When fall comes around in Colorado, the quaking aspen stands that cover our famous mountain ranges glow gold and make for picture-perfect moments. In Vail, our dense forests, meandering trails and lush hillsides are just begging to be explored and photographed during leaf-peeping season.
But where are the best Instagram-worthy places, and what are the best ways to capture that seasonal splendor? We got local insights and expert tips from a Vail photographer, Tom Cohen, who’s captured the magic of Vail in fall for the last decade.
What first drew you to Vail as a photographer?
Cohen: Upon arriving in Vail, I was immediately struck by the vastness of the terrain, the abundance of flora and fauna, and the ease of access to a staggeringly large web of trails right outside my back door. Instead of driving 30 minutes or several hours for each adventure, I can wake up and find myself standing at the foot of a world-class trailhead with little to no effort involved. This option for daily alpine spontaneity is important to me, especially since I operate on such a fluid schedule.
What makes Vail such a spectacular destination for fall photography?
Cohen: Two words: Aspen groves. The ability to immerse oneself in a sea of shimmering bright yellow leaves, especially when contrasted against a stunningly bright blue sky, is what truly makes fall in the mountains so special. It’s a unique kind of quiet that you can’t really get anywhere else. And the views aren’t too shabby either.
A short hike up Berry Picker or a quick mountain bike ride down Hank’s Hideaway, both located on Vail Mountain, will plunge you directly into some of the most picturesque aspen groves in the entire Vail Valley area.
Which hiking and biking trails in Vail would you recommend exploring for memorable fall photos?
Cohen: You can never go wrong with the classics. Berry Picker, located right on Vail Mountain, takes you to the top of the ski area while plunging you deep into a wide variety of aspen groves and alpine forests along the way. Across the highway, North Trail and Son of Middle Creek offer up spectacular views of the entire valley and Vail Mountain, with abundant aspen groves of their own.
For a full forest immersion, the hike or bike ride up Meadow Mountain and down Whiskey Creek provides an experience like no other. Connect with Everkrisp for a great loop back to the car. The hike down Whiskey Creek is fairly remote, so be sure to hike in a small group or plan accordingly. Chances of running into a [moose] on this one are moderate to high.
Respect Wildlife: Remember to keep your distance when you come across wildlife in Colorado — and practice the rule of thumb. Never approach animals to take pictures, either. Your friends at Discover Vail recommend staying at least 100 yards away from predators like bears and at least 25 yards from common Colorado animals like elk. Always store food, trash and anything scented in bear-proof containers or secured vehicles.
Are there any lakes, rivers or water features near Vail that have great fall-photo potential?
Cohen: The Missouri Lakes and Fancy Pass loop in the Holy Cross Wilderness and, of course, the hike to Upper Piney Falls via Piney Lake are two spectacular fall excursions. Both require a bit of a drive up a dirt road — but trust me when I say that the juice is worth the squeeze. A myriad of aspen groves, winding rivers and scenic alpine lakes await you on both journeys.
When are fall colors at their peak around Vail, and how do you plan your photo outings to make the most of the short season?
Cohen: Although the peak depends on the amount of moisture we’ve received over the year, and when the cold fronts start moving in, you can usually count on mid- to late September as fall’s true peak.
When visiting Vail for the first time, I would recommend linking up several different trails to maximize your peeping potential. The North Trail from Red Sandstone Road to Son of Middle Creek loop is a fantastic example of this. The key to dynamic landscape photography is starting early in the morning and ending late in the evening. There is no substitute for capturing a sunrise or sunset as it slowly peaks through the aspen trees. When that golden hour color hits the leaves, it can almost look fake. Be sure to check the weather throughout the day and plan your hikes accordingly, as late afternoon storms are a possibility.
Do you have any memorable experiences or stories from photographing fall foliage in Vail?
Cohen: Photographers often like to stay up high late in the evening to harness beautiful golden light and sunset colors. This often leads to some pretty memorable treks down mountainsides in the pitch dark with nothing but a headlamp to light the way. Although, thankfully, I’ve never had any late-night encounters with big game, even little squirrels and pikas can spook me as I’m clamoring down back to the car in the dark. I often sing loudly to myself during such adventures, which has definitely drawn strange looks from overnight backpackers on several occasions.
Plan Ahead & Prepare: Colorado’s weather and scenic terrain is stunning but can change drastically. Check conditions before you depart, tell a friend where you’re going, plus you should pack layers, food and water, sun protection and rain gear, and wear appropriate footwear.
How do you keep your photography fresh and creative each fall season?
Cohen: Finding the right athletes and friends to go exploring with is key to viewing the same vistas from different perspectives. Hiking in the Gore Range with a friend who’s been studying botany causes me to look downward at many of the different species of flora that decorate the landscape. However, venturing into the same range with a dedicated geologist allows me to gaze upward and study the various rock formations that appear. Both of these instances benefit my photography tenfold. My peers in this valley continue to inspire me daily, and they often help me see something in the mountains that I may have missed on a previous adventure.
Also, it’s important to constantly have a passion project going. A full-time commercial photographer can often get caught up in the work they create for their clients, and it can sometimes be difficult to get out and make pictures for themselves, just for fun. This process is so important and is what keeps the spark alive year after year. There are always new routes to tackle. No two excursions in the mountains are ever the same.
Do you have any technical photography tips for capturing the perfect fall photos?
But first, here are some important photography terms defined…
Tripod: A three-legged stand for supporting a camera.
F-Stop: The camera setting that controls amount of light that enters the lens and the brightness of the exposure.
Shutter Speed: The length of time a camera’s shutter is open when taking a photo.
ISO: The camera setting that brightens or darkens a photo.
Lightroom: A photo-editing application.
Cohen: Tripod, tripod, tripod. To properly operate in the right f-stop [the camera setting for landscape photography, otherwise called focal length of the lens], a tripod is paramount to making sure your photos are tack-sharp and completely in focus. An f-stop, or aperture as it’s more commonly known, refers to the opening in the camera that lets in light. The wider the hole (f/2.8), the more light will be let in, which shrinks your depth of field.
This is helpful when photographing a specific wildflower, when you want only one thing in your frame to be the focal point. However, if you’re photographing a foreground full of flowers, a middle-ground waterfall and a background mountain range, you want everything to be in focus. Therefore, widen the hole and shrink the amount of light that comes into your camera (f/16 and above).
Play around with slow shutter speeds and movement when capturing aspen leaves. Incorporate different elements into your foreground. Be sure to think about your foreground, middle ground and background when capturing landscape photos. This will help lead the viewer’s eye through the photograph and keep them engaged in your work. Lower ISOs ensure that you’re properly able to bring up your highlights in Lightroom later, but sometimes you may want a higher ISO for that grainy film look. Experiment with different focal lengths when capturing the same scene.
Most importantly, learn the rules of photography so that you can break them.
Discover More
- Get expert tips for fly-fishing in Vail
- Check out these unforgettable fall drives near Vail
- Learn about Vail’s accessibility resources
- Check out the best things to do in Vail in October
Hero photo credit to Tom Cohen