🍂🍁Fall is my absolute favorite time of year! The smell, the colors, the crisp air, to me, it is just the best season hands down.🍁🍂

 Between all the pumpkin patches, pumpkin spice EVERYTHING and all the Fall festivals there is so much to do and see. One of the best things about our lovely state of Colorado is the fall foliage.  Packing a picnic and plan a day trip with the family to enjoy all the splendor  Colorado has to offer. Who ever named Colorado "Colorful Colorado" was spot on. Here are a few drives that will be sure not to disappoint if you want to take a day and explore our wonderful state and see the changing of the trees.  These are in no Particular order of favorite, but I am listing Independence Pass ( Mt Evans) first because it does close in November and sometimes earlier because of the snow.

 I will say that I do this pass every year with my family as a tradition and it never fails to impress. 

Independence Pass Visit the second highest pass in Colorado this autumn season. Independence Pass, at an elevation of 12,095 feet above sea level, is found near the towns of Twin Lakes and Aspen. If you find yourself on the Aspen side of the pass, make a stop at the Maroon Bells, which is the most photographed spot in all of Colorado. This road closes in November, right when the leaves fall off their branches, so autumn is a great time hit up this spot before the winter season. There is a nice area at the top with what used to be a restaurant called the Crest house. It burned down in 1979 and there is also a Conservatory. You can't just drive to it anymore, right now reservations are required so make a plan and don't forget to stop in Idaho Springs and go to BeauJo's Pizza. It is the original! The little town is pretty cute to window shop in as well!

For more info on Mt Evans, here is the web site; https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10087438 

Georgetown Loop

If you don't want to drive, a fun and beautiful route to take is the Georgetown Loop Train ride. We have done this many years as a family and it is always a great time. There are a lot of activities to do if you want to spend the day. There is gold panning, mine tours and plenty of history! Make sure to make time to explore Georgetown. There is an AMAZING park in the town that is worth the drive alone called Fosters Place Park. 

For More information, here is their web page: https://www.georgetownlooprr.com/

Guenella Pass

The trip to Guanella Pass is another road that is accessible for those in the Front Range and in Denver.  This one is short and you can plan a picnic since there is a pretty waterfall along the drive that is worth stopping and taking a look at! A 23-mile route is a popular place for weekend warriors to go to view fall foliage, so keep that in mind if you intend on heading out to Guanella Pass during an autumn weekend. Here you’ll catch views of Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt as well as pass through the cute mountain town of Georgetown.

For more information: https://www.colorado.com/byways/guanella-pass

Kenosha Pass

 Three Words!!! Aspen Groves Galore! Oh, and of course SOUTH PARK. This trail can be crazy at the top, but it is worth fighting for a parking space. It's not far from Denver if you want a quick trip. The views are stunning and the drive is simple and close to home. Fairplay is also a cute town to window shop and stop for a bite.  We have the tradition of stopping at the Coney Island Hot dog stand! 

For more info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenosha_Pass

Maroon Bells 

 I actually have the Maroon Bells Iconic Picture as my background picture on my office computer! It is amazing!! It is just as beautiful in person!  A reflective lake and two giant snow-striped mountaintops, named Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak, anchor a blissful panorama exemplified by a symphony of color that changes with the seasons. Just like Independence Pass/Mt Evans you do need to make a reservation for this one too. Maroon Bells is no stranger to Day Hikes, Hot Springs and tons of fishing! There are several "rest" area's with picnic area's with fantastic views. Of course you can always stop in Aspen, for some food or some window shopping. I love Aspen, and admittedly, I don't even know how to ski. Hubby and I have stayed in Aspen a few times over the years just for a "quick" get away.

For more Information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maroon_Bells

PEAK TO PEAK SCENIC BYWAY

I got Married in Estes Park and the town is super fun and has a lot to offer. This byway begins in Estes Park at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park. Try your luck gold panning, see ghost towns, lakes and the amazing golden Aspens. The drive takes about 3 hours. Kids love to pan for gold whether they find any or not. There are several stops along the way that will allow the kids to do just that! If you like ghost tours, make sure to stop at the Stanley!! Stop in town and shop the Riverwalk. Make sure to watch out for the Elk! They are quite the site to see! 

For more information: https://estes-park.com/peak-to-peak-scenic-byway/

There are so many great roads, hikes, and trails  to see in Colorado, but the best time to see all the colors and golden glory Colorado has to offer is definitely in the Fall. Here are only a few for you to try. I and hope you will love these trips just as much as my family does! Maybe you can start a new Family Tradition with one of these great trips!