Drunken Aspens
Drunken Aspens
Near Telluride, CO
Images and location summary by Tim Wier
Trail Difficulty - MODERATE
I would rate the difficulty of this trail as a 2.5 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). The shot of the Aspen trees above is an easy 30ft walk on the dirt road that is Last Dollar Road (T60). However the last 3 miles of the road is very rocky, goes through a few small patches of water and is narrow in a few spots. It is also IMPASSABLE when muddy.
If you continue on the Last Dollar Rd past the location of the shot - going toward Telluride, the road is very steep and semi-dangerous in places and should only be traveled with a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
Special Note: The Last Dollar Road (T60) in not maintained in the winter and is closed from January through May.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
9,590 Ft. Elevation
Downloads
View In Google earth
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions to the Drunken Aspens
The Last Dollar Road (T60) is a dirt road that offers a spectacular adventure through some of the most beautiful countryside in southern Colorado. If you plan to take the road all the way to Telluride, I would recommend a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
From Ridgeway - travel west 11.5 miles (1.3 miles past the Dallas Divide) on CO 62 until you see a small green street sign for The Last Dollar Road on the left / south side of the road (it is very easy to miss).
Travel on the Last Dollar for about 5 miles where you will come to a fork in the road (see picture below). At the fork, stay left and travel for 2.7 miles until come to the Drunken Aspens. The aspen grove is on private property (you will see several NO TRESPASSING signs on the fences), but you can shoot from the road - which is public.
Photography Tips
Along with the interesting shapes from this little place, I really like the stunning white trunks of the aspens. Spend some time walking up and back on the road through this small aspen grove (again, the grove is on private property - so please stay on the road). Look for different and inspiring compositions as they can be found all around you.
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 30mm
Exposure – 60th sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 100
Date – Sept 29th
Time – 12:45 pm
Best Time of Day to Shoot
I find it best to shoot this unique aspen grove when there is no sunlight on the trees (overcast day or before or after sun hits the trees) as the contrast will overwhelm the shapes and mood of the trees.
Best Time of Year
You can shot this location anytime you can access the road. However, I find the trees are best photographed during the fall color season (depending on the year – this ranges between the last week in Sept - 1st week in October).
Lens(es) Needed
These trees offer several compositions and you will want to have a variety of lenses. The above shot was taken at 30mm.
Birds-Eye View
Permits
As far as I know, there are no permits required. Please stay on the road as the property off the road is private.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of the shot was south by southeast @ 260°
Equipment Needed
No need for any special photography equipment.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
In the fall, this location can attract several photographers.
Weather
The weather in Colorado is normally mild in the summer and cold (lows in the 20’s) in the spring and fall. The Last Dollar Road (T60) in not maintained in the winter and is closed from January – May.
Cell Service
I use Verizon and there is cell service for most of the Last Dollar Road (T60).
Lodging & Camping
As far as I know, there are 2 hotels in Ridgway (they usually fill-up quickly in the fall, so make sure you plan ahead). Also, Ridgway State Park is approx. 4 miles north of Ridgway, and there are also several other hotels and lodging in Ouray, CO (approx. 10 miles south of Ridgway).
Ridgway State Park is a VERY NICE state park with lots of campsites ($24 for tent only and $32 for full hook ups) and includes pay showers, laundry, vending machines, and flush restrooms. Ridgway State Park is reservations only (800) 244-5613 or www.cpwshop.com
Nearby camping and lodging
Camping - click on the campground below for directions
Ridgway State Park (4 miles north of Ridgway)
Lodging - click on the lodging below for a TripAdvisor review
Chipeta Solar Springs Resort & Spa
(970) 318-7037
304 S Lena St, Ridgway, CO
Ridgway-Ouray Lodge & Suites
(970) 626-5444
373 Palomino Trail, Ridgway, CO
Nearby Restaurants
Ridgway is a GREAT little town to stay at, visit and eat. When in town, I always try to visit Kate's Place and the The Grit Cafe.
Kate's Place has a GREAT breakfast/brunch and I always try to stop there after my morning shoot. True Grit Café has a nice selection of cold adult beverages and a good menu. Ridgway was the location of the original True Grit movie with John Wayne and the True Grit Café was part of the opening scene.
I have also enjoyed a very good pizza and a cold brew at the Colorado Boy and one of the very best taco around can be found at Gnar.
Nearby Restaurants - click on the restaurant below for yelp review
Kate’s Places
(970) 626-9800
615 W Clinton, Ridgway, CO
Gnar
(970) 626-9715
630 Sherman St, Ridgway, CO
Colorado Boy Pub & Brewery
(970) 626-5333
602 Clinton St, Ridgway, CO
Area Guides and Workshops
None