Spiers At Silverjack
Spiers At Silver jack
Near Ridgway, CO
The area around Silver Jack Reservoir is a wonderful place to visit during the fall foliage season. The pristine aspens change colors at different stages, providing different hues of dark and light green, gold, yellow, and orange. With the surrounding mountains, spires, and lakes, there are numerous excellent photography opportunities.
The spires in this location can provide a stunning shot when the aspens are in full bloom.
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 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
9,076 ft. Elevation
Photography Tips
This is a nice formation with colorful trees in the foreground. The shot is taken from an open field just off the road heading to Silver Jack Reservoir.
The shot faces north, so it can be photographed either mid-morning or late afternoon. Mid-morning will illuminate the front trees, and late afternoon will place light on the faces of the spiders. Also, this location can be photographed during the golden hour.
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions to 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 in the road, the spiers are directly in front of you. Turn right and you will see a small pull-out to park. From the road, walk around until you find your composition.
View In Google earth
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 67 mm
Exposure – 350th sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 320
Date – Sept 28th
Time – 8:11 am
Best Time of Day to Shoot
Mid-morning, late afternoon, or during the golden hour.
The photo above was taken in mid-morning at 8:11 am
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 in front of the spiers are golden.
The image above was taken on September 28th.
Lens(es) Needed
The image above was taken at 67 mm.
Birds-Eye View
Permits
There are no permits required in the area.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of your shot is north, around 27°.
Equipment Needed
This shot can be captured without a tripod.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
You will most likely be the only person in this small meadow in the early morning.
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