The aspens are bursting with color, and we’re all trying to freeze time so we can enjoy this amazing moment a bit longer. It’s such a fleeting time of year–autumn in Colorado. The air is crisp, the skies perfectly blue in contrast to the big, puffy, white clouds….and then there are the aspens, the auburn ferns, the red berry bushes and scrub oak, and the golden grass. It’s truly breathtaking.
So, why not extend your visit to Colorado just a bit and take in some of these amazing colors with fabulous views on your way to or from the ranch? It’s a must do in my book! There are so many beautiful spots, but here are a couple recommendations for leaf peeping drives:
- If you’re flying into Denver and are tight on time, how about taking a few extra hours and driving the long way through Rocky Mountain National Park? Lots of aspens, most likely elk and other wildlife sighting, and the see-forever view at the top of the Continental Divide. Pack a lunch and stop for a short hike on one of their many trails if you have a little extra time, or just stop when you get over the pass in Grand Lake for lunch before you head on towards Steamboat Springs and the ranch.
- Maybe you were able to fly in a couple days early to Denver, and you have some more time to go explore? Then you should head up towards Vail on I-70, then turn off and go down past Leadville, over to Aspen, through Glenwood Springs, and then north on Hwy 131 to Steamboat Springs. Stay the night in the cute town of Frisco, then a night in Aspen, but make sure to make some time to enjoy the hot springs in Glenwood Springs.
- Now, for those of you who are going to fly right into Steamboat Springs, how about renting a car and taking a day trip into the Flattops? There is a gorgeous and remote drive from Steamboat to Craig, down to Meeker, and then into the Flattops. You’ll come out in Yampa and head back up to Steamboat Springs. This drive can be done in about 4-6 hours, depending on how many photo ops you stop for along the way.
There are some other great ideas for fall foliage drives, as well as hot springs stops in Colorado on the Colorado Tourism Office website. Enjoy the colors as you scope out the many gorgeous vistas in Colorado. We’ll provide you with many more while you’re at the ranch, but when in Colorado in the fall, take the extra time to soak up the beauty!