It’s time to go catch the Colorado fall colors! As the air is getting crisper and much earlier than the previous years, which means the leaves on the trees are already starting to turn colors. Typically the best time to head out on a nice drive to go see the colors is in late September early October. This year we may need to push up a week or two.
As we have posted on this topic previous years we like to look for new ventures to partake. Having the Rocky Mountains in our backyard it is hard not to find a new drive.
Here are few new routes you may want to try this year:
- Maroon Bells: This is noted as one of the many favorites for photographers. This area has also been recommended to visit in the spring. It is located 10 miles west of Aspen in the White River National Forest. There are numerous hiking trails that will provide many photo-worthy scenes.
- Kebler Pass: This area one of the largest aspen groves in North America and is a photographer favorite. Ohio Creek Road is the starting point and heads into Crested Butte. In Ohio Creek Valley you will see a series of old abandoned ranch buildings that mark the site of Castleton, which you will see “the castles”. They’re erosion remnants carved out of volcanic debris that erupted from the West Elk Volcano. *Tip: Before you head into Crested Butte, take a short detour and head north to see the beautiful Lake Irwin. *Note: mostly a gravel road and is closed during the winter months.
- Buffalo Pass: This dirt road just west of Steamboat Springs. The pass winds up eight miles towards the Continental Divide and Summit Lake. Locals recommend a hike to the Zirkel Wilderness Area’s Three Island Lake Trail, which is about 6.1 miles (round trip) and is moderately difficult.
These are just a few places, you can find more places to see Colorado’s beautiful fall colors here. If you have a secret place you enjoy the fall colors please share! That includes sharing your pictures too!
