Colorado Autumn Colors

At a Glance

Location

Colorado, USA

Tuition

$5,495

Dates

September 27 – October 1, 2028

Fitness Level

Moderate

Availability

Limited to 8 Guests

Collections

Short Escape
US National Parks and Wilderness

Colorado Autumn Colors Photography Workshop

Name: Colorado Autumn Colors
Start: 2028-09-27
End: 2028-10-01
Location: Colorado Autumn Colors

The splendor of fall in the majesty of the Colorado mountains

September 27 – October 1, 2028

Aspen trees ablaze with autumn colors stand out against mountain peaks
Search for intimate landscapes, macro scenes, and abstract images
Learn how to effectively use intentional camera movement techniques

In the high country near Crested Butte, autumn arrives in a flash of color. Vast aspen forests—some of the largest living organisms on earth—cover the West Elk Wilderness, their white trunks standing proud as leaves turn from green to gold and red. Along Kebler and Ohio Passes, connected aspens turn together, and entire slopes become one big canvas of color every landscape photographer dreams of. Peaks rise above the treeline, rivers flow through meadows, and morning frost gives way to blue skies that make colors pop.

This workshop combines big scenics and intimate studies of texture and form. We’ll work the big layers—mountains, valleys, and river bends—and then slow down for textures in the bark, leaves floating on puddles, and patterns on the forest floor. Changing weather is part of the story here: soft overcast for clean color casts, backlight for glow, and clear evenings for contrast and depth. Our small group size keeps the pace calm and focused so you can explore, refine, and work scenes as the light evolves.

Instruction is constant and hands-on, tailored to the itinerary’s opportunities, including finding and composing intimate scenes, long-lens landscapes, exposure bracketing, compression, and other techniques as opportunities arise. We work alongside you to develop your creative vision and teach techniques in composition, camera work, and post-processing that will improve your photography long after the workshop.

You can expect early starts, late finishes, and time in between for image reviews and targeted post-processing. We’ll help you move beyond the obvious, designing photographs that feel personal—whether that means wide views stitched into thoughtful panoramas, telephoto slices of repeating color, or quiet abstractions in a stand of white trunks.

Expect moderate hiking on uneven terrain, on and off trail, as we explore aspen forests at higher elevations. Guests should be comfortable walking several miles a day over rocky or rooted ground and able to navigate occasional steep or forested sections without difficulty.

You’ll leave with a cohesive portfolio of Colorado’s fall color and a field-to-edit workflow you can apply anywhere the leaves turn.

Your Pros

Talor Stone

Lisa LaPointe

Itinerary

This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.

September 27, 2028: Arrival and Scenic Photography of Mt. Crested Butte, Slate River

We will pick up anyone flying into Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC), or if you are driving in your own car, you can go directly to meet at the hotel in Crested Butte at 3:00 PM. We will then head out to photograph the sunset nearby, including Mt. Crested Butte and the Slate River.

September 28, 2028: Sunrise at Kebler Pass, Intimate Aspen Forest Exploration

Our day starts with sunrise at Kebler Pass, which overlooks the West Elk Mountains, rising above a sea of aspen trees. Afterward, we will venture further into the Kebler Pass area and make many side trips, photographing more miniature, intimate fall scenes within this beautiful aspen forest.

September 29, 2028: Sunrise at Ohio Pass, Moose Sighting, Capturing Aspen Forest Landscapes

An early start for sunrise at Ohio Pass, which overlooks a mountain cluster called The Castles, keeping our eyes open for moose. Afterward, we will hike through a lush aspen forest to a small lake, searching for intimate landscapes, macro scenes, and abstract photographs. We will return to Crested Butte for lunch and then return to photograph more aspen forests in the area, ending in a sunset shoot after a 3-mile hike to one of the most breathtaking overlooks in Colorado.

September 30, 2028: Sunrise at Mill Castle, West Elk Wilderness Adventure, Kebler Pass Photo Session

We will photograph sunrise in the Mill Castle area, known for its steep rock formations nicely juxtaposed with changing aspen trees. From here, we will hike into the West Elk Wilderness, looking for unique photographs of aspen trees and mountains. We return to Crested Butte for lunch and return to the Kebler Pass area to focus on our intimate scenes and intentional camera movement techniques. We end the day at the west end of Kebler Pass, where opportunities to capture grand scenic photographs and intimate landscapes are abundant.

October 1, 2028: Signature Image Review, Farewells, Departure from Crested Butte

We will end the workshop with our signature image review in the hotel after breakfast and then depart for the airport and say our goodbyes!

Testimonials

Larry W.

Colorado Colors '25

This is my first trip with Talor and I found her enjoyable to be around and also full of helpful and useful information.

Randy W.

Colorado Colors '25

The quality of the photography pros is outstanding on both the instructional level and the personal level. Responses to questions and concerns at all levels is timely and helpful. I hope to continue attending Muench Workshops in the future.

Randy W.

Colorado Colors '25

Talor assisted me in determining the approaches to a scene and pointed out opportunities to improve my final shot.

Doug G.

South Texas Wildlife '22

Lisa is an excellent photographer and a VERY good teacher, as well as a terrific human being. She did her utmost to optimize the opportunities available to us and had lots of good tips for making the best of things.

