Kebler Pass
West Elk Mountains, Colorado · 10,007 ft
Typical peak
Sep 14 – Sep 22
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best under flat overcast
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.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
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.
Leaves are typically down on Nov 1, 2026. Color starts around Aug 28.
This season so far
First frost
Oct 9
15 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
49°F / 29°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Kebler Pass on September 18, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| 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.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of the sun for translucent leaves. Turn your back to it for flat, accurate color.
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.
Nearby locations
Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.