COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — In Colorado, aspens prefer higher elevations. It’s no wonder they’ve found a pleasant home in “the City Above the Clouds.”
That’s Woodland Park, situated near 8,500 feet. But when it comes to appreciating our favorite tree of fall, the opportunities extend far beyond town — far across the hilly forests and meadows defining this side of Pikes Peak.
Aspens have indeed started turning gold around Teller County. Which got us to thinking about all of the reasons that make the area a prime fall destination.
Scenic drives
Most popular is Colorado 67, running north to the fly-fishing hub of Deckers and south to Cripple Creek. Going south grants you rows of aspen and distant views of jagged peaks.
Or you might take to Gold Camp Road, that historic, rugged, aspen-lined, tunnel-spotted route running from Cripple Creek to Colorado Springs. Or perhaps you’ll set a course for the Gold Belt Tour.
That’s the state-designated scenic byway looping 131 miles around Florissant, Cripple Creek, Florence and Cañon City. The tour includes the eerie, aptly named Phantom Canyon Road and Shelf Road, hugging sheer rock walls. Handy tips and itineraries at goldbeltbyway.com
Endless trails
Off U.S. 24 between Woodland Park and Divide, Edlowe Road heads to the aspen-loaded hideaway of Catamount Ranch Open Space. Hikes range from family-friendly to a longer trek to North Catamount Reservoir off the Pikes Peak Highway.
Hikes range even greater at Mueller State Park, off Colorado 67 from Divide. Mueller is an aspen paradise, with a trail system sprawling about 45 miles under the gaze of Pikes Peak. A few favorites: the Cheesman Ranch loop, the shorter Elk Meadow loop and Outlook Ridge Trail.
On the opposite side of Colorado 67, Crags Trail is a quintessential hike in the Pikes Peak region, touring fall foliage of the national forest to a scenic rock perch. From the Horsethief Park trailhead also off 67, Pancake Rocks is a similarly moderate-difficult hike with a stunning reward.
Off the north side of Colorado 67, closer to Deckers over the Teller County line, is the trailhead for Cheesman Canyon; the South Platte River-cut, granite marvel is a go-to for anglers and hikers. More far-flung adventure and leaf peeping in Lost Creek Wilderness; Goose Creek trailhead is a popular portal, past the county line west toward Tarryall.
Other attractions
Peep more leaves along with massive, ancient tree stumps at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. Or enjoy a perfect fall picnic at Skaguay Reservoir, near Victor. (It’s a state wildlife area, meaning visitors 16 and older need a hunting or fishing license or state wildlife area pass.)
Back in Victor, we love the Vindicator Valley Trail. It loops around well-preserved mining structures, recalling the time when the mineral was the gold sought here, not the leaves.
