As autumn color is fading here, it’s time to remember the surprise of brilliant colors as I drove across the Rockies in Colorado last month. I had a couple planned stops at national park sites before getting to the western part of the state but mainly just planned driving across the state. The drive took quite a bit longer than planned because the breathtaking aspen and cottonwood leaves demanded many stops.
Ranch near Pike National Forest, Colorado
Not far from Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, horses were feeding in a meadow surrounded by cottonwood with aspen adding color to the mountain forests.
Pike National Forest
Climbing further into the mountains, more aspen were surrounding the pines and firs.
Leopard Creek
A few weeks ago, I posted some images from Curecanti National Recreation Area. Heading further west the next morning continued the incredible displays of color.
Uncompahgre National Forest
Not far from the ski resort town of Telluride, the road goes over passes well over 11,000 feet. As I lined up some images of the distant peaks, Chance was helpful enough to jump up and pose.
Trout Lake, Uncompahgre National Forest
As you can see, you can’t get very far before the scenes demand you pull over again to take in the view.
Beaver Lakes along the Delores River
The mountain scenery would very soon end, and we would be in the high desert of the Colorado Plateau. So one last stop to hike along the beaver ponds that followed the Delores River. The planned sites were wonderful to see, but the unexpected scenery enriched the trip greatly.