We make a trip up to Aspen Colorado about once a year in the summer or fall. Aspen is an amazing place to photograph, with beautiful scenery like the Maroon Bells,  independence pass,  Mabel Colorado,  the frying pan river for the fishermen,  Glenwood hot Spring,  Colorado river and hanging lake just a day trip away.  This gallery was Photographed on  a walk around the beautiful town of Aspen Colorado in the evening last august.  The photos  were shot with up to 9 long exposures all at the same aperture and all at different shutter speeds. Then combined in Photomatix Pro HDR software. This allows you to see the detail in the shadows and highlights.

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The Maroon Bells, just outside of Aspen Colorado, are one of the most photographed group of mountains  in Colorado.  To get there from Aspen head west on Maroon Creek Road just south of town.  The short drive up Maroon Creek Drive is worth the trip alone for its beauty,  especially in the fall.  At the end of the road park your vehicle and take a short walk to Maroon Lake. The views of the lake and the mountains are spectacular.  A sight not to be missed. There’s plenty of hiking and fishing in the area along with wildlife viewing. In past trips we have seen deer, elk, beaver, blue heron, coyote, fox and all kinds of birds. Though we have not seen a bear ourselves, you may have the opportunity to see one.  In the spring and summer the wildflowers are not to be missed as they cover the sides of the trails and fields.

Look for our free full color 2010 calendar download available this fall.

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Map of the Aspen Colorado and the Maroon Bells

Independence Pass is located between Twin Lakes on the east and Aspen Colorado on the west, on Colorado Hwy. 82.  The pass is a steep, winding, paved road with some parts without guard rails. One short section on the Aspen side  narrows down to one lane. It rises to a height of about 12095 feet above sea level.  At that point you reach the Continental Divide which is above the tree line with spectacular vistas of both sides of the divide .  This makes for an incredible drive especially in the fall with the golden aspen trees. Just remember, this pass is closed in the Winter and may close earlier in the Fall because of weather.  The sights along this road starting from the east side include the town of  Twin Lakes, Independence Pass, the ghost town ruins of Independence, the Grotto and the Devil’s Punchbowl. This road is one not to miss. The photos in this gallery were shot at the Devil’s Punchbowl, the Grotto and Twin Lakes.

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Map of Independence Pass Colorado

Aspen Colorado started out as a silver mining town in 1879.  Today Aspen is the ski town of the rich and famous in the winter. But , in the summer, the rest of us can enjoy the beauty of the areas in and around Aspen.  There’s camping and reasonable priced lodging at the many ski condos around Aspen and Snowmass Village.  The photos in this  gallery were shot around the back streets of Aspen with beautiful Victorian homes, cottages and gardens. So, don’t miss Aspen in the summer.

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Map of Aspen Colorado