we first visted in the '70s. Back then you could camp around Lake Isabelle & no permits reqjuired.
The entry fee is now $9 per car, but they honor the annual National Parks Pass.
Thanks for the tip about the view from the saddle. I've not been there.
Ken, I understand the backcountry permits are only required between June 1 and Sept 15th.