Colorado Gold: Scenic Aspen Drives Near Denver
In early fall, the shimmering leaves of the aspen, the quintessential Colorado tree, turn to a positively glowing shade of gold, sending locals and visitors rushing to the mountains. The glorious colors don’t last long, however – usually from mid-September to the beginning of October. Here’s a look at some of the best day-tripping, aspen-peeping drives closest to Denver.
Peak To Peak Scenic & Historic Byway
Overview: Less than an hour from Denver, this 55-mile-long route provides matchless views of the Continental Divide and, during the fall, is prime aspen country. From Black Hawk to Estes Park, this pleasantly winding road – the oldest scenic byway in Colorado – meanders through valleys and ridges, with golden aspens visible throughout the entire route.
Getting There: Take Colorado 119 from Black Hawk north to Nederland. Then follow Colorado 72 to Raymond. From there, proceed on Colorado 7 past the 14,255-foot Longs Peak to Estes Park.
Time Spent: 80 minutes to drive the byway
More Info: www.byways.org/explore/byways/2114
Guanella Pass Road Scenic & Historic Byway (Closed for the 2009 season due to dangerous conditions)
Overview: Just south of historic Georgetown, this 22-mile road was originally an old wagon trail used by miners. Drivers today pass through a succession of distinct environments, from lush creeks and wetlands to rugged and beautiful mountainsides, at one point reaching 11,699 feet above sea level. All along the drive, aspen groves glow with a luminous, otherworldly quality in the legendary Colorado sunshine. Once you reach the town of Grant, turn right on US 285 and travel for 15 minutes to the top of Kenosha Pass, where aspens grow in multitudes.
Getting There: Take I-70 west of Denver to Exit 228 in Georgetown. Follow the signs from the Gateway Visitors Center. The byway follows first NM 381 and then NM 62 for 23 miles and ends in Grant.
Time Spent: 1 hour to drive the byway
More Info: www.byways.org/explore/byways/2110/index.html
Boulder County Road 130
Overview: Driving this road from the cool mountain town of Nederland to Eldora is slow-going, but worth the trip. With aspen trees that shimmer and shake along the tumbling waters of Middle Boulder Creek, you’ll want to take your time anyway. Things get a bit rougher beyond Eldora, as the paved road ends – but the payoff comes when at the Buckingham (Fourth of July) campground, which is literally tunneled by tall aspen trees.
Getting There: Take I-25 North to 36 west to Boulder, take Canyon Blvd. west (Hwy 119). Follow 119 to Nederland. Turn left at the Roundabout. Continue south on 119 for one mile. Turn right on 130 and follow the signs to Eldora.
Time Spent: 40 minutes to drive the road
More Info: www.nederlandchamber.org
Fall River Road
Overview: This road near Idaho Springs is certainly curvy, but its worth the twists and turns for the abundance of golden aspens that populate the hillsides. The road ends at the St. Mary’s Glacier trailhead – if you’re in the mood for more Colorado gold, take the 3/4 mile trail, about a 45-minute roundtrip, for a hike surrounded by aspens.
Getting There: Take I-70 west past the town of Idaho Springs. Then take exit 238 (marked “Fall River Road”). From there, take a right on Fall River Road.
Time Spent: 40 minutes to drive the road
More Info: www.idahospringsco.com
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