At AAMCO Colorado, we fully understand that you expect your vehicle to get you where you need to be. If you intend to take any long distance trips this fall in your vehicle, be sure to take the necessary precautions to ensure your vehicle is ready for the haul. If you need a Radiator Repair Shop, Transmission Repair, Colorado Brake Repair, or any other automotive maintenance needs, be sure to find the nearest AAMCO Location to you, and give us a call to set up an appointment!
September and Early October is the ideal time to witness a gilded aspen spectacle on a scenic drive in Colorado, but you have to time it right: The color lasts only about a week in most places. It’s difficult to predict when exactly the leaves will turn in any given location. We’ve compiled this list of the best locations and routes for viewing beautiful aspens this fall. The best strategy is select travel dates in advance, but not destinations. Then go wherever the color is. Here are a few road-tripping routes that have become fall-color pilgrimages for aspen lovers:
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This is the best aspen viewing near Fort Collins. Take Rist Canyon Road (Larimer County Road 52E) west for about 13 miles to Stove Prairie Road (County Road 27). Take this road south for 3.5 miles to County Road 44H. Take County Road 44H west for about 12 miles to Pingree Park Road (County Road 131). This is where the best stands of aspen are found. Pennock Pass is about 10 miles.
This road winds through valleys and kisses the top of ridges on its way from Black Hawk to Estes Park. The entire way through the route, see beautiful golden leaves shivering in the wind on the aspens. Starting at Black Hawk, travel north on Colorado 119 to Nederland and then follow Colorado 72 to Raymond. Then take Colorado 7 past the 14,255-foot Longs Peak to Estes Park.
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This highway is flush with not only aspens but also many other varieties of changing trees. Starting at Grand Junction, head east on the I-80 through Palisade and coast along the Colorado River. Enjoy the view of riverside cottonwoods slowly shifting into a yellow hue. Head east at Colorado 65 and then south through more canyon country on your way to the top of Grand Mesa. You will be welcomed by the sight of gold aspens as far as the eye can see.
Head west out of Crested Butte over this improved dirt road (County Road 12) and you’ll be overwhelmed with autumn beauty. The darker colors of the Ruby Range make for a stark contrast with the golden aspens below. At Colorado 133, you can head north toward McClure Pass for more, or return the way you came.
Down in southwest Colorado, Telluride can be difficult to reach, but is more than worth the challenge, especially in the fall. Telluride any time of the year is a site to behold. This drive on the Colorado 145 between Dolores and Telluride is mind blowing. Get that camera ready, because this area is the perfect photo taking location.
Located just southwest of the appropriately named town of Aspen, Maroon bells are probably one of the most photographed mountains in North America. Due to limited Buses leaving from Aspen on the Weekends, the best way to enjoy Maroon Bells is to reserve a campsite along Maroon Creek Road. From there, you can drive your vehicle all the way to the Maroon Lake, surrounded by golden trees and the reflection of the beautiful mountain peaks..
Bring your car to AAMCO for a complete ProtectCheck® diagnostic. This will help identify any issues that need to be looked into and possibly repaired as seasons change and the cooler weather of autumn rolls in. See our current specials and coupons.
If you have questions about your car’s readiness for any season, or about car repair and maintenance topics, AAMCO Colorado can help. You can also go online and use the AAMCO Colorado Ask a Mechanic feature to submit your auto repair questions. They will be answered by a real AAMCO Colorado mechanic as soon as possible.
Make sure you are ready for everything that Colorado’s Fall season has to throw at you, from slippery roads to cold weather. Check out these Fall Driving Tips before you set out this autumn.
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