Colorado and SW Landscapes and wildlife in Sept?

[RbnDave]

Hi all,

I hope you can give me some advice. I have two weeks off from work starting right now, and I am trying to plan a photography trip. I'm planning on flying to Denver and renting a car. I might drop off the car in Denver or Phoenix. Where would you recomend I go to get some great landscape and wildlife photos? Will the fall colors be starting in the mountains?

I am willing to do a lot of hiking and a ton of driving. Give me some ideas please.

Some ideas I've had are; rocky mountain NP, Medicine Bow mountains, San Juan mountains, New Mexico, Canyonlands in Utah, Zion NP.

I would really like to see some wildlife. My 100-400 lens is collecting dust. I want to see some animals! Also, I am moving into a new apartment in two months and I need some impressive landscapes for the walls.

Thanks
Dave

PS. Another idea I have is to fly to San Fransisco and drive to Phoenix with stops in Yosemite, Death Valley, and Sierra Nevadas.

I fly for free and the rental car fees are the same no matter where I fly in to. I'll be camping most nights and would prefer to stay places where the temp won't be dipping below 40 degrees F. Help me narrow my decision.

[GPR1]

I just returned last week from Crested Butte, CO (north of Gunnison). The aspens were starting to turn, early according to my CO contacts. I have also been to Arches & Canyonlands NP's (near eachother - very convenient). I camped there on my way to CO. They're fantastic. The nights were not cold, but they may be getting that way. Bryce Canyon is also amazing. You can't do poorly anywhere in the 4-corners area, but many places are at higher elevations, and the nights could be cold. Bring extra blankets or a great sleeping bag. That's a better solution than avoiding sub 40 temperatures.