Gallery

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muench workshops photo, usa, colorado, landscape, forest, fall autumn, mountains, rocky mountain peaks, snow covered mountains, dense forest, autumn foliage, fog

muench workshops photo, usa, colorado, landscape, forest, fall autumn, birch trees, orange ferns, yellow autumn leaves, forest floor, tree bark textures

muench workshops photo, usa, colorado, landscape, forest, fall autumn, tall slender trees, white bark, yellow autumn leaves, sunlight flare, blue sky

muench workshops photo, usa, colorado, landscape, forest, fall autumn, mountains, deciduous trees with yellow and orange leaves, evergreen trees, fog or mist, mountain peak with light snow

muench workshops photo, usa, colorado, landscape, forest, fall autumn, mountains, sunset sunrise, pine trees, deciduous trees, colorful autumn foliage, pink and blue sky, clouds

muench workshops photo, usa, colorado, landscape, forest, fall autumn, fallen yellow leaves, orange accented leaves, decaying wood, tree bark, forest floor

muench workshops photo, usa, colorado, landscape, forest, fall autumn, pine cones, fallen autumn leaf, leaf veins, brown pine scales, natural debris

muench workshops photo, usa, colorado, landscape, forest, fall autumn, yellow leaf floating on water, single water droplet on leaf, calm water surface, ripples around leaf

muench workshops photo, usa, colorado, landscape, forest, fall autumn, tree trunks, birch bark texture, knots on bark, vertical tree alignment, natural wood pattern

muench workshops photo, usa, colorado, landscape, forest, fall autumn, fallen yellow leaves, dry curled brown leaves, forest floor, scattered leaves, natural debris

muench workshops photo, usa, colorado, landscape, forest, fall autumn, orange ferns, yellow leaves, green leaves, tree trunks, forest floor, dense vegetation

muench workshops photo, usa, colorado, landscape, forest, fall autumn, fallen leaves, yellow leaves, red leaves, brown leaves, reflection of trees, water surface

Behind the Scenes

muench workshops photo, usa, colorado, man with white hair holding camera, womans hand holding camera, lake with clear reflections, conifer trees, yellow autumn trees, mountains in background, clear blue sky

muench workshops photo, usa, colorado, two photographers, tripods, cameras, fall foliage, yellow and orange autumn leaves, meandering river, grassy hillside, mountains in background, cloudy sky

muench workshops photo, usa, colorado, woman, camera, forest, yellow leaves, dry ferns, aspen trees, pine tree

muench workshops photo, usa, colorado, group of people, photographers with tripods, rocky dirt path, autumn trees with yellow and orange leaves, mountain in background, cloudy sky, dog

muench workshops photo, usa, colorado, two people, tripods, cameras, smartphone, grassy foreground, autumn trees, mountains, sunset light, clouds, parked cars, clear sky

Fitness

Moderate: Expect moderate hiking on uneven terrain, both on and off trail, in aspen forests at higher elevations. Be prepared for several miles of walking each day over rocky or rooted ground, with occasional steep sections. Early starts and late finishes are part of the schedule, with time for image reviews and post-processing in between.

Flights

Arrive at Gunnison Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC), Gunnison before 1:00 PM on September 27, 2028. Flights out can be made after 2:00 PM on October 1, 2028. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.

What to Bring

Please see our page How To Prepare For Your Workshop. We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.

What’s Included

Double occupancy lodging. Single available for a $725 supplement.
All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
All permits and park fees.
All transportation during the workshop.
Tips for crew, drivers, and local guides.
Photographic guiding and instruction from 2 pros.
Image reviews and post-processing instruction.
Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!

Not Included

Travel to and from Gunnison, Colorado.
Unscheduled airport transfers.
Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
Items of a personal nature.
Alcoholic beverages.
Medical Evacuation Insurance including coverage from point of injury (required).
Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
Anything else specifically not listed as included.
Single rooming is available for a $725 supplement.

Payment Terms

Your deposit of $2,495 will hold your space in this workshop.
The balance is due not later than May 1, 2028.
All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply, including our cancellation and refund policy.
Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What photography techniques will I learn on this workshop?

You'll learn to find and compose intimate scenes, work with long-lens landscapes, and practice exposure bracketing and compression. Instruction includes composition, camera work, and post-processing to enhance your creative vision.

Is this workshop refundable?

Yes, this workshop is refundable. Cancellations made more than 150 days before the start date receive a full refund. Between 150–91 days, you'll receive a refund of payments exceeding 50% of tuition, and between 90–61 days, a refund of payments exceeding 75% of tuition. No refunds are available within 60 days unless we fill your space, in which case you'll receive a 100% refund. All refunds are issued by the original payment method and are subject to a 5% administrative processing fee.

What is the fitness level required for this workshop?

The workshop requires a moderate fitness level. Expect to hike several miles each day on uneven terrain, both on and off trail, in aspen forests at higher elevations. Be prepared for rocky or rooted ground and occasional steep sections.

What kind of gear should I bring for this landscape photography workshop?

Bring a range of lenses, including wide-angle lenses from 14–35mm for capturing expansive landscapes and telephoto lenses for isolating details. A sturdy tripod is essential for long exposures and low-light conditions, and don't forget weather-appropriate clothing for early starts and late finishes.

How many participants are in the group?

The workshop has a maximum capacity of 8 participants, ensuring a small group size for personalized instruction and a focused pace.

Do I need travel insurance for this workshop?

Yes, medical evacuation insurance is required for this workshop. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but recommended to protect your investment.

What is the itinerary like for the Colorado Autumn Colors workshop?

The itinerary includes photographing iconic locations like Kebler Pass and Ohio Pass, with opportunities for sunrise and sunset shoots. You'll explore aspen forests, capture intimate landscapes, and participate in image reviews and post-processing sessions.