DAY 3  |  CRESTED BUTTE
More early light photography around Aspen, then breakfast and on west via the brick kilns of Redstone to Marble which is where the marble for the Lincoln Memorial was quarried. South, then east toward Crested Butte via McClure and Kebler Passes which places us on the south side of Maroon Bells. The region contains some fabulous stands of Aspen which will be in the process of turning color while topped by the Ruby mountain range. On to Crested Butte for the night.
CRESTED BUTTE, 1 night

DAY 4  |  TELLURIDE
First light back on 10,000’ Kebler Pass for scenes we shot on the way into Crested Butte, but with the added attraction of ‘different' light. We’ll also photo-explore Washington Gulch prior to departing here, and then we’ll wind our way through many stands of Aspen prior to our next scheduled stop at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. This deep and narrow canyon, which is 1,700’ to 2,400’ in depth, is a mixture of stark Pinon trees, rock and subtle colors. Over the colorful Dallas Divide with awesome scenery to slow us all the way to Telluride, including rustic fences leading in to San Juan Mountains topped by Mt. Sneffels at 14,150’. Evening light from the Last Dollar Road will be memorable with Mt. Wilson and old barns being the main attractions.
TELLURIDE, 1 night

DAY 5  |  OURAY and SILVERTON
First light on 14,017’ Mt. Wilson to start our day then following breakfast we’ll explore Telluride’s ‘back yard’ which includes Bridal Veil Falls and more. Slowly over the Dallas Divide on a back road with many photo-stops scheduled, then on to Ouray. From there we’ll glean many images from our detour onto the Yankee Boy Basin Road including waterfalls, wildflowers and glaciated peaks that hover at over 13,000’. We’ll then turn south onto the ‘Million Dollar Highway’ with photography stops on Red Mountain Pass before continuing on to the old mining community of Silverton for the night.
SILVERTON, 1 night

DAY 6  |  MESA VERDE
Silverton hasn’t changed a whole lot since the gold-mining heydays of the late 1800’s and we’ll get some ‘old west’ flavor of the town while bathed in the early light. A rendezvous for a series of pictures with the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad locomotive that photogenically winds it’s way through the San Juan mountains, will be a highlight of the morning prior to continuing south on the ‘Million Dollar Highway’ to Durango. On west to Mesa Verde National Park to check-in, and venture out for photography in the warm evening light. The 4,000 plus sandstone ruins of cliff dwellings formerly inhabited by the Anasazi Indians will provide many classic shots. There are many points of interest among the dwellings built 600-1300 AD, and the better known ones such as Square Tower House will be mixed in with the lesser known spots. Expect some stair and ladder climbing for some photo opportunities.
MESA VERDE NP, 1 night

DAYS 7, 8 and 9  |  MONUMENT VALLEY
More Mesa Verde imagery prior to heading southwest to Monument Valley. This will be a unique day inasmuch that we’ll touch Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. On via Kayenta to Monument Valley for the last light on this most incredible of array of red rock featuring the infamous Mittens.
On Day 8 our photography will commence at dawn back at the Mittens view. For the remainder of the day you will be guided around Monument Valley by a local Navajo and myself, and record many classic scenes taking our time get the very best from each situation.
MONUMENT VALLEY, 2 nights

DAYS 10, 11 and 12  |  CANYONLANDS and ARCHES
At dawn we'll be at the Mittens once more as they are touched by the first light. Following breakfast we'll shoot the classic highway/Monument Valley shot then detour for the 'Goosenecks' of San Juan State Park. Then on via Hovenweep NM and Newspaper Rock to Moab for accommodation check-in followed by a late light visit to Arches National Park if time permits.
On days 7 and 8 we’ll photo-explore the highlights of both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Early and late light in Arches National Park is scheduled, and the short hike for the last light on Delicate Arch will be most worthwhile. Dawn at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands is also outstanding and you'll shoot the classic sunrise image there too.
MOAB, 3 nights

DAY 13  |  To GRAND JUNCTION
We’ll ‘mop-up’ around Moab photographically speaking this morning, and then depart toward Grand Junction. Taking the scenic route we’ll follow the Colorado River and detour into Castle Valley for 'Monument Valleyesque' mesas. Then back to the Colorado River and on via Fisher Towers etcetera, while on the lookout for kayakers among the white-water rapids. We'll then take Interstate 70 to fast track Fruita for check-in the late light along the winding Rim Rock Drive at the Colorado National Monument.
FRUITA, 1 night

DAY 14  |  Flights Home
Early light on the Colorado National Monument if your departing flight permits it. To Grand Junction airport following breakfast for flights home. A Salt Lake City departure is an option as I return home in that direction.