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

Camping Along Guanella Pass

GUANELLA PASS AREA CAMPING

I have written previously about exploring Guanella Pass during the fall season. It is a beautiful drive to tour the aspen leaves amidst a mountainous backdrop. In addition, Guanella Pass is also home to many popular camping spots and hiking destinations. Guanella Pass runs between I-70 (at Georgetown, CO) and US-285 (at Grant, CO). During the winter months, the road is not always open all of the way through so be sure to check the road conditions online at CDOT.

There are various camping locations all along Guanella Pass (also known as HWY 62, or Guanella Pass Scenic Byway).

Along the pass there are some first come, first served "unofficial" camping spots. Also, there are several designated campsites where you are allowed to have a fire (inside the designated fire ring), pit toilets, and picnic tables. And there are dispersed camping sights (please check the rules and regulations for dispersed camping).

Also, something else to know is that camping along Guanella Pass is near Mt. Bierstadt and Mt. Evans. So, if you want to camp and get up early to hike a 14er (what we Coloradoans refer to as mountains that surpass 14,000 feet) this area is ideal for such a venture.

For designated campsites check out (click on the links below):

Guanella Pass Campground


Clear Lake Campground


Burning Bear Campground

For a complete list of campgrounds located along Guanella Pass check out Pike National Forest Campgrounds website.

Dispersed Camping Guidelines
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/fishlake/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5121831&width=full


Mt. Bierstadt Info:
https://14ers.com/routemain.php?route=bier1&peak=Mt.%2520Bierstadt

Colorado Fall Foliage

This post is coming too late in the season but I am posting now for future reference (for myself and others). Below are a few links that list popular and scenic drives for viewing Colorado Fall foliage. So, for next year, I will be sure to check out these websites again!

This year I went to Kenosha Pass during the 3rd weekend in September and Maroon Bells area the 4th weekend. I was able to see all kinds of colors on the aspens...greens, yellows, oranges, and a few reddish hues. Beautiful!

I would definitely recommend these sites for the future:

 Channel 9 News annual foliage list.

 Colorado.com has several links and road trip ideas for leaf viewing.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has some creative ideas on how to enjoy the fall colors.



(Original post: 10/6/11. Updated: 9/9/16)

Guanella Pass in the Fall

I recently drove around Guanella Pass to take some photos of the colorful aspen leaves. Guanella Pass runs between Grant and Georgetown. However, the pass is closed near the top due to a potential rockslide...so you cannot drive all the way through. But the leaves are great on the side that is open (near Grant). There are several hiking trails in the area, great views, flowing river, and superb seclusion. Here are some photos to show you the area: