Each autumn many Coloradans head to the mountains to take in the fall colors. And with good reason…the yellow pop of aspen leaves against the blue sky, granite mountains and/or evergreen conifers is certainly a wonder to behold. CSFS foresters are in the forests every day, and they are our go-to sources for best spots to visit.
Max Erickson in the Fort Collins Field Office shared one of his favorite spots: Laramie River Valley. Head north on the Laramie River Road (Larimer County Road 103) from Highway 14 to the Wyoming border. You’ll see aspen on both sides of the valley as well as cottonwoods and willow along the river. And if you want to move around a little, there are beautiful hikes as well as fishing and camping sites in the Rawah Wilderness. You can also see some evidence of the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire.
Andy Schlosberg leads our Woodland Park Field Office, and he recommends a drive on Gold Camp Road (FS8) in Teller and El Paso counties. But be sure to heed Andy’s advice: “This road can be a little nerve-racking to drive—lots of blind curves, washboards and unregulated shooting, but it’s worth the trip if you and your vehicle can handle it safely.”
If you like to keep it a little less adventurous, then take Highway 67 south from Highway 24/Divide toward the Teller County end of Gold Camp, but stay on 67 to Cripple Creek and then take Teller 1 north back to Highway 24. Either way, you’re in for some excellent aspen-gazing.
In the southernmost part of Colorado, Adam Moore, Supervisory Forester in the Alamosa Field Office, suggests a drive through Conejos Canyon. There you’ll see fantastic cottonwoods, and if you have a 4 wd vehicle, consider taking USFS FDR 103 toward Osier, Colo., to enjoy the aspen. Or maybe a train ride is more your speed. If so, board the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad for a colorful ride to Osier.
Check out these other forester-approved routes:
- Owl Creek Pass in Ridgway
- CO 145 from Dolores to Telluride (about 60 miles)
- West Bench Trail on the Grand Mesa