Owl Creek Pass
Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado · 10,114 ft
Typical peak
Sep 15 – Sep 23
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best at sunset
Classic view faces SSW (210°)
The spire of Chimney Rock and the cliff wall of Courthouse Mountain rise straight out of an aspen basin at the top of the pass. Turnouts a mile below the summit stack the aspen in front and the rock behind without needing a hike.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
moderate
Often busier by mid-morning; consider arriving at first light.
Getting there
Leave US 550 about 2 miles north of Ridgway on Ouray County Road 10 and drive 17 miles of graded dirt to the pass.
What turns here
- quaking aspen
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 19Typical color progression for Owl Creek Pass. No change from Aug 12 to Aug 29. First color from Aug 29 to Sep 7. Approaching peak from Sep 7 to Sep 15. Peak from Sep 15 to Sep 23. Past peak from Sep 23 to Oct 3. Bare from Oct 3 to Oct 17.
Leaves are typically down on Nov 1, 2026. Color starts around Aug 29.
This season so far
First frost
Oct 14
13 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
49°F / 31°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
Owl Creek Pass on September 19, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:29 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 87° | 6:55 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 35 min of low, warm light | 7:30 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:04 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 35 min before sunset | 6:37 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 272° | 7:12 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:39 PM |
Times in America/Denver · day length 12h 17m · computed from NOAA solar equations.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
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.
Classic composition faces SSW (210°).
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.