Million Dollar Magic

10Oct18

This post features one of my favorite viewing points along Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway, between Ouray and Silverton, near Red Mountain Pass. In the first image that little spot in the lower right is a peek at the highway. If you haven’t heard, it is one of the most dangerous roads in the country, but it is also exhilarating and breathtaking! It switch-backs through the mountains and along very steep cliffs (with no guardrails). The views are simply magnificent!

The images below represent three different visits, from September 15th through the 21st. I love all the stages of fall and the images here start with greens still in the mix. We can see many of the aspens already taking on brighter color. As you view the images, note how the color changes in just six days time. I often go back to a place with potential just hoping for ideal conditions! When there are pleasing clouds and changing light I like to stay for a composition I am determined to capture. Sometimes just a matter of minutes can make a difference. My last two images illustrate this, captured just 30 minutes apart! Which do you prefer?

‘San Juan Tapestry’ © Denise Bush

‘Million Dollar Vista’ © Denise Bush
click to view larger or order a print

‘Light Atop Red Mountain’ © Denise Bush

‘Magic In The Mountains’ © Denise Bush
notecards, unframed, framed, canvas, acrylic, & metal prints available

Filed under: autumn, Colorado | 25 Comments
Tags: autumn, Colorado, fall, landscape, Million Dollar Highway, prints, Red Mountain Pass, San Juan Mountains, wall art

25 Responses to “Million Dollar Magic”

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1 Eliza Waters on October 10, 2018 said:

The magic of autumn beautifully captured, Denise. I’m drawn to the bright light in ‘Magic In The Mountains’ and ‘Light Atop Red Mountain’ – fabulous shots.

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- 2 denisebushphoto on October 11, 2018 said:
  
  Thank you Eliza. All of these were shot late in the day. It’s fun to watch the shadows creep up the slopes.
  
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3 Bruce Stambaugh on October 10, 2018 said:

I like both of the final shots. Each makes their own statement. Well done, again.

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- 4 denisebushphoto on October 11, 2018 said:
  
  I kind of feel the same Bruce … not sure if I like one more than the other. Thanks for your visit and comment!
  
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5 Deb on October 10, 2018 said:

My favorite time of the year! You captured it so well! I love both of the last images, my first inclination was the second one but the more I looked, I think the first one!

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- 6 denisebushphoto on October 11, 2018 said:
  
  Thanks Deb … if only fall lasted longer!
  
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7 conspicari on October 10, 2018 said:

Stunning views and colours. I have driven in the Rocky Mountains during a heavy thunderstorm, scary.

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- 8 denisebushphoto on October 11, 2018 said:
  
  Thanks for your visit. What’s scary is driving the Million Dollar Hwy in the snow and ice!
  
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9 Maureen Sudlow on October 10, 2018 said:

beautiful – and I like the last of those two final images. It has the feel of evening about it.

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- 10 denisebushphoto on October 11, 2018 said:
  
  Thank you Maureen. All of these images were shot late in the day but that one was the latest, with that last bit of fading light on the distant peak.
  
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  - 11 Maureen Sudlow on October 11, 2018 said:
    
    something about evening
12 rtyblog on October 10, 2018 said:

Beautiful work, Denise.

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- 13 denisebushphoto on October 11, 2018 said:
  
  Thanks for stopping by Ray … happy autumn!
  
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14 Angela Moyer on October 10, 2018 said:

Magic in the mountains! Beautiful captures and illustration on how a matter of minutes can totally change the mood of a scene!

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- 15 denisebushphoto on October 11, 2018 said:
  
  Thank you Angie! We are so lucky to live in this beautiful place!
  
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16 Ken Curtis on October 11, 2018 said:

Very nice. I can see why you go back time and again.

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- 17 denisebushphoto on October 11, 2018 said:
  
  Thanks Ken! I am always hoping to capture an awesome sky along with the mountains. One just never knows when that might happen!
  
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18 Dave Ply on October 11, 2018 said:

Nice to see the Rockies with their fall colors. I’ve mostly seen ’em in winter, en route to one ski area or another. I like both of the last two. But then I got to thinking you probably got to make that risky drive back in the dark…

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- 19 denisebushphoto on October 11, 2018 said:
  
  These are the beautiful San Juan Mountains … a subset of the Rockies in southwest Colorado. Fortunately the drive back home from this spot is on the less scary side of the road. And I’ve driven the highway enough now that I’ve gotten quite comfortable with it. Thanks very much for the visit and comment!
  
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20 rabirius on October 11, 2018 said:

Very beautiful landscapes.

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- 21 denisebushphoto on October 11, 2018 said:
  
  Thanks for stopping by … I’m glad you like! 🙂
  
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22 Will Beeson on October 11, 2018 said:

Wonderful images Denise. Kudos to you for standing in those itsy bitsy overlooks to capture these. Well done 😉

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- 23 denisebushphoto on October 12, 2018 said:
  
  Thank you! It was fun meeting you again and now becoming friends on FB. I was happy to find some new vantage points throughout the mountains this year. I appreciate the comment and visit.
  
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24 Bespoke Traveler on October 11, 2018 said:

How breath-taking! Maybe not to drive, but to stand on one of those ridges and inhale that entire scenery.

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- 25 denisebushphoto on October 12, 2018 said:
  
  Yes … awe inspiring! Thanks for looking and commenting!
  
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