Suggestions for photographic opportunities in Denver area in September.

I will be attending meetings in Golden Colorado Sept 8th through the

11th. I will have the afternoon free the 8th and hopefully the

morning of the 11th. Early morning and evenings are also a

possibility.

 

I have not been to this location before so any suggestions for

nature, wildlife or scenic locations will be appreciated.

Well, as long as you're in Golden, you might as well go on the Coors Brewery tour:

 

http://coorsbrewerytours.citysearch.com/

 

Over in Boulder, you can see the Flatirons

 

http://www.philarmitage.net/boulder/boulder11.html

 

If you're a foamer, you can see the railroad museum:

 

http://www.crrm.org/

 

But for scenic shots, you would do better traveling West on I-70 from Golden up into the mountains. I had grandparents in Boulder and friends in Denver for years. Unfortunately, there aren't many unspoiled views between Denver and Boulder any more.

Drive up to Estes Park, drive Old Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, or go up Trail Ridge Road. Drive up the Poudre Canyon northwest of Fort Collins. It's coming up on elk bugling season, leaves should be close to changing, weather will be nice. If you're big on railroads, try the East Portal of Moffat Tunnel. If you go through the Big Thompson Canyon on Hwy 34 west of Loveland, watch for bighorn sheep- they are often way up high on the rocks in the steep part of the canyon. You could also drive out to Mt. Evans, drive up it. I'd skip the brewery, they have those everywhere.

Ed,

 

The weather in September can be crisp, clear days if you're lucky. So, I'd suggest you consider grabbing a long lens and heading east, then turn around and shoot the city skyline as the sun sets over the Rockies.

 

Before you go, you'll want to look at a few maps and try to figure out how to line up the downtown area with the color of the sunset, find the right roads to take, etc. It will mean a bit of planning, but if it works you'll have a hell of a great shot.

Back to Mt. Evans- it is one of the 14'ers, with a road to the top- should still be open, but won't guarantee it. They have cute lil mountain goats up there- look for them (different from bighorn sheep). There's lots to see in the general area; you could spend a lifetime there.

I will definitely map out all of your suggestions and let time and weather determine my choice.

For a quick evening or morning opportunity hit the Golden Gate State Park. It will cost you $5.

 

http://www.parks.state.co.us/default.asp?parkID=83&action=park

 

I have a panoramic picture I took there at the site below (It's a bit farther down the list and is labeled as Panoramic Point).

 

http://www.ryanandbritta.com/ryan/Photography/Panoramic/