Kebler Pass Aspens
KEBLER PASS ASPENS
Near Crested Butte, CO
Images and location summary by Tim Wier
Trail Difficulty - EASY TO MODERATE
I would rate the difficulty of this trail 2 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). This shot is taken in an aspen grove just off of the Kebler Pass. However, walking down to the aspens can sometimes be challenging - walking over downed trees and roots.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
8,848 Ft. Elevation
Downloads
View In Google earth
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions to the location of this shot
From Crested Butte - travel west on CO RD 12 (Kebler Pass) for 11.6 (about 1/4 miles past the Horse Ranch park). You can park at a small pull-out on the right side of the road past this location. Walk back and the aspen grove in on the right. Just walk around the aspen grove until you find the composition that meets your eye.
Photography Tips
Photographing aspen trees can be a challenge. Everything looks good at a distance, but the closer you get, the more imperfections you will see.
Look around, walk around, turn around, look up, look down and try to find appealing compositions. Sometimes the best shots are found in the middle of the obvious.
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 50 mm
Exposure – 80th sec @ f 4.0
ISO – 100
Date – Sept 26th
Time – 11:24 am
Best Time of Day to Shoot
I find it hard to photograph aspens with direct light. So, I prefer to shoot either before or after the sun comes up/goes down, on a cloudy day, or at the last/first light when the sun is soft. This image was taken in the middle of a cloudy day.
Best Time of Year
The best time to shoot Aspen trees is during the fall color season (depending on the year, this ranges between the last week in September to the first week in October). In this part of the country, the Aspens are mainly yellow to golden and change at different times based on elevation and exposure.
The above shot was taken on September 26th
Lens(es) Needed
This shot was taken with a 50mm lens.
Birds-Eye View
Permits
There are no permits required on the Kebler pass.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of this shot is northeast, around 40°.
Equipment Needed
No special equipment is needed.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
During the fall, the Kebler pass will be filled with photographers most of the day. However, there is plenty of room for everyone. This location is just off the road, and you will likely be the only one there.
Weather
The Colorado weather is usually mild in the summer and cold (lows in the 20's) in the spring and fall. This location is almost 10,000 ft. in elevation – so the temperatures are colder than most locations around this area.
Cell Service
Cell service is usually good on most parts of the Kebler pass.
Lodging & Camping
There are a few campsites near and several places where dispersed camping is available/allowed on the Kebler pass.
Camping - click on the campground below for directions
Lodging - click on the lodging below for a TripAdvisor review
Lodge at Mountaineer Square
620 Gothic Road, Crested Butte, CO
Grand Lodge Crested Butte
6 Emmons Loop, Crested Butte, CO
Nearby Restaurants
The closest town is Crested Butte, home to plenty of very good eating and drinking establishments. It is a GREAT little town and one of my favorite places in all of Colorado. When in Crested Butte, make sure you stop by McGills or Butte Bagels for breakfast. They will both be busy but worth the wait. The secret for Butte Bagels is to call in your order and pick it up in the back.
For a nice Italian dinner, eat at Marchitelli's and for a great steak, try Elk Ave Prime (make sure you make a reservation for both).
Area Guides and Workshops
None