Silver Jack Sunrise
Silver jack Sunrise
Near Ridgway, CO
The area around Silver Jack Reservoir can provide some stunning landscape photo opportunities during the Fall Color season. This area, which is less traveled by most visitors, is filled with pristine aspens, beautiful mountains, and breathtaking views.
The image above was taken on a perfect fall morning near a small lake just north of the reservoir. It’s a wonderful place to start your day.
Images and location summary by Tim Wier
Trail Difficulty - MODERATE
I would rate the difficulty of this trail between 2 and 5 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). The location of this shot is a moderate 1/4-mile hike from the parking lot at a small pond called Beaver Lake (just 2 miles north of Silver Jack Reservoir). Park at Beaver Lake and hike along the west side of the lake and up a small hill, placing yourself on the north side of the small pond.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
8,710 ft. Elevation
Download KMZ Trail File
Photography Tips
By placing yourself up the hill north of the lake, you can get a nice reflection of the lake and trees and a better view of the jagged mountains in the distance. Find the composition you want and wait for the right light. The sun will illuminate the mountains, hills, and middle trees before the trees around the lake. You may have to composite your image to capture the whole scene.
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions to the parking area for this location.
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).
On US550 from Ridgway, turn right on CO RD10 for 4.0 miles until you get to the fork for CO RD8 (this turns into Owl Creek—Cimarron Rd 858). From here, turn right on Owl Creek—Cimarron Rd for 9.1 miles, and you will see a sign for Stealey Mtn. TRAILHEAD. From the Stealey Mtn. TRAILHEAD continue straight on the dirt road (Owl Creek—Cimarron Rd 858) for 1.9 miles, and you will see an open field (Deb's Meadow) on the left side.
From Deb’s Meadow, continue on the same dirt road (Owl Creek—Cimarron Rd 858) for approximately 8.9 miles until you reach a fork in the road. At the fork, take a left and travel approximately 3.8 miles (you will pass Silver Jack Reservior and Silver Jack campground) until you come to a small lake on the left called Beaver Lake.
At Beaver Lake, turn in and park at the south end of the lake (where my white 4Runner is parked in the image above). From the little parking area, you will see a foot trail around the lake on the left (west side). Follow the foot trail to the northern part of the lake and climb up the modest hill until you come to a viewpoint overlooking the lake with the view you see in the image above.
View In Google earth
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 70 mm
Exposure – 90th sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 100
Date – Sept 29th
Time – 7:32 am
Best Time of Day to Shoot
Sunrise to early morning.
Best Time of Year
This location can be photographed at any time of year. However, this location is best in the Fall when the aspens surrounding the small lake are golden.
The image above was taken on September 29th.
Lens(es) Needed
The shot above was taken at 70 mm.
Birds-Eye View
Permits
There are no permits required in the area.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of your shot is south @ 180°.
Equipment Needed
All you need is a sturdy tripod to capture this great location. You might consider using a polarizing filter to reduce the reflection on the lake.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
There are a few campsites at this little lake, which could be occupied.
Weather
The weather in Colorado usually is mild in the summer and cold (lows in the 20s) in the spring and Fall.
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.
Area Guides and Workshops
None