Best Fall Drives in Colorado – Independence Pass to Aspen

 

Colorado in the fall is amazingly beautiful.  The trees turn fabulous colors and the mountains are just so pretty.  One of my favorite Fall Drives in Colorado is the loop through Leadville, Independence Pass, Aspen and Glenwood Springs.  The more time you have the better but I’d at least try to take 2 days with a stop over in Aspen.

Starting from Denver – go west on I-70.  There are plenty of fun stops on the way.  If you have the time, I really enjoy Idaho Springs, Georgetown, Frisco, and Breckenridge.  Loveland pass is also a wonderfully scenic road.

Leadville, CO

The first stop is Leadville.  This city is high so be cautious of altitude sickness.  Leadville has some cute buildings and a small park to get out and run around.  There are several places to grab lunch. 

Definitely take a restroom break – otherwise everyone will  have to cross their legs for awhile.

Leadville is also the home of Turquoise Lake.  Turquoise Lake is a beautiful area.  If you have the time to stay overnight then take your time exploring.  Turquoise Lake is a very popular camping area for good reason.  Book ahead, online to make sure you have a spot.  Otherwise keep moving so you can make sure you get to Aspen before night.  

Photo Journey Through Independence Pass and Aspen

First Main Stop: Twin Lakes

These lakes are just off of the main road and they sure are photogenic.  Take a few minutes to stroll and enjoy the peace and quiet … and the views.  After the lakes make your way on to Independence Pass.  You’ll go up and up … over then down a windy road in to Aspen. This mountain pass is scenic almost the entire route.  It’s closed in the winter and as early as October so please check conditions before your start your journey.  Also vehicles over a certain length are not allowed.  The earlier in the day you start your journey the more time you’ll have to stop and take in the views.

Independence Pass

Colorado has some absolutely amazing mountain top views and Independence Pass is definitely a beauty.  It feels like another world up there.  When you get to the top of Independence Pass take some time to explore.  The air is thin but the views are amazing.  Don’t forget your jacket!  It can be very chilly on these mountain tops even in the middle of summer.  Also keep a look out for bad weather.  Generally the fall does not have many thunderstorms but summer storms can develop quickly and lightening likes to aim for the tallest thing around.  When you’re 12,000 feet above sea level – you’re the tallest. 

Independence Pass is 32 miles and goes up and over the continental divide at the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains.  It is the highest paved state highway over the continental divide in Colorado.  It can be difficult to drive in bad weather, has some steep drop offs and in some areas are not large enough for 2 cars to pass so the road at times turns in to one way.  Patience and looking ahead is important.  The pass is open generally from Memorial Day to October and closes in the winter due to not being passable with high levels of snow.  For up to date information see www.cotrip.org.  There are several hikes including the Grottos and Devils Punch Bowl.  We visited the Independence Ghost Town.  Vehicles over 35 feet are not allowed and will get stuck around the larger curves. 

 

Independence Pass – Colorado Fall Drive down to Aspen

 

The drive back down to Aspen has some fabulous coloring in the fall.  It’s just beautiful.  There are some sharp curves and some drops but it’s not the sketchiest Colorado road I’ve been on by far.  Enjoy the view and if you have the time take, make a few stops to get out and explore.  Some hikes include the Grottos and Devils Punch Bowl.  Signs are small so I recommend either keeping an eye on your GPS or going slow enough to read the signs for the parking areas .

Independence Pass Ghost Town

 

Just prior to getting to Aspen the old Independence ghost town is a fun place to stop and explore.  It’s photogenic and an easy hike from the road.  Again, there are not big markers, so go slow and look to the left.  We missed it our first time through the pass and had to look very carefully on our second attempt.  

Independence Ghost Town is a self-guided hike and archaeological preserve.  Gold was discovered here in 1879 and a town immediately sprang up. The following year there were 300 people living in the camp.  The following 2 years the town was productive in collecting gold but by 1988 only 100 people remained.  In 1899 a severe winter storm stranded the miners who escaped to Aspen by taking apart their homes to make ski’s and make it to safety.  The site is currently under the National Register of Historic Places.  

 

 

 

Maroon Bells

I highly recommend finding a place to stay overnight in Aspen.  It’s worth a full day to take time to tour Maroon Bells.  These mountains claim to be the most photographed in North America with good reason – just look at these beauties.  The trails from the lake are spectacular too especially in the fall – I just felt like we were bathed in shades of yellow.

 

The best family photo backgrounds ever ..

Ashcroft Ghost Town

If for some reason you still haven’t gotten enough color on your Aspen road trip – consider visiting Ashcroft Ghost Town.

Glenwood Springs

On your way back to Denver take a break in Glenwood Springs.  It’s a beautiful little town with a ton to do including biking, hiking, swimming, and hanging out at the adventure park at the top of the mountain.  When you’ve gotten your mountain fix – I-70 will take you straight to Denver.