Owl Creek Watercolors
OWL CREEK WATERCOLORS
Near Ridgway, CO
Images and location summary by Tim Wier
Trail Difficulty - MODERATE
I would rate the difficulty of this trail as a 2 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). The location is just off the road, but the dirt road getting there is bumpy with a few rocks and holes along the way.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
9,490 ft. Elevation
Downloads
View In Google earth
Directions
Directions to Owl Creek Watercolors
From Ridgway - travel north on US 550 for 1.7 miles until you get to CO RD 10 (a gravel road leading to Owl Creek Pass). Mark your odometer at this point (the total distance from the turnoff from US550 to the location is 13.5 miles).
On US550 from Ridgway, turn right on CO RD10 for 4.0 miles until you get to the fork for CO RD8 – and turn right on CO RD 8 for 9.1 miles and you will see a sign for Stealey Mtn. TRAILHEAD. From the Stealey Mtn. TRAILHEAD continue on the dirt road (CO CR8) for .3 miles and you will see a small pull-off on the right side.
The last 3 to 4 miles are driving through a thick Aspen grove, so keep your eyes out for many other photographic opportunities.
Photography Tips
This image was taken in the same small aspen grove/meadow that I shot Enchanted Forest (just about 20 yds away).
The technique to have a blurred image is pretty easy and can be done either hand-held or on a tripod.
For this shot, with the vertical trees (which I wanted to keep straight), I decided to place my camera on a tripod and loosen the ball head just slightly to allow for a slow, smooth drop forward. I used a 1 second exposure and took about 5 images. To make this technique work correctly, the camera has to be in motion before and after the shutter is open. Otherwise, the image will not look smooth.
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 180 mm
Exposure – 1 sec @ f 32.0
ISO – 100
Date – Sept 30th
Time – 4:38 pm
Best Time of Day to Shoot
This shot is facing south so, the best time to photograph is in the late afternoon or on an overcast day.
Best Time of Year
This shot is best taken during the peak of fall colors in Colorado - which is usually between Sept 25th - October 5th.
The above shot was taken on September 30th
Lens(es) Needed
The above shot was taken with a 180mm lens - which allowed for some compression, but still with a sense of depth.
Birds-Eye View
Permits
There are no permits required in the area.
Direction of the Shot
The shot from the road is due south @ 200°
Equipment Needed
Every few years, this small little meadow produces a great combination of white aspens, golden leaves, yellow / red ferns and slopes slight downhill. Because of this, the colors of the ferns, trees, golden / green leaves merging together can make a very pretty place to photograph. However, pretty can be different than photogenic.
After trying for some time to come up with the right composition, I decided to try a slow motion drop to produce an abstract of this beautiful scene in front of me. After a few tries, I came up with one I liked. My college roommate was right.
To achieve the movement shown in the image above - you can either do it hand-held, on a tripod/ball head combo or use a tripod with a video ball head (with a more fluid movement).
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
This spot is off of the beaten path for most photographers and it would be unlikely to see anyone else at this location.
Weather
The weather in Colorado is normally mild in the summer and cold (lows in the 20’s) in the spring and fall. Having never been to this location in the winter, I am not sure the road is open or maintained that time of year.
Cell Service
I use Verizon and cell service at this location is spotty. Better cell service is found as you drive down the mountain toward Ridgway.
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