Autumn is rapidly approaching Colorado as the temperature breaks and Breckenridge has received its first snow dusting of the season. 5280, the Mile High Magazine, has put together a list of trips in its September 2007 edition to take in the fall scenery.
McClure Pass
The Route:
From Carbondale, 30 miles west of Aspen, follow Colorado Highways 133 south along the Crystal River past Mt Sopris, past the hamlets of Redstone and Marble, up McClure Pass, and into the fruit-basket town of Paonia. Both yellow cottonwoods and golden aspens line the road along the river and sprawl up and over the pass.
Total Miles:
58
Independence Pass
The Route:
Follow Colorado Highway 82 out of the Twin Lakes/Leadville area going northwest toward Aspen. You’ll go over 12.095-foot Independence Pass, the highest mountain pass in the state. The most brilliant color appears on the downhill side of the pass as you near Aspen, which isn’t named after the tree for nothing.
Total Miles:
37
Kenosha Pass
The Route:
Maneuver your car onto U.S. 285 from Denver and stay there – this well maintained roadway winds past Red Rocks Amphitheatre, through Conifer, Pine, and Baily to the summit of Kenosha Pass, and down into the valley of South Park. You’ll get your first glimpse of stands of quivering aspen as you drive down the hill into Bailey. But it’s the gold-nugget yellow that’s really spectacular. End your drive in Fairplay.
Total Miles:
75
The Million Dollar Highway
The Route:
This out-and-back route follows the jaw-dropping Highway 550, aka Million Dollar Highway, north of Durango to Ouray with a potential side-trip to Silverton, 48 miles into your journey.
Total Miles:
70
Pick up a copy of 5280 magazine for more information on these routes including places to eat, where to stay, things for the kids, and suggestions for great photo opportunities.
