Colorado Fall Colors

Tour Price: $2,225

*maximun 6 photographers, based on double occupancy.

September 30th – October 5th – Mountainside after mountainside stretches out before you and your camera. Aspens shimmer gold and copper against dark green conifers; white snow on the mountain peaks is almost blindingly bright. The sky's so blue that it's hard to believe it's real.

Maybe you live just an hour or two away. Maybe you traveled hundreds of miles and saved up your vacation time to get here. Either way, right now you have one question: how can I possibly take a picture that catches even half of this magic? Mike David can show you how. He has designed a special trip with a maximum of 6 photographers that will include Colorado's fabulous autumn scenery, daily photographic workshops with Mike, comfortable accommodations, and time to enjoy it all.

Come with us and learn how to express your unique vision of the world.

Itinerary

9/30/2013 We will depart Denver 1 p.m. On the drive from Denver we will cross over the fabulous Colorado continental divide. We'll pass Copper Mountain Ski Area and head up Fremont Pass. These steep and curving roads will provide a first glimpse of the wonderland of majestic mountains and golden fall foliage which you will witness nonstop throughout this trip. After passing through the historic silver mining town of Leadville, we will approach two pristine glacier lakes. Situated at the base of Mt.Elbert, one of Colorado's highest Fourteeners, this valley will provide countless scenes friendly to any photographer's lenses. Just past the lakes, scenic State Highway 82 leads you up through some of the largest aspen stands anywhere and an extravaganza of vibrant fall colors.

We will spend the night on the outskirts of the glitzy town of Aspen, and locate a great place to eat and enjoy a well deserved glass of wine.

10/1 Before sunrise we will be standing at the base of the Maroon Bells waiting for the first rays of light to hit the majestic peaks of this truly magical setting, reflecting its raw beauty off the beautiful lake in the foreground. Depending on the lighting conditions we will explore further up the valley along a beautiful mountain stream with cascading waterfalls.

Within the heart of the Roaring Fork Valley and located in the shadow of the magnificent Mt.Sopris, Carbondale is a quaint down-to-earth town. It will be our next home base. After checking into to the hotel, we head up Colorado scenic highway 133 through glacier-cut valleys and stunning peaks. McClure Pass will provide opportunities to photograph endless stands of huge aspens and the breathtaking vistas over the color-splashed Elk Mountains. In this remote corner of Southwest Colorado the Aspens are known to turn both yellow and red.

This evening I have a favorite spot for dinner in the historic picturesque town center.

10/2 This morning we will revisit McClure Pass as the sun rises for a different perspective with the sun rising from the east. Not far down the road is a small town called Marble where the pavement ends and the beauty begins. Using 4-wheel-drive, we'll follow where settlers, prospectors and miners have traveled since 1880's. Once a town of 400 miners, Crystal now has 15 cabins and the famous and the photogenic Crystal Mill. Built in 1892, it was originally the powerhouse for the adjacent stamp mill. The settlement and the road in is surrounded by peaks towering over the huge aspen groves colored in October's golden hues.

This evening we will board at one of the local lodges.

10/3 Sunrise on the nearby Kebler Pass is the essence of autumn in the Colorado Rockies. Far away from any congested cities, its air is crisp and clear. The area is a photographer's dreamland. The spectacular mountains are littered with old mining towns. The winding dirt road passes Colorado's largest stands of aspens, glowing with brilliant golden leaves. Even better, the underbrush changes to variety of colors ranging from interesting tans to red and oranges.

After a full morning and late afternoon of exploring, we will rest for the evening in the beautiful Victorian converted mining town, which is now home to a world class ski resort.

10/4 This morning will bring a new viewpoint on things. We will follow ranching valleys and crystal blue rivers lined by striking gold, yellow and red oak, cedar and cottonwood trees. Quite often during this time of year the surrounding colorful mountains and striking peaks are dusted in snow, presenting the ultimate scene to be captured by a camera.

Farther south, in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, we will explore the majestic Dallas Divide. Just outside Telluride, we will follow the Lost Dollar Road past scenic ranches with the mighty Sneffels Range soaring above. The foothills are splashed in some of the richest autumn colors seen anywhere in the world.

We will spend the evening in the charming town of Ridgeway.

10/5 One nice part about this area is that the range is photogenic both early and late. We will rise early and take advantage of the beautiful early morning light.

After breakfast we will head back to Denver, passing more amazing sights such as the great Sand Dunes, the Spanish Peaks around La Veta, and the stately Sangre de Cristo Mountains. We will allow time for a few of the photo opportunities I'm sure we'll have on the way home and return to Denver early to mid evening.

What is included:

• Ground transportation from Denver and during the tour.
• Attractive, comfortable 3 star accommodations throughout the trip.
• Daily workshops photographic workshops) with Mike David to explore and improve your photography.
• Park entrance fees and guides included in the package.

What is not included:

• Additional Room charges
• All air travel, baggage, medical & travel insurance. This is highly recommended. My wife Connie can help you with this: cdavid@e-gia.com GIA Insurance 303-257-5557.
• Food, drink, and entertainment are not included in the package.
• Taxis and other ground transportation during your free time, and any optional activities.
• Tips and gratuities to airport/hotel porters, drivers, guides, hotel staff, etc.
• Any airport fees, all optional extras/other activities.

**Accommodations are based on double occupancy.
Single supplement is $325

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Booking Information

Please carefully read and fill out and sign the following forms:

1. Colorado Fall Colors PERSONAL INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION FORM - Click here to view
2. Colorado Fall Colors Enrollment Information - Click here to view
3. ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT - Click here to view

*Adobe Acrobat is required to view pdfs

Return the above forms via mail and send a check for the required deposit. You may also e-mail or call your credit card number, expiration and security code to pay the deposit.

Mike David Photography
9850 Wolff Ct.
Westminster, CO. 80031

TEL: 303-618-0646
mikedavidone@comcast.net

If you have any question please contact Mike David