Marble Colorado Fall Colors 2003

Location... Marble, Colorado (see map at bottom) has an interesting and significant history. Some of the world's finest white marble is produced from the Yule Quarry. The pure white stone has been used in the construction of both Lincoln Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknowns in Washington, D.C. The Tomb of the Unknowns was crafted from the single largest block of marble ever quarried in the United States ~ 110 tons. Even more interesting to the landscape photographer are the rugged mountains, swift moving water and the dense forests which make up the Crystal River Valley. Also nearby is McClure Pass and Chair Mountain. This area is one of my favorites in all of Colorado, in any season. The memorable fall colors of 2003 made this weekend trip all the better!

Fall Colors... The "best" time to view the fall colors in Colorado varies from year to year and location to location. This year, 2003, the colors were very good in the Marble area the weekend of October 4th & 5th, but the colors probably "peaked" someday the week before (maybe around the 1st). If there are no gusty wind storms, there is generally good color one week before and one week after the peak color. So anytime around the peak provides ample subject matter for the photographer.

The Route... From Denver, take I-70 West to Glenwood Springs where you will exit and head Southeast on Hwy 82 towards Aspen and Carbondale. Before you reach Aspen, turn South onto Hwy 133 towards Carbondale, go through town and continue on this road towards the Marble turn-off (about 21 miles). The town of Marble is actually 6 miles off Hwy 133. As you reach Marble, slowly weave your way through town, staying on the main road. On the East side of town you'll reach the beginning of the 4WD road that continues up the Crystal River Valley. Notice that the sign says "Road Closed." I'm not sure if it always is this way. It certainly closes in winter, but its usually passable in summer and early fall. Also notice that the road does not look like it requires 4WD at this point. Trust me, it does just around the corner. Less than 1 mile from the beginning of the 4WD, you'll come upon a "Y" in the road where RD 315 and RD 314 split. Make sure you stay right, on RD 314. At the beginning, this route is very narrow. From the "Y", the town of Crystal is about 4 miles. If you don't have your own 4WD vehicle, operators run 4WD tours from the town of Marble. Though I've never hired them (I have my own 4WD vehicle), I've talked to the tour guides on multiple occasions and the are both knowledgeable and friendly.

The Crystal River Valley... First let me say, some of the land along the road is privately owned. Most is well marked. Please respect the rights of these (oh, so lucky) property owners. So much for the commentary, what's so special about the Crystal River Valley? Everything! I had no problem filling 2 full days photographing just 4 miles of this 4WD road. Subject matter includes everything from grand landscapes and iconic Colorado images to rushing waterfalls and intimate forest scenes. When the foliage of the aspens and forest undergrowth are sporting their colors, this is an amazingly beautiful place.

McClure Pass (above left), The famous Crystal River Mill (above right), the Crystal River (below)