Telluride, Colo., is quite a ways from, well, most everywhere. Last weekend, I made the seven-hour drive from Denver for a gear forum with several manufacturers and other outdoor equipment reporters hosted by The Hotel Telluride.
It was certainly worth the drive. Beyond the opportunity to learn more about outdoor brands like The North Face, Black Diamond, Rocky Mountain Underground and Nite Ize, and present a discussion about wearable technology, I had a few hours to explore the mountains nearby.
Sunshine sparkled off golden leaves and white clouds scuttled across a blue sky.
Nature seemed to jut directly from town, with hikes right out the door. I grabbed a backpack and lunch and headed out for a walk.
Telluride is basically always beautiful, but fall color made it straight up spectacular.
Fall hikers enjoy views and temperatures that are just about perfect.
After a short hike, the views above town open to let the eye wander.
Leaves blanked the forest floor and the scent of decay and pine filled the air.
Armed with a camera, I and other photographers found no shortage of subjects.
Muted colors and shadows play when clouds roll in.
And evergreens give contrast to the vivid fall color.
When the forest opens, the views will blow your mind.
The trails are deserted with the summer and winter hordes gone for a time.
And blue sky allows a little warming sun to the forest floor.
“Nothing gold can stay.” So hurry, winter clouds are rolling in.
Photos by Sean McCoy, the managing editor of GearJunkie.com
