As I was writing my recent Post, Why Aspens May Not be the Right Choice for Denver Home Owners, I was reminded that it is almost time to hit the car for the day, head to the west and view our flickering golden aspens.
The Fall is my favorite time in Colorado and making it up to the mountains to enjoy the fall floiage and the changing of the Colorado aspens is just something no one should ever miss, especially if you have only recently moved to Colorado. And if you are planning to move, now that it is something you will truly enjoy in the future.
Here are a few of my favorite day trips from Denver to enjoy the changing of the leaves. You can find many more suggestions here as well. You can see in the picture that the aspen leaves are just starting to turn here in the Denver Area, the next 2 weeks in the High Country should start to be grand and you will see lots of color generally through the first week or so of October in Denver.
Guanella Pass- Hands Down this is my favorite. Probably because I have such wonderful memories of the day my family spent driving this pass when my children were so young. There is a potion of the road that is unpaved (about 12 to 15 miles or so) but it is a very mild gravel road and most cars will be fine as long as the weather holds. There are numerous lakes along the pass and we stop often to get out, walk around and just relax and enjoy. There are also stunning views of Mount Evans in the distance. To reach Guanella Pass from Denver, take I70 to Georgetown and eventually you will be brought out to 285, which will lead you back to Denver.
Kenosha Pass- Take 285 west out of Denver (Hampden) and drive towards Fairplay. Another breathtaking pass which will allow you plenty of time to get out of the car and take beautiful photos of the aspens fluttering their golden leaves.
Golden Gate Canyon Sate Park - Located off of Highway 93 Between Golden and Boulder, Golden Gate Canyon State Park has a a great variety of activities and also has large aspen groves. There is also over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails in the park. Pack a picnic, if you plan to hike a bit, you are going to want to find that perfect spot to relax and enjoy such beautiful scenery.
Georgetown Colorado is one of the popular spots as well, and many are so glad that the Georgetown Loop Railroad is running again (after a short hiatus a few years ago) as this allows everyone a chance to get out of the car and sit and enjoy the Loop train ride from Georgetown to Silver Plume and back. Young children will especially enjoy the experience on this coal engine train. Georgetown is located off of I70, about 35 miles west of Denver.
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