Rocky Mountain Railroad - Silverton, Colorado CO Colorful Trees, Mountain Art, Tree Print, House Decor, Lake House, House Print, Decor

What is it about autumn’s golden hour that makes the mountains come alive?

As I stood at the edge of the old railroad track, I felt the chill of the morning air biting at my fingertips. The rusted rails stretched like forgotten veins, disappearing into the dense forest of Aspens. Above, the majestic peaks of the San Juan Mountains loomed in the distance, crowned by the stately presence of Mt. Garfield. The locals call it the “Gateway to the Rockies” and “The Land of Alpine Glory,” and as the first light of the day touched the rugged edges of the peaks, I understood why.

The complex dance of dawn and shadow played across the golden foliage, painting the landscape in hues of crimson, amber, and gold. With my drone hovering above, capturing the surreal beauty of autumn in Colorado, I felt the weight of history beneath my feet. These rails once carried the famed Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, nicknamed the “Silver Thread,” weaving through “The Million Dollar Highway” during Colorado’s silver mining boom. Today, they serve as a reminder of the industrious spirit of those who carved their way into these mountains.

Navigating the early morning skies with a drone can be a daunting task. The unpredictable gusts and dense tree cover make every movement critical. But I knew that if I timed it just right, I could capture the moment when the sun ignited the sky behind Mt. Garfield, making the scene look as if it were lifted straight from a painting. As the colors burst forth, I couldn’t help but marvel at how this small, historic town, known as “Where History Lives” and “A Step Back in Time,” stood still, nestled quietly beneath the grandeur of the Rockies.

In that brief window, as the tracks disappeared into the glowing aspens, and the San Juan Mountains stood sentinel against the morning sky, I felt a deep connection with this land—one that only the heart of Colorado could offer.

1) Since we create each piece of our custom fine art specifically for you, we don't offer returns. Every image is made-to-order, making it unique and personal. But we want you to love your artwork! If it arrives damaged or there's a problem with it, we'll gladly exchange it or send you a replacement to make things right.

2) The artist's signature on each piece of our fine art, placed in the bottom corner, authenticates the work as a unique creation and adds a personal touch.

3.1) Only framed paper prints, acrylics and aluminum/metal prints will have a 2" white mat border.
3.2) Canvas prints will be a flush mounted (no mat border) to the frame.