Wilson Peak
WILSON PEAK SUNRISE
Near Telluride, CO
Colorado, during the fall colors season, can provide some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Snow-covered peaks, golden aspens, and crisp mountain air can renew your soul and take you back to a simpler time.
And the areas around Ridgway and Telluride provide some of my favorite locations to photograph and enjoy the beautiful fall color season - as they provide some of the best vistas and landscapes in the state. This location, standing at the base of Wilson Peak, maybe the most beautiful of all.
It is truly a jaw dropper! If you are in the Telluride area, during fall colors, and it snows - this is a place you should strongly consider for sunrise.
Images and location summary by Tim Wier
Trail Difficulty - EASY
I would rate the difficulty of this trail as a 1 to 1.5 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most difficult). The shot above can be taken directly from the road or climb up a slight elevation (15-30 ft) area behind the road.
A shot from the road is an easy layup - stand next to your vehicle and capture this great location. However, the shot above was taken by walking up a small elevation some 20 yds above the road to get a different (better) perspective. The walk up this small hill can be a bit muddy, and you might get your shoes dirty.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
9,113.5 Ft. Elevation
Downloads
View In Google earth
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions to the shot location for Wilson Peak
From Telluride - Head west on W 145 for 3 miles until you come to the traffic circle (stay straight on W 145). From the traffic circle drive six more miles and take a hard left onto 60M Rd/Silver Pick Rd (you can easily miss this turnoff). Once you turn on 60M Rd/Silver Pick Rd, drive 3.3 miles until you reach a fork in the road. Stay left at the fork for another .8 miles until you reach another fork. At this fork, stay left for another .4 miles. The shot is on your right.
From Ridgway - drive west on CO-62 W for 23 miles until you come to CO-145 (heading toward Telluride). Take a left at CO 145, drive 6.8 miles, and take a right at 60M Rd / Silver Pick Rd. From the turnoff onto Silver Pick Rd, drive 3.3 miles until you reach a fork in the road. Stay left at the fork for another .8 miles until you reach another fork. At this fork, stay left for another .4 miles. The shot is on your right.
Photography Tips
The weather, timing, and patience are the secret to this shot…
During the Fall color season, this is one of the BEST places to photograph in the Telluride area. However, it is at its VERY BEST after a GOOD SNOW which will add texture and dimension to this grand vista. If you are in the Telluride area, during Fall colors, and it snows - this is a place you should strongly consider for sunrise.
This shot is taken due South, and during the Fall, the sun will rise at almost due East, providing a nice side light to this magical place. Be set up and be prepared to capture your image before sunrise. However, in my opinion, this shot is BEST when the sun hits and illuminates the face of the mountain and the beautiful golden trees in the meadow below. This happens about 5 - 7 minutes after sunrise.
No need to bracket before sunrise, but after the sun hits the scene, you will most likely benefit from multiple exposures as the dynamic range can be extreme.
If you have an Intervalometer on your camera, set it to take an image every 30 seconds or so starting a couple of minutes before sunrise and keep taking pictures until about 10 minutes after sunrise. You will be surprised by the considerable differences in the scene over that time frame. Pick your favorite, print it big, and hang it on your wall.
IMPORTANT: the road (and the hill behind the road) you are part of a private home subdivision, and the land in front of the road (facing Wilson Peak) is a private business. Please respect the homeowner's land, road, peace, and quiet as you enjoy this special place.
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 105 mm (5 shot vertical pano)
Exposure – 1/6 th sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 100
Date – Oct 2nd
Time – 7:17 am
Best Time of Day to Shoot
You can capture a great image from sunrise to early morning. However, I believe this shot is best just after sunrise.
Best Time of Year
As mentioned, this is a beautiful place to visit any time of year. However, it is at its best during Fall colors and after a good snow.
The image above was taken on October 2nd.
Lens(es) Needed
Even though this is a grand vista - the meadow at the base of the mountain is right in front of you, and Wilson Peak is only 3.5 miles away. So you can shoot this location with a 35 - 50 mm lens. I chose to shoot the image with a 105mm equivalent lens as a five-shot vertical pano.
Birds-Eye View
Permits
As mentioned, the location of this shot is in a private home subdivision, and currently, no permits are required.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of the shot is due south at 180°.
Equipment Needed
Other than a sturdy tripod, no special equipment is needed. If you are going to shoot a panoramic, you will need the appropriate equipment.
DO NOT USE A polarizing filter!!! As mentioned, the sun rises at 90° to your left, and a polarizing filter will leave you with an imperfect sky.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
A magical scene will bring some to many photographers on a perfect Fall morning.
Weather
The weather in Colorado is normally mild in the summer and cold (lows in the 20's) in the spring and fall.
Cell Service
I have Verizon, and the cell can be spotty at this location.
Lodging & Camping
There is a campsite (Sunshine Campground) not far from Ophir on the road back to Telluride, and lodging is abundant in Telluride.
Camping - click on the campground below for directions
Sunshine Campground – located off of CO145 on the way back to Telluride
Lodging - click on the lodging below for a TripAdvisor review
231 West Colorado Avenue, Telluride, CO
301 West San Juan Ave, Telluride, CO
Nearby Restaurants
The closest town is Telluride – a wealthy rancher and ski/tourist town with a good variety of restaurants (for both locals and tourists). I enjoy sitting at Smugglers Brewpub after a long day of hiking and shooting.
Nearby Restaurants - click on the restaurant below for a yelp review
627 W Pacific Ave, Telluride, CO
225 S Pine St, Telluride, CO
Area Guides and Workshops
None