Autumn Mirror – Colorado

Autumn Mirror – Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado

Reflected in the mirror still waters of Clear Lake, pillows of golden aspens catch the autumn light. This mixed aspen and spruce forest is common throughout the vast and incomparable Uncompahgre National Forest of southern Colorado. The forest covers nearly 1500 square miles, ranging from pinyon-juniper woodlands at lower elevations to subalpine forests of limber and bristlecone pines near treeline. Rising above the last trees, the area’s crown jewel is Uncompahgre Peak, towering at 14,309 feet above sea level. At the intermediate altitudes, between approximately 7000 and 10,000 feet, stands of aspens mingle with conifers, creating a quilt of color in the fall.