Dallas Divide
San Juan Mountains, Colorado · 8,983 ft
The Sneffels Range stands above rolling ranch benches and the weathered fence lines along the highway, with aspen stringers running up every draw. A long lens from the turnouts compresses fence, gold hillside, and peaks into one plane.
Typical peak
Sep 19 – Sep 27
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Works at both ends of the day
Classic view faces SE (140°)
Crowds
high
Busy through peak. Be parked before sunrise or expect to walk in.
Getting there
Pull off CO 62 at the gravel turnouts between 5 and 12 miles west of Ridgway; the shooting is roadside with no walking.
What turns here
- quaking aspen
- gambel oak
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 23Typical color progression for Dallas Divide. No change from Aug 16 to Sep 2. First color from Sep 2 to Sep 11. Approaching peak from Sep 11 to Sep 19. Peak from Sep 19 to Sep 27. Past peak from Sep 27 to Oct 7. Bare from Oct 7 to Oct 21.
Color starts around Sep 2.
Light at peak
Dallas Divide on September 23, 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 | 6:33 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 89° | 7:00 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 35 min of low, warm light | 7:34 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:04 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 35 min before sunset | 6:32 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 270° | 7:07 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:33 PM |
Times in America/Denver · day length 12h 8m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Both ends of the day: side-lit
Side light. Best for texture and depth across a ridge, and the safest bet for contrast.
Based on the classic composition here facing SE (140°).
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.