Beautiful Morning, Reflections, and Fall Colors

Another Saturday, another trip to Pine Valley Ranch Park. The night before was windy, so I didn’t expect to see any reflections in the lake, but to my surprise, the air was still and all the beauty was perfectly doubled. No complaints here! I grabbed a few shots, trying to capture the mountain slopes, evergreens, blue sky, and those stunning clouds.

 

Before I could enjoy the reflections, I met a small creature who jumped down, grabbed something, and zipped up to the nearest branch for breakfast - a beautiful little gray squirrel. Usually, they don’t like you getting too close, but not this time. ;)

Well... it wasn't my first time here (click here to see another hike - Pine Valley Ranch Park hike... the beginning), and I know that sometimes the weather cooperates and gives you those perfect views. I walked slowly around the lake, enjoying the quiet morning - no people around, just me and the squirrels keeping each other company.

Isn't it a gorgeous view? What do you think?

I expected to capture some vibrant aspen colors, but surprisingly, there were just a few golden groves scattered here and there, not as much as I’d hoped for. Well, one can’t be lucky every time, right?

At one point, I turned around and thought I was seeing double - two mountains in the south. It took me a moment to realize that the second one was actually a cloud, perfectly mimicking the shape of the peak. :)

A few steps later, I was walking on a soft carpet of yellow leaves - nature’s own rug spread across the trail.

For the next ten minutes, I followed the winding path, soaking in the distant views. Especially the clouds.

Yeah, there were some yellow patches far away, not as many as I’d wished for, but I took them all as gifts from the season.

I made a big loop and returned to the lake. The weather had changed - the wind had stirred the water, erasing the reflections - but now the clouds had grown even wilder and more dramatic.

I left the park, but instead of heading straight home, I took the long road along the river and found even more vibrant colors.

I stopped here and there, spotting yellow leaves floating in the water - unexpected, but such a pleasant surprise.

The next hour I spent slowly making my way back to the city, stopping often to admire the stunning foliage. Yellow, red, green - all glowing under the sun, creating that special feeling you get only when fall truly begins to paint the world anew.

Photos were taken on October 04, 2025.