Fall.
Close your eyes for a minute. Just imagine everything that means. No, we won’t go on about pumpkin spice lattes. But just picture what fall means to you.
OK Open your eyes. Feeling inspired?
In Colorado, “fall” means a million things, and one of them is “golden foliage.” Another is “crisp air.” Another is “winding back roads.” Here at Body Bark, we love hopping in the car and heading out for a drive to see some majestic views. Want to join us? Bundle up in your cloud-soft Body Bark base layer (maybe a tank top if it looks like it might warm up, or a long sleeved option if it’s chilly). Pack a sandwich or a suitcase. And get ready to snap a selfie or two on the road to some of the best autumn sights Colorado has to offer.
Ever seen that classic Colorado tourism brochure photo of two glorious mountains sloping down into a lake? That’s Maroon Bells. This is an incredibly popular spot, so be sure to plan ahead to get a bus ticket or plan the timing of your drive up to Maroon Lake.
While you’re in the Aspen area, head up Castle Creek Road for 13 miles of views. If you’re the type who likes to get out of the car for more than a quick stretch, make plans to backpack, hike, camp or fish in the area.
Slow down on this dirt road through the forest in Gunnison. Start on Ohio Creek Road, and keep your eyes peeled for the ancient volcanic formations known as the Castles.
You can make this a day-long trip through the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, but you might want to plan a few extra days and stop to see the cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park or book a ride on a steam-powered locomotive in Durango.
For your journey along this dirt road with views into the Yampa and North Park valleys, plan a stop at one of the alpine lakes within walking distance of the road.
Absorb the views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, looking for elk and bighorn sheep on Mt. Mestas to the north.
Take Trail Ridge from Estes Park to Grand Lake or vice versa, enjoying the amenities and activities both towns have to offer with breathtaking over-the-cliffs views in between.
Take this winding drive from Loveland to Estes Park, with rushing waters below and towering granite and trees on either side of the road. Plan your trip here before the road closes for restorative construction over the winter.
Take the free gondola ride up from Telluride to Mountain Village to experience a stunning, one-of-a-kind vantage point. Make sure you plan your trip for when the gondola is open — it closes for a month between its summer and winter seasons.
Plan a day hike in Steamboat and then an afternoon soak at the Strawberry Park Hot Springs, where you can relax in therapeutic waters surrounded by scenery.
Before you go out and experience fall, make sure your camera is charged. Tag us in your favorite Body Bark piece on Facebook and Instagram enjoying the changing leaves and the crisp mountain air. We can’t wait to see your look!
