Bobcat Pass
Enchanted Circle, New Mexico · 9,810 ft
The highest highway pass in New Mexico, with aspen running up both sides of the saddle and open grass meadows at the top. Late light along the ridgelines separates the aspen edges that midday sun flattens.
Typical peak
Sep 20 – Sep 28
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best at sunset
Crowds
low
Rarely busy. You will likely have the spot to yourself at dawn.
Getting there
NM 38 crosses the pass about 4 miles east of Red River; use the gravel shoulder turnouts within a mile of the summit.
What turns here
- quaking aspen
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 24Typical color progression for Bobcat Pass. No change from Aug 17 to Sep 3. First color from Sep 3 to Sep 12. Approaching peak from Sep 12 to Sep 20. Peak from Sep 20 to Sep 28. Past peak from Sep 28 to Oct 8. Bare from Oct 8 to Oct 22.
Color starts around Sep 3.
Light at peak
Bobcat Pass on September 24, the day it typically peaks. Knowing when color arrives is one thing. Knowing where the sun will be is another.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:25 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 90° | 6:50 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 34 min of low, warm light | 7:25 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:53 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 34 min before sunset | 6:21 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 270° | 6:55 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:21 PM |
Times in America/Denver · day length 12h 5m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of those and the canopy glows translucent. Turn your back to them for flat, accurate color.
Location pages name the light directly.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.