Fall is in the air and now is the best time to see the gorgeous Rocky Mountains show their seasonal beauty. From Denver there are several day trips you can take up to the mountains to enjoy the majestic Aspen trees change color. Whether you have a car full of people or going solo the beginning of Fall is a special time in the High Country. Here are a few drives you can take to appreciate one of the most stunning seasons in Colorado.
- Guanella Pass between Georgetown and Grant- Take Highway 285 (West Hampden turns into Hwy 285) south through Conifer and Bailey. At the town of Grant, head north on the Guanella Pass Scenic and Historic Byway to Georgetown, where you will meet back up with I-70. The aspens are typically exceptional on the south side of Guanella Pass, which sits at 11,699 feet in elevation. This refreshing 23-mile road will take you through the Pike and Arapahoe National Forests. Approximately 12 miles of this scenic road is a gravel surface, but maintained year-round.
- Trail Ridge Road (US 34) through Rocky Mountain National Park- Take the Boulder Turnpike (US 36) west to Rocky Mountain National Park via Estes Park. Once in the park, drive Trail Ridge Road (the highest paved through highway in the US) and enjoy the breath-taking scenery. The weather can change quickly in the park so be sure and get the latest forecast. Trail Ridge Road peaks at 12,183 feet in elevation. Just west of the high point is Fall River Pass, elevation 11,796 feet, and the Alpine Visitor Center. Exit the west side of the park and continue on US 34 down into Grand Lake. From there, take US 40 east through Fraser and Winter Park, eventually meeting back up with I-70 at Empire.
- Boreas Pass between Como and Breckenridge- Take I-70 west and then Highway 9 south through Breckenridge. Make a left at the stoplight on the south side of Breck onto Boreas Pass Road. After 3.5 miles the pavement ends, but you can continue another 11 miles to the town of Como. From there, take Highway 285 back to Denver over Kenosha Pass. The Boreas Pass Road will take you above timberline where the weather can change quickly, so check the local forecast before making the trip. Boreas Pass Road follows an abandoned railroad grade which was the original route of the Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad. You will have incredible views of the Continental Divide as you pass the flank of Bald Mountain.
- Colorado 14 through the Poudre Canyon west of Fort Collins- Take I-25 north and exit onto Colorado 14 heading west. (Exit # 269) You will pass through the town of Laporte before entering the beautiful Poudre Canyon in the Roosevelt National Forest. The Pourde River Canyon was designated Colorado’s First National Wild and Scenic River in 1986. Drive to Cameron Pass (10,276 feet) in the Medicine Bow Mountains for gorgeous views, and perhaps a picnic lunch while you enjoy the foliage.
- Colorado 67 Between Divide and Cripple Creek- Take I-25 south to Colorado Springs, exit onto US 24 west (exit 141) toward Woodland Park. At Divide head south on Highway 67 toward Cripple Creek and Victor. The scenic Golden Loop Historic Parkway between Cripple Creek and Victor will not only afford beautiful views of fall color, but a look back to the 1890s gold rush that made this area one of the most famous mining districts in the world. As an added bonus, you will cross Colorado’s highest bridge on the state highway system. The bridge crosses Arequa Gulch just west of Victor, is 250 feet tall at its highest point, and 1,218 feet long. Colorado has 8,479 bridges on its highway system.
- Independence Pass, Colorado 82, Between Twin Lakes and Aspen- Take I-70 to exit 171 just past Vail to pick up US 24 west. This will take you to Twin Lakes, where you pick up Highway 82 toward Aspen. This beautiful drive through the San Isabel National Forest will afford picturesque views of the Sawatch Range, which is home to several of Colorado’s 14ers. From Aspen you can continue on Highway 82 to Glenwood Springs where you will meet back up with I-70. Heading back toward Denver, you will drive through the gorgeous Glenwood Canyon where a hike to Hanging Lake and Spouting Rock would make for a nice picnic.
Those are just a few routes you can take from Denver. Remember, the weather can change in the mountains within the hour so make sure to be prepared for anything and have a safe, fun adventure!
