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Colorado's aglitter in gold: Drive, hike or bike to see the autumn splendor

Lisa Marshall and Scott Boulbol, Special to the Rocky

Published September 29, 2008 at 6 p.m.

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Aspen at Grand Mesa

Photo by Bob Marshall/Grand Mesa Byway Association

Aspen at Grand Mesa

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The good news: The annual leaf-peeping extravaganza is upon us, with much of Colorado's 2.7 million acres of aspen trees expected to be glistening gold by this weekend and - weather permitting - clinging on through early October.

The bad news: There won't be quite as many shimmering leaves to ogle, as a disturbing blight called Sudden Aspen Decline (SAD) has infected more than 13 percent of the state's aspen, with no immediate end to the destruction in sight.

"There are definitely going to be places that just don't have the color they once had," says Roy Mask, an entomologist with the U.S. Forest Service.

Colorado has more aspen trees than any other Western state, and the trees are among Colorado's most populous, behind pinyon-juniper and spruce-fir.

The coming of shorter days signals the trees to slow chlorophyll production (which makes leaves green) allowing ever-present compounds called carotenoids (which produce yellow and orange) to have their day in the sun.

Researchers believe a drought between 2000 and 2005 prompted the SAD outbreak, leaving older trees vulnerable to insects.

On a positive note, several recent wet winters have some people optimistic that the aspen will rebound in two or three years, even expanding into areas left bare by beetle-killed lodgepoles.

For now, get it while the getting's good: Here's a look at where to spot some spectacular color.

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DRIVE

Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway

* What: The quintessential leaf-peeping excursion, this 55-mile two-lane highway stretches from Black Hawk/Central City to Estes Park, with quaking aspen from end to end and snow-capped peaks towering to the west. It takes about 90 minutes and is ideal for a day trip from Denver.

* Why: No matter your interest, there are plenty of stops worth making: Take a five-mile detour west to the mine and ghost town of Caribou north of Nederland. Stop for a picnic at Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Pull off for a photo op at The Chapel on the Rock near Allenspark, or bask in the beauty of Long's Peak as you roll into Estes Park.

* Where: From Denver, take U.S. 6 west through Golden to Colorado 119 (Peak to Peak ). After passing through Black Hawk, the road becomes Colorado 72. At the fork in the road at Colorado 7, head left toward Estes Park. Visit byways.org for more info.

Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway

* What: Stretching 63 miles from Mesa to Cedaredge, this diverse drive passes through desert canyons, then climbs 6,000 feet through endless stands of aspen and fir, before arriving atop the world's largest flattop mountain - an 11,000-foot oasis with 300 lakes. It takes roughly two hours, including a side trip to Land's End. Because the turnoff is three hours from Denver, this is best done as a weekend trip.

* Why: Hit with 40 feet of snow this past winter and spring, Grand Mesa is ripe for a banner fall color year. For a mind-blowing side trip, take Land's End Road from the top of the mesa to a staggering 5,000-foot drop-off, where you can see all the way to Utah.

* Where: Take I-70 west to Highway 65 south; information: 970-242-8211

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Panorama Point loop

* What: This roughly 32-mile loop features plenty of aspen gold, sumac red and autumn wildflowers, as well as sweeping views of the snowcapped Indian Peaks.

* Why: It's just a short drive from Denver with color rivaling that in the higher country.

* Where: Take Colorado 93 north from Golden. Go one mile to Golden Gate Canyon Road (Colorado 46). Turn left and go 14 miles to Mountain Base Road. Head right. Stop at Panorama Point for a photo op, then take Gap Road east to Colorado 72 (Coal Creek Canyon). Follow 72 east, back to 93. Go south back toward Golden. Call 303-582-3707 or log on to parks.state.co.us/parks/ goldengatecanyon.

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HIKE

Rocky Mountain National Park

Fern Lake trail to the Pool: 3.4 miles round trip

* What: Before you even arrive at the trailhead, you'll be bathed in the glow of golden leaves that frame the dirt road like a tunnel. Small bands of elk perform their annual fall mating ritual nearby, with males filling the air with their bugle calls. Sweeping views of rocky crags and white- capped Gabletop Mountain are visible. Then there's the destination: a deep, swirling torrent of water fed by the Big Thompson River.

* Why: Because this trek gains only about 150 feet, it is ideal for children.

