Fall Colors

The beauty of autumn splendor awaits

By Debra Goldyn

As the weather turns cooler and the air becomes crisp and scented with the tantalizing aromas of cider and woodsmoke, nature puts on her fall coat of colors.

Autumn is a visual treat for the senses. The vibrant displays of yellow and orange help ease the transition from multicolored wild flowers to the pristine white of winter.

On a brisk fall day, there’s nothing better than grabbing a jacket and a camera and heading into the forest. We’ve got some resources to help you plan your outing; visit the web site (GetC365.com) for more information.

Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells area near Aspen is one of the most photographed locations in the state, and with good reason. Better make it the first on your list, though. Fall colors arrive early and often fade by mid-September, just when the rest of the state is getting into the swing of things. There is a fee for vehicle access, but you can save money by taking the bus. The RFTA runs a tour daily until September 7 and then on weekends from September 11 to September 27.
www.fs.fed.us/r2/whiteriver/rangerdistricts/
aspen_sopris/mb_scenic_site/index.shtml

Kebler Pass
Kebler Pass is another required spot for serious color hounds. Situated in the Gunnison National Forest on the West Elk Loop, you’ll find Kebler Pass as you travel between Crested Butte and Paonia on County Road 12. You’ll also find the largest grove of aspens in the state.
www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com/fall-drives

Gold Belt Tour
Explore the mining histories of Cripple Creek and Victor along with some vibrant scenery as you travel this scenic byway, which was recently designated a national byway as well.
www.goldbeltbyway.com

Rocky Mountain National Park
Journey along Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuously paved road in North America, and enjoy the fabulous vistas the park has to offer. If you have time to spare, travel Old Fall River Road, a one-way gravel road that leads you to Fall River Pass and Highway 34. Save time for a trip through Estes Park, the main entry point for RMNP. Note that an entrance fee is required. Purchase a seven-day pass for $20 or an annual pass for $40.
www.nps.gov/ROMO

San Juan Skyway
The San Juan Skyway is a loop that includes Ouray, Silverton, Durango and Telluride, among other cities. If you don’t have time to travel the entire length, be sure to check out the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton, or take a trip to Telluride, where fall colors often linger late into the season.
www.byways.org/explore/byways/2101

Forest Service Fall Color Reports
Let the Forest Service keep you informed on the fall colors as they unfold in Colorado’s national forests. Reports are updated periodically through the season.
www.fs.fed.us/r2/recreation/fallcolors

Scenic Byways
It’s hard to go wrong with any of the scenic byways. They’ve been selected because they score high on the photogenic meter, and they will certainly wear their fall colors well.
www.coloradobyways.org

Travel Information
CDOT maintains this site with information on road closures and weather conditions. Be sure to check here before hitting the road to make sure your favorite pass is open.
www.cotrip.org