“Ooooh, look at that,” Gazette photo editor Christian Murdock remarked as the road crested to reveal an image in the distance: fresh snow coating the Collegiate Peaks.

Snow, he knew, would be a great complement to Colorado’s classic, autumn color. So it was on Cottonwood Pass.

Murdock eagerly drove on, head turning at every bend, watching to see how flakes settled on leaves, watching for angles and light.

PHOTOS: 2023 Fall Colors in Colorado

This is a favorite time of year for us Coloradans. The time aspens paint our natural canvas gold, making us fall deeper in love with the place we call home.

It’s a brief time, one we always long to capture. That’s where we can count on Murdock and his team.

Every year they fan out across the state in search of that perfect picture. Every year comes with a theme. This year: water.

“It’s just kind of fun creatively,” Murdock said. “It gives you kind of a challenge, and it gives you a different perspective on the annual event.”

A challenge accepted by colleagues Jerilee Bennett and Tim Hurst. Their achievement is to our benefit as admirers.

You can view more at the gallery at gazette.com. Check back there as the season fades — coming to a close again, but not soon forgotten.