* Where: From Denver take Interstate 25 north to the Platteville exit. Head west on Colorado 66 through Lyons and continue on U.S. 36 to Estes Park. Enter the park, take a left on Bear Lake Road, and turn right at Moraine Park to the trailhead.

Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks

Big Bluestem to S. Boulder Creek Loop (7.1 mile loop)

* What: The aspen may get all the credit, but native grasses and autumn wildflowers are also brilliant. This loop has it all, with a stroll through rust- and maroon-colored tallgrass prairie, a wooded climb punctuated with splashes of purple and orange wildflowers, a close-up look at the Flatirons, and a finish along a towering yellow cottonwood stand.

* Why: It stays accessible even after higher hikes are leaf-free and ice-covered.

* Where: South Boulder Creek Trailhead is two miles south of Table Mesa in Boulder, on the west side of Colorado 93. Head west on Thomas Lane to a gate. Go left on Big Bluestem Trail to Upper Big Bluestem. Head west, or right on Upper Big Bluestem, climbing 0.8 miles to Mesa Trail. Head left and stay on the Mesa Trail to South Boulder Creek Trail. Follow it 1.9 miles back to car. Details: 303-441-3440

Booth Lake

8.2 miles round-trip

* What: Just east of Vail in the Eagles Nest Wilderness, this relatively strenuous hike passes through a solid mile of rustling aspen before beginning its steady climb along Booth Creek. At mile two, it passes Booth Creek Falls, a good turnaround point for those short on time and energy. To get to Booth Lake, you climb 3,036 feet, ending well above tree line at 11,580 feet.

* Why: A nice end-of-season challenge before mud season sets in.

* Where: Take Interstate 70 west to East Vail Exit 180. Turn left, pass under the interstate, and turn left onto the north frontage road. Go one mile to Booth Creek Road, turn right and continue to parking area.

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BIKE

Kenosha Pass (Fairplay)

* What: A stunning 24-mile romp on the Colorado, this trail passes through some of the best aspen-studded single-track in the state. Views stretch from South Park across to Breckenridge and the Ten Mile Range. The climb to the summit makes this a very challenging ride - the total gain will top 1,600 feet - but it's well worth the five to six hours, and the descent back is your well-earned reward!

* Why: The combination of riding through and around aspen groves, with the spectacular views of the valleys below, makes this the fall colors ride near Denver.

* Where: Take U.S. 85 south out of Denver and merge onto U.S. 285 south. Kenosha Pass is about 75 miles. The trailhead is at the top of the pass, just past Fairplay.

Government Trail (Aspen)

* What: This 13-mile point-to-point trail provides a mostly downhill ride through the middle of seemingly endless aspen groves and over quintessential mountain single-track. From the start in Snowmass Village, the trail climbs considerably. But then the two- to four-hour ride is mostly downhill across Snowmass, Buttermilk and Tiehack ski areas, before finishing on paved bike path into Aspen.

* Why: The morning light is literally golden on this trail as it filters through the aspen canopy above. At the right time, even the trail is covered with the trees' golden bounty. Besides, where better to see aspens than, well, Aspen.

* Where: Make this a twofold viewing trip by taking Independence Pass. Take I-70 west from Denver to the Copper exit, No. 195. Take Colorado 91 toward Leadville (this becomes U.S. 24 South). Turn west on Colorado 82 and go over Independence Pass into Aspen. Go through Aspen to Brush Creek Road and follow up to Snowmass Village. Ride from town up Wood Road until it turns to dirt. Go through gate and follow signs to Brush Creek Trail (aka Government Trail). Stay on trail all the way to Iselin Park, where you can get on the bike path into town.

Frisco Bike Path to Copper/Vail

* What: This seven-mile bike path rolls and twists through the high country at a very mellow uphill grade toward Copper. As it hugs Ten Mile Creek, the well-maintained path provides vistas in all directions.

* Why: This is one of those rare high-country road rides that anybody can enjoy, since there is only minor climbing and no cars. Riding in the valleys provides huge expanses of gold all around, and the roar of the creek completes this perfect ride.

* Where: Take I-70 to the second Frisco exit onto Main Street; park as close to the highway as you can. The bike path can be reached at numerous places in Frisco, but the easiest is from Main Street near the exit.

Comments

  • October 1, 2008

    1:02 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    sunshinestate writes:

    Too little ,too short of time...for this you put up with months of bad...............