Sneffels Reflection
SNEFFELS Reflection
Near Ridgway, CO
Images and location summary by Tim Wier
Trail Difficulty - MODERATE
I would rate the difficulty of this trail between 3 and 5 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). It is a simple 300 yard hike from the parking area to the small beaver pond. However, the 7 mile drive on the dirt road that is CR7 can be bumpy and rough in some places and is best traveled with a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
The dirt road that is county road CR7 is public property and can be used for taking pictures and traveling through the ranch land. However, until you reach the National Forest barrier toward the very end of CR7, the land on either side of the dirt road is private property, and the owner, Ralph Lauren (Double RL Ranch), takes this seriously. I have been reminded of this by ranch hands many times.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
9,305 Ft. Elevation
Downloads
View In Google earth
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions the Beaver Pond parking area.
From Ridgway - travel west on CO HW62 for approx. 3.9 miles and look for a sign that says “National Forest Access—Dallas Creek.” Once you reach a green sign that says “Ouray 7 County)” CR 7, turn left (south) and drive through the entrance of the Double RL Ranch. At this point, set your car trip recorder. Continue on this dirt road for 2.1 miles until the road splits. Stay right on CR7 (not CR7a) and continue on CR for another 5.9 miles (re-entering the National Park area).
At the fork in the road turn right and head back the way you were coming and you will see an open field with some old split rail fences. Continue on this bumpy dirt road for ¼ mile. There should be an old outhouse in the little dirt parking lot.
From the parking area, take the trail north (cow trail) for about 300 yds north. You will see a small pond on your left. The shot is taken on the small beaver dam that only holds 4 to 5 people.
Photography Tips
The small beaver dam only has room for about 4 - 5 people and is NOT very sturdy. Often times in the fall, hunters set up camp near the parking area and can be in your view of the magnificent scene. Try to position yourself to the far right of the beaver dam to give you the best chance of blocking the hunter's trailers/tents.
My suggestion is not to try to capture the whole pond. Try to position the composition so the pond looks like a lake and the reflection is the story. Shooting from a lower position makes the reflection more pronounced.
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 40 mm
Exposure – 45th sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 100
Date – Sept 28th
Time – 6:02 pm
Best Time of Day to Shoot
This location can be photographed at sunrise, early morning, late afternoon or sunset. Just whenever the light is best for the fantastic shot.
Best Time of Year
This location is going to be beautiful anytime you can get to it. However, to capture this place in our its glory, is during the fall color season (depending on the year, this ranges between the last week in September to the first week in October).
The above shot was taken on September 28th
Lens(es) Needed
The image above was taken with a 40mm lens
Birds-Eye View
Permits
At the present time, there are no permits required at this location.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of the shot was south around @ 170°
Equipment Needed
All you need is a sturdy tripod, a polarizing filter, and a sturdy stance.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
On a beautiful fall day, expect to have a crowd at this location. As mentioned, there is only room to uncomfortably fit 4 or 5 people on this real life beaver dam.
Early bird catches the worm.
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 there was NO cell service for most of drive on County Rd 7. There are places along the road where the service is spotty and the closer you get to the main highway (CO HW62), the better the reception
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