Behind the Shot: Aspens near Georgetown

On a free day during a two week trip to Colorado, I was searching for some mountain roads to explore. Having heard that Colorado was renowned for the annual colour change in its Aspen trees, I was keen to find a spot to capture this wonderful change from rich greens to deep yellow hues. In my research that morning over a rather bitter coffee, I happened upon a description of the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway. Providing access between Historic Georgetown and the community of Grant, the scenic byway winds its way through the hills of the Rocky Mountains.

Starting in the North from Historic Georgetown, the road climbed up into the hills before easing slightly. Clear Creek provided a handrail for the tarmac as I navigated the hairpins, stopping frequently to admire the changing scenery. As the road plateaued slightly, I passed the Cabin Creek Hydroelectric Reservoir. Humble in appearance, the power station has been in operation since 1967 and powers 270,000 households. Looking back North as I stopped only a few hundred metres past the power station, I spotted the reservoir poking out of the Aspens. Mesmerised by the scenery, I framed this shot to capture the contrasting colours, winding road, and enthralling mountains.