Fall Foliage 2016: Three Ideas for an Autumnal Excursion

(Taken 8/24/16 in Estes Park, CO)

(Source: News KOAA 5, Sept. 2016)

Ah, the feel of Autumn.

That refreshing touch of crisp, cool air that waffs gently against your face.

You close your eyes, and sense the sudden urge for a pumpkin latte and a roadtrip.

So, here are three ideas for fall leaf-viewing excursions:

MAROON BELLS

(J. Foster, 2011)

(J. Foster, 2011)

There's a reason this is the most photographed view in Colorado....

Simply put: It's just honestly an incredible panoramic view. Evergreen trees mixed in with multi-hued aspens, situated beneath Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak...and then throw in a mountain lake....and nicely lined photographic angles....and....well...it isn't hard to see why people flock to this area especially during the peak of autumn.

Details: Because of the popularity/traffic/parking issues there are some restrictions in place. Check the Aspen Chamber website for more details on how to drive your car or take bus (from Aspen or Snowmass).

 Lodging: There is lodging in Aspen, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs (and some other places nearby as well). Also, there are some commercial and not commercial hot springs around. 

BOREAS PASS

(J. Foster, 2012)

(J. Foster, 2012)

The Boreas Pass road takes you from hwy 285, up and over the continental divide, and into Breckenridge, CO.

As you enjoy the colorful leaves, you can also revel in the history that surrounds you.
You will be driving where many of the Colorado gold miner's once travelled on their way to and from South Park.
The road was later used for the railroad but the tracks have since been taken up.

Details: Look for the sign that says Boreas Pass, near the town of Como... once you pass Fairplay off of Highway 285.

Lodging: Breckenridge has many lodging, shopping, and dining destinations. The downtown area runs along a scenic river. Check out the Breckenridge Welcome Center that hosts a nice history exhibit. The town of Frisco and Lake Dillon are also nearby.

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

(J. Foster, 2015)

One of my favorite places to visit in September is Rocky Mountain National Park. Besides being able to see colorful aspen groves sprinkled among the evergreens, it is also mating season for the hundreds of elk in the park. It is an interesting phenomenon to listen to the elk bugling, trying to attract mates. Then to watch as bull elk battle each other for dominance over various harems.

Note: Weekends in September can be even busier than summer days at the park. Please consider taking the shuttle when possible. Also, please be considerate of the wildlife. As you view them, be sure to not get too close and be careful to not interfere with what they are doing or where they are wanting to go.


(August 2016)

Things to do: Besides viewing the aspen trees, listening to and watching the elk, there are many trails you can hike within the park. Today's featured hike: Alberta Falls. About a 3 mile roundtrip hike to a lovely rushing waterfall.



(August 2016)

Lodging: There are many, many hotels and lodges in Estes Park. Along with plenty of shops and restaurants.


Peak to Peak Highway: For even more scenic, fall foliage photos...consider driving from Blackhawk to Estes Park along the Peak to Peak Highway. Click here for more details.


For more ideas, click here and here.

It's That Time Again; Aspen Leaf Viewing!

Upon moving to Colorado I began to experience life amidst four seasons (although I will admit the Fall season is seemingly quite short here compared to the other three). There is something about the changing of the seasons that speaks to the soul. Obviously change is a natural part of life. But the way we are able to enter into each season.... and then to see it fade away....and the process in between...there is something about those transition points where you start to notice, for instance, the nights becoming cooler....or the sun going down earlier....the wildlife changing their routines...or the leaves changing their colors....perhaps it makes me feel a part of something greater than myself...and encourages me to be conscious of the world around me...in any case, I have come to love the four seasons (though I still am making peace with winter driving).

 My favorite season, that of fall, encourages me to look for the glorious beauty all around...to enjoy the moment for soon it will pass....as the golden, quaking aspen trees do their annual turning....in this often times dry, arid climate the splash of yellow, orange and lime are not unlike masterpieces to behold. Soon winter will be here...and the colors more monotonous...but for about 5 weeks in September/October we have the chance to witness nature at its peak color spectrum.


So, get out and let nature brighten up your soul!

I have posted before on popular places and sites: here and here.


And I will also list more of the same below:


(in no particular order...most of the locals know of these.....and basically if you notice that most of them are pass roads...therefore, if you basically just drive in the freakin' mountains right now you're going to see some awesome colors....)


1) Guanella Pass
2)Kenosha Pass
3) Kebler Pass
4) Boreas Pass
5) Peak to Peak Highway
6) Maroon Bells
7) Rocky Mountain National Park
8) Independence Pass
and many others....these are just my favorites but also popular one's