Colorado on Film: Fall at Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Well hello, friends!
Long time no chat! Happy Summer! Sure, it may be 100 degrees outside in Colorado, but I noticed fall décor is starting to hit the shelves and I’ve been receiving fall-related emails already…so why not bring back autumn for a second? Plus, now is a great time to start planning any trips to see golden leaves!
There’s no shortage of fantastic spots to see the golden colors of fall in Colorado. A personal favorite (and a favorite of many) that also happens to be near Denver/Boulder is Golden Gate Canyon State Park. We go every year and do the same Horseshoe Trail to Frazer Meadow trail because we love the views that much.
I know it’s hard to pin-point exactly when fall is going to peak. There’s a lot that goes into it, including how much rainfall we’ve gotten that year and when the first snow hits. Back in 2021, we went on September 26th and witnessed peak colors, but in 2022, we visited on October 9th and just missed peak season. It’s too early to say with complete confidence, but I’d probably start thinking about making a trip to Golden Gate Canyon around the last week of September. Of course, as we get closer to the season, the expected fall foliage dates get released with much more detail (if you want to wait till then).
Film Info: I always have trouble photographing fall on film, but I’m pretty satisfied with how the colors came out on these photos. I shot these on my Contax G1 and Kodak Gold 200. Also, you can tell how many leaves had fallen off the trees by this point in the season- whoops.
The Hike: We always start off with an early start and arrive at the Horseshoe Trail to Frazier Meadow trailhead by 6 or 6:30am. The small parking lot tends to fill up fast and if you don’t find a spot you will have to park down the road. The overall 3.8 mile hike is pretty moderate with a gradual incline until you hit the meadow. This is a very popular trail so you’ll likely see some other hikers, runners, or cyclists (another reason to get there early!).
I still can’t believe that summer is “almost over” (I know it doesn’t feel that way yet weather-wise though). Students start school soon, Halloween décor is out at JoAnns, and the sun is starting to set just a little earlier now (nooooo!!!). Although, I do hear fall fly fishing is amazing and that is our latest, newest, favorite hobby. But more on that in the future…
Until then!
-Mary
The Life Of Mary Reyes 