A fallen leaf provides a splash of color against a muted log.

Popular trails in the Tetons are popular for a reason, often leading to views of colossal mountains towering behind luscious forests and raging cascades seemingly wrought from imagination.  However when seeking a sense of solitude I prefer to wander the less populated areas of the park, where you can find more pristine conditions due to the lack of foot traffic.  In the peak of Fall I decided to explore one of my favorite areas away from the crowd.  Strong winds had ripped through the night before, and I found the ground scattered with freshly fallen leaves feeling the effects of impending Winter.  I have no idea the species of trees from which they fell but I was fascinated by the colors swirling not only within the leaves themselves but gradating down its stem which was only augmented against the muted palate of the dying grass.  I’ve always been more of a big-picture kind of guy, but this may be one of my favorite shots from within Grand Tetons.