In the fall of 2026 (dates have not yet been determined), the Plano Photography Club will travel to Ouray, Colorado.

Centrally located in Southwest Colorado, Ouray is a small mountain town sitting at 7,800 feet in elevation in the San Juan Mountains, renowned for its dramatic alpine scenery, Victorian architecture, and especially its vibrant autumn foliage displays.

In the fall, Ouray offers photographers a rich tapestry of color - golden aspens, red oaks, and oranges that blanket steep valley walls and mountain slopes, set against rugged peaks often dusted with snow. The area's diverse elevations extend the fall color season, making it possible to find peak foliage from mid-September through early October. 

About Ouray

Ouray, Colorado | Justin Terveen

Ouray, Colorado, is a small mountain town located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado, about 40 miles south of Montrose. Sitting at an elevation of nearly 7,800 feet (2,375 meters), it occupies a steep, rugged valley carved by the Uncompahgre River and is surrounded by dramatic alpine peaks, often earning it the nickname "Switzerland of America."

The town was founded as a mining camp in 1876 following the discovery of gold, and quickly grew, boasting more than 1,200 residents at its early peak. Much of Ouray's existing architecture dates from the late 19th century, giving the core of the town the feel of a living-history museum.

Its name honors Chief Ouray, a notable leader of the Ute people, acknowledging the area's Indigenous roots before settler expansion.

Geologically, Ouray lies within the highly mineralized and scenic San Juan Mountains—a segment of the southern Rockies rich in volcanic rock. The region features a concentration of peaks over 13,000 feet and notable formations such as Box Canyon Falls and Yankee Boy Basin.

The landscape's geology is integral to both its mining past and its visually dramatic scenery, with sheer valleys, jagged ridges, and waterfalls making it especially appealing to visitors and photographers alike.

What to Expect in Late September and Early October

Weather & Conditions

Visitors to Ouray, Colorado, should expect generally cool, crisp autumn weather with sunny days, low humidity, and occasional changes, such as afternoon showers or passing clouds.

Daytime temperatures typically range from the upper 40s to upper 60s °F (8–20 °C), while nights can be chilly, often dropping into the 30s °F (0–5 °C). Local conditions may include clear, sunny skies, light winds, and low precipitation, but you should also be prepared for brief periods of cloudiness and light showers.

At this time of year, the climate is excellent for outdoor photography: the air is typically clear, light is bright, and the vibrant fall foliage is at or near its peak.

However, being in the mountains, the weather can change quickly, and higher elevations may even experience frost or snow, so layered clothing and weather protection are recommended.

Morning hours can be especially brisk, and some days may see afternoon thundershowers or cloud buildup, but extended periods of sun are common.

Photographic Highlights in Autumn

• Scenic Drives: The Million Dollar Highway (US 550) is famous for sweeping mountain vistas and vibrant roadside foliage. Pullouts offer numerous spots for panoramic shots of the San Juans draped in autumn colors.
• Downtown Ouray: The town’s Victorian buildings are framed by golden hillsides, providing a classic small-town-in-the-mountains composition.
• Waterfalls and Natural Features: Box Canyon Falls, Cascade Falls, Bear Creek Falls, and the Ouray Amphitheater all gain extra visual drama in autumn, with waterfalls emerging from colorful canopies and natural stone backdrops.
• Hiking and Backcountry Roads: Trails like the Perimeter Trail, Portland Trail, and backroads toward Owl Creek Pass or Dallas Divide present intimate and grand landscape views, reflections in alpine lakes, and varied compositions from foreground foliage to rugged snow-capped peaks.
• Atmospheric Conditions: Autumn in Ouray often brings crisp, clear light, morning frost, and occasional fog or snow on the peaks - conditions that create high-contrast, moody, or glowing images depending on time of day.

Final Thoughts

Autumn in Ouray is also quieter than peak summer, so you can explore with thinner crowds and enjoy peaceful scenes.

Local photo workshops frequently base themselves in Ouray specifically for fall, due to the variety and accessibility of high-impact photographic spots, ranging from expansive landscapes to close-up macro details of leaves and textures.

Whether pursuing grand landscapes, architectural details, or closeups of color and texture, Ouray’s combination of geology, foliage, light, and historic charm makes it a premier destination for fall photographers.