The best viewing times for fall colors in Colorado’s high country vary year to year. Though it can be hit and miss, this season looks to be more typical, with the northern mountains seeing changes starting now and peaking toward next weekend, the central mountains at the end of September and the southern mountains seeing peak time in early October.
The Gunnison-Crested Butte Valley should be in full swing for leaf peeping the last week of September, though next weekend should provide plenty of color. The perfect scenario for photographers is a late September snowfall on the peaks surrounding the valleys. Snow is not in the forecast for the next ten days, but by the last weekend of September and the first week of October photographers may get their wish. Skiers certainly hope they get their wish.
The towns of Gunnison County and nature have teamed up to present September Splendor in the Rockies, a month-long celebration featuring a full calendar of events. For a listing of September Splendor activities and fall vacation packages, in addition to the ones listed below, visit www.septembersplendor.com. Special thanks to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association for putting this list of scenic drives and fall deals together for us…
Ohio