Autumn in Western Colorado

With a couple weeks’ vacation scheduled for late September into early October, Gayla and I planned a road trip to Western Colorado in search of amazing fall color in a majestic mountain setting.  We both enjoy camping but in our quest to simplify our lives, we previously sold the camping trailer.  Still wanting the outdoor experience we modified the truck, which already had a camper shell, with bed platform and a memory foam mattress for a cozy “hard-shelled tent.”  With temperatures expected to be in the mid-30s at night, it was important to bring the cold-weather sleeping bags and layered clothes, we were prepared for comfort, and comfortable we were.  With two dogs in tow, off we went.

We planned to start the adventure with a couple nights near the town of Ouray and then work our way up towards the town of Aspen finally heading back towards Gunnison over Kebler Pass.  A little research for photo spots around Ouray revealed great photo opportunities along Hwy 62 west of Ridgway to get a great view of the Mount Sneffels area.  Spots included a prominent turnout along Hwy 62 a little over a mile east of Dallas Divide, and County Roads 5, 7 and 9 to get off the beaten path.  Additionally, County Road 10 off highway 550, a mile or so north of Ridgway lead up to Owl Creek Pass for more great views east of Ridgway.  Highway 550, named the “Million Dollar Highway”, from Durango to Ouray is always spectacular. 

As we worked north, Hwy 133 north of Hotchkiss to Carbondale is loaded with Aspens, particularly going over McClure Pass just south of Marble which has Aspens showcased by dramatic peaks and valleys.  

The town of Marble is a must-see location and when you find the BBQ place, eat there…you will know the one when you drive by.

We planned to venture off-road to the Crystal Mill, an iconic photo spot, but the road was impassible and better judgment prevailed.  Even the option of hiking the last few miles would have required slogging through some deep mud…no thanks!  Next year!!  Just north of Marble on Hwy 133 is a turnout with this spectacular view looking back towards Marble…great spot to ponder life!!

Aspen is home to Maroon Bells, probably one of the most photographed locations in Colorado.  Fall can be especially colorful at sunrise but it is worth the visit year-round.  We were a little past peak color for the area but there was still plenty of great color.  I hope to make a winter trip sometime soon.  It is a popular location and a little internet research helps plan your visit there.  We elected to pass on a side trip over to the ghost town of Ashcroft which is accessed from another spur of the roundabout going to Maroon Bells, maybe next time.

The final event was to head over Kebler Pass back towards Gunnison.  County Road 12 departs Hwy 133 south of Paonia Reservoir and heads over Kebler Pass to Crested Butte.  If I forgot to mention, all the county roads mentioned are dirt roads in varying conditions.  We have a 4WD truck but remained vigilant of the road conditions to avoid getting into a bad situation.  Kebler Pass could easily be done with 2WD assuming the road is dry.  This was a wonderful drive, take your time and enjoy all the sights along the way including a little side trip to Lost Lake for a picnic.  This grove of Aspens was exceptionally captivating.

We found everything we were looking for and more.  The bonus prize was a young bull moose, walking through the Aspen trees on the drive over Kebler Pass.  On the next trip, I will try to plan on being in the vicinity of McClure Pass at sunset to highlight the extensive Aspen groves against the mountains and eventually find a way to Crystal Mill!

Best time for fall color is around the 1^st of October depending slightly on how the year is going.  There are websites that help.  We hope to see you there next year!!

There are a variety of camping options available.  The KOA just north of Ouray was a wonderful campground perfectly located to enjoy the area.  Additionally, there are several USFS campgrounds in the area but many close the end of September.  Check their website: Understanding Public Land

For more pics, here is a link to some more of my favs from the trip:  Bob Williamson Photography