Kebler Pass
West Elk Mountains, Colorado · 10,007 ft
The road runs 30 miles through one of the largest aspen stands in North America, with white trunks packed against the Ruby Range and Marcellina Mountain. Flat overcast light saturates the leaves and removes the contrast that ruins midday frames in this forest.
Typical peak
Sep 14 – Sep 22
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best under flat overcast
Crowds
high
Busy through peak. Be parked before sunrise or expect to walk in.
Getting there
Gunnison County Road 12 runs from Crested Butte west to CO 133 near Paonia Reservoir, graded gravel with frequent pullouts and fine for passenger cars when dry.
What turns here
- quaking aspen
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 18Typical color progression for Kebler Pass. No change from Aug 11 to Aug 28. First color from Aug 28 to Sep 6. Approaching peak from Sep 6 to Sep 14. Peak from Sep 14 to Sep 22. Past peak from Sep 22 to Oct 2. Bare from Oct 2 to Oct 16.
Color starts around Aug 28.
Light at peak
Kebler Pass on September 18, 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 · 87° | 6:52 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 35 min of low, warm light | 7:27 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:02 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 35 min before sunset | 6:37 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 273° | 7:12 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:39 PM |
Times in America/Denver · day length 12h 20m · 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.