Colorado Aspens
Sep 6th, 2007, 07:08 AM
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Colorado Aspens
My husband & I are a trip to Colorado the 3rd week in September. Thanks to a Fodor's member we have reservations at Boulder Brook. My new question--what route should be taken to view the aspens. Also, are the Wilderness Tours in Estes Park worth trying. Thanks.!
Sep 6th, 2007, 08:13 AM
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Boulder Brook is in Estes Park - I've stayed there and it's wonderful! The third week in Sept. is shaping up to be a great time to view the changing aspens - they've just started to turn in the higher elevations, so your timing will be good, I think.
A spectacular route to see aspens and gorgeous mountain scenery is along the Peak-to-Peak Hwy which is Route 7 south out of Estes. It is a designated "Colorado Scenic Byway" road. After Allenspark, it turns into Hwy 72 to Nederland. A great circular route back to Estes would be to take Hwy 119 from Nederland to Boulder through the Boulder Canyon and return to Estes via Hwy 36. That drive would take about three hours total, but you could stop in Boulder for lunch and make a day out of it. You will see aspen!
There are also some aspen in the park, driving up to Trail Ridge Road. There's one corner in particular as you start to climb, that should be in full color.
I've not done the Wilderness Tour, but it looks like it might be fun. Have a great trip!
A spectacular route to see aspens and gorgeous mountain scenery is along the Peak-to-Peak Hwy which is Route 7 south out of Estes. It is a designated "Colorado Scenic Byway" road. After Allenspark, it turns into Hwy 72 to Nederland. A great circular route back to Estes would be to take Hwy 119 from Nederland to Boulder through the Boulder Canyon and return to Estes via Hwy 36. That drive would take about three hours total, but you could stop in Boulder for lunch and make a day out of it. You will see aspen!
There are also some aspen in the park, driving up to Trail Ridge Road. There's one corner in particular as you start to climb, that should be in full color.
I've not done the Wilderness Tour, but it looks like it might be fun. Have a great trip!
Sep 6th, 2007, 08:51 AM
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The secret to finding Aspens at a specific time is altitude. If the trees are still green, go lower. If they are already dried up, go higher.
In the third week in September you probably won't come up empty handed, but you need to be flexible.
