If you have ever driven to Colorado you’re probably familiar with the sign at the state line welcoming you to “Colorful Colorado”. I find it kind of funny because the sign is totally lacking in any color whatsoever, and most of Colorado’s borders are in arid or semi arid plains or desert with a monotone landscape.

Nevertheless, Colorado is in fact a colorful and beautiful state as these photos I took last week showcase. Most of these were taken in various areas of the Gunnison National Forest.

Here we have some loud aspen trees proclaiming the onset of fall.

Here we have some loud aspen trees proclaiming the onset of fall. The semi-goofy looking patchwork on the distant mountain is Crested Butte ski area.

A cloudy day made for some interesting views of mountains with their peaks obscured. The "Beaver Pond" was perfectly still, almost like a mirror.

A cloudy day made for some interesting views of mountains with their peaks obscured. The “Beaver Pond” was perfectly still, almost like a mirror.

I would love to see this same view just a little later into fall when all these aspens are vibrant yellow. This is allegedly one of the largest aspen groves in the world.

I would love to see this same view just a little later into fall when all these aspens are vibrant yellow. This is allegedly one of the largest aspen groves in the world.

Here we have Mt. Crested Butte just after sunset.

Here we have Mt. Crested Butte just after sunset.

The Anthracite Range.

The Anthracite Range.