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.

Rocky Mountain National Park in the Fall.

Skittle-colored aspen leaves splashed amidst the evergreens. 

Elk bugles and mating rituals.

Somber. Spiritual. Reflective. 

I love Rocky Mountain National Park in the Fall. 

(photos taken 10/7/15)

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

Estes Park; My Home Away From Home.

 

I never get tired of visiting Estes Park. It is the first place I longed to visit when I first moved to Denver ten years ago. And it is the place where I continue to return.

 

 My fascination with Estes (the nickname used by many Coloradoans) began when my parents shared that it was a camping spot they used on their first road trip together back in the 70's. As a child of divorce, I treasure tiny nuggets of my parents lost nostalgia...and therefore believe I was drawn to Rocky Mountain National Park like a lost camper retracing their steps.

Nowadays, I come back month after month simply to be, to rest, to play. It is a familiar stomping ground of which I have grown quite fond of its beauty, wildlife, and amenities.

There are alot of other places in Colorado I still want to explore. But when I need a quick, refreshing, intimate getaway I continue to return to Estes Park.




Helpful Links:
http://estes-park.com/

http://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm

http://www.rockymtnresorts.com/

Crested Butte--Colorado's cutest, overlooked little town!

Crested Butte is officially my vote for cutest Colorado town!

I'm sure the locals probably don't mind if most of the tourists overlook their adorable ski
 town....but....I simply must express  regret of only just now learning about this incredibly
endearing old mining town! Situated north of Gunnison and southwest of Aspen, Crested Butte is nicely secluded away from it all....the downtown historical area is rustically charming (built in the 1800's)  with a clean, fresh coat of paint exuding an aroma fit for both modern trendsetters and those of the nostalgic pioneer spirit.

Like most Colorado mountain towns there is much to do by way of skiing, snowboarding, fishing, 4x4ing, nature watching....but once you visit....you will see that there just isn't another Colorado town quite as charming as Crested Butte.



 (But if you do find one as cute....I guarantee the people just aren't as friendly).


Nearby:

-Kebler Pass (great for viewing fall foliage)
-Gunnison (nearest supply town, Black Canyon of the Gunnison)
-Mt. Crested Butte (where the skiing happens)
-Several campgrounds nearby

Town website: http://www.visitcrestedbutte.com/

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: