Kenosha Pass
Front Range, Colorado · 9,984 ft
The Colorado Trail crosses the highway here and runs straight into a dense aspen stand, with South Park opening below to the southwest. Backlit trunks in the first half mile of trail are why Denver photographers arrive before six.
Typical peak
Sep 13 – Sep 21
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Crowds
extreme
Gridlocked at peak weekends. Go on a weekday, or be there an hour before light.
Getting there
Park in the Forest Service lots on either side of US 285 at the pass, 4 miles northeast of Jefferson, and pick up the Colorado Trail at the road edge.
What turns here
- quaking aspen
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 17Typical color progression for Kenosha Pass. No change from Aug 10 to Aug 27. First color from Aug 27 to Sep 5. Approaching peak from Sep 5 to Sep 13. Peak from Sep 13 to Sep 21. Past peak from Sep 21 to Oct 1. Bare from Oct 1 to Oct 15.
Color starts around Aug 27.
Light at peak
Kenosha Pass on September 17, 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 | 6:19 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 86° | 6:46 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 35 min of low, warm light | 7:21 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:57 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 35 min before sunset | 6:33 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 273° | 7:09 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:35 PM |
Times in America/Denver · day length 12h 23m · 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.