Forests of Gold:
The Colorado Rockies
September 17-23, 2025
$4200 per person
When you visit the Rocky Mountains in September, you’ll experience an entirely different side of autumn.
Vast groves of aspen trees take on their distinctive yellow crowns, rising tall into the dense blue sky. In the meadows below, elk begin their mating season, as males searching for mates make thunderous “bugling” calls that echo into the distance. Crystal clear lakes and streams tucked in between towering peaks complete the picture of this mountain west adventure. We’ll visit Rocky Mountain National Park, Aspen, the Crystal Mill, and Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.
This tour is for the photographer who appreciates crisp autumn air, majestic alpine landscapes, and the thrill of seeing wildlife face to face.
What You’ll Learn
Landscape settings
Using tripods properly
Composition
White Balance, Color
Lowlight Settings
Compression of Perspective
Using ND filters & polarizers
Settings for Wildlife
Macro
Sunstars
Recommended Equipment
D-SLR or Mirrorless camera
A tripod with ball-head
An ultra wide angle lens (f/2.8 for night photos)
A mid-range zoom lens
Macro Lens if you have one
Telephoto lens
Neutral density filter(s) & polarizer
Coat & Layers - it could be windy or rainy
Extra memory cards, batteries and charger
Physical Difficulty
This tour is rated Moderate for its Mountain Setting. There will be some light hiking, including to Dream Lake - a 2-mile, out-and-back trail that has a total elevation gain of 459 feet. Note that Colorado is at high elevation; about 7500 feet above sea level.
Please refer to our fitness guide for more detail about physical requirements.
Itinerary & Information
An itinerary will be sent to you via email some time before the tour, but be assured, we are focused on making the best images in the best light. We will be spending half the tour based in Estes Park, just outside Rocky Mountain National Park. We will then move to the beautiful and iconic mountain town of Aspen/Snowmass for the remainder of the trip. The airport of arrival and departure will be Denver, CO.
What’s Included:
Overnight Accommodations each night
Ground transport with pickup from Denver airport
Breakfast each morning
Park Permits & Admission Sites
4x4 Jeep Ride to/from the Crystal Mill
Photo guidance
What’s Not included:
Any Flights needed
Alcohol, Lunches, Dinners
Any tips or gratuities
Destination
Colorado, USA
At a Glance
Dates
September 17-23, 2025
No. of Photographers
Up to 6
Fitness Level
Moderate
Cost
$4200