Courtesy of Pixabay
Something wonderful happens in Colorado this time of year. The aspen leaves start to change from a deep green to bright golden and orange hues as the temperatures start to dip. Now is the time to go out and explore the changing colors right outside your Gunbarrel apartment. Grab your camera and some comfortable shoes because we’ve gathered the best spots to see the leaves transform for the coming fall season.
When to Explore
The ideal time to see the trees shift from green to warm reds and oranges is starting the third and fourth weeks of September to mid October. This time of year offers prime leaf peeping adventures, and, bonus: it’s still warm enough to go for a hike, too. If you want detailed information on when the leaves will peak, the U.S. Forest Service has a hotline with fall foliage updates: 1-800-354-4595.
Maroon Bells in Snowmass
One of the most photographed spots in Colorado, it’s no wonder Maroon Bells is fantastic for experiencing the leaves change, and there are plenty of hiking trails and camping spots if you want to make a weekend trip. You can access the trails from Aspen, or from I-70, take Colorado Highway 82 toward Glenwood Springs.
Courtesy of Pixabay
Peak to Peak Highway
From I-70, take the Central City Parkway exit to see some amazing views of the aspen trees. There are several scenic spots for you to stop along the historic byway and take in the views atop the Continental Divide. The highway even takes you through Estes Park, where you can stop to enjoy biking or horseback trails, and soak in all the beauty our state has to offer.
Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in North America and winds through Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes to Grand Lake. This is a favorite spot for photographers, as it overlooks the changing aspen leaves and offers spectacular views of Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road is 8 miles of scenic byway that are above 11,000 ft., with a peak altitude of 12,183 ft. This is the perfect drive to get a birds eye view of the fall colors as you drive along the road above tree line.
Boreas Pass
Courtesy of Wikimedia
Between Breckenridge and Como, this beautiful pass rises up over part of the Continental Divide. Boreas Pass offers amazing vistas of the mountains above, and groves of aspens changing for the fall season below. The pass is a historical railroad gravel bed, and along the way are several landmark sites to stop and check out. The road starts in Como and heads north to drop you off into Breckenridge, where you can walk through town and take in the sights.
You don’t have to travel very far for leaf peeping action. Living in our Boulder apartments gives you convenient access to the mountains and the spectacular views Colorado has to offer. Take advantage of the warm weather and don’t miss your window of opportunity to enjoy the leaves transforming.
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