Pando. A tree so legendary and special they’ve given it a name. A beautiful, tremendously large Quaking Aspen covering approximately 108 acres and weighing approximately 13.2M lbs! (If someone has a video of the weighing process, I’d love to see it lol)
As I was in Salt Lake City for a Wild Horse tour (and photographs), and Pando was only a few hours away, I decided that I had to see this amazing tree in person and try to get some photos that would do it justice.
Rearranging my entire trip in the Western US, I found lodging in Fishlake National Forest - home of the magnificent Pando. Little did I know how remote that location would be.
The drive from Tooele was pleasant, winding over mountains and alongside deep gorges, sagebrush everywhere and not many signs of civilization. I kept my mind occupied looking for wildlife (fail - saw none) and trying to envision this huge Aspen that I was headed towards.
Eventually I reached the lodge where I was staying. Located across from a pretty lake, I soon realized that I would be the only one staying there. A few bedraggled fishermen were about, staying in the adjacent campground, but I was the only one staying in the lodge.
I settled in and set out to find Pando and do some recon for sunrise pictures. I found a likely spot, pulled over in a designated area, and gazed at Pando. For weeks, I’d been wondering if I would catch the Aspens in full color. In Grand Teton National Park, some were yellow, and others were still green. I was getting conflicting information from the local trees - apparently they don’t all turn at the same time, despite being the same species. So I worried and fretted every day. A green Aspen is not as glorious as a yellow one and here I was - hours out of my way for one day, hoping for the best color possible. No small ask.
Pando was yellow! Not just yellow, but a vibrant, should shaking, glowing yellow! I had been graced with the good luck to see this masterpiece in full Autumn color!
I ran across the road and climbed up the hill over rocky, overgrown ground overrun with small shrubbery and wild grasses. Something I didn’t expect was the scent - so fresh and reminiscent of outdoors. I took a moment to take it all in, soaking up the moment so I could easily recall the feeling in the future.
I wandered about amongst the stems (trees), looking for a pleasing composition while keeping the setting sun in mind. These were only to be test shots, but I was so taken by my surroundings that I set up each shot with meticulous care.
Satisfied that I had something to work with in the morning, I headed back to the lodge.
There was no wifi. Zero. I was as remote as could be. No phone calls. No texting. This could be interesting. The lock on the door to my room was a single twist lock on the doorknob - and now my brain went into overdrive in apprehension. I put a chair in front of the door for extra security and tried to distract myself with listening to music while editing photos.
I uploaded my test shots to my laptop and was pleasantly surprised! This shot stood out like a beacon and I decided to mark it as a keeper and offer it on Etsy. THIS is Pando. THIS is a Quaking Aspen in full Autumn color. THIS made my 3 hour detour worthwhile.
I smiled to myself and somehow slept peacefully (and safely). I had a long drive the next day to Lee Vining, CA and I needed the rest. I had come to see and document Pando and my job here was done. I could continue on my trip with a smile on my face.
I hope you enjoy Pando as much as I did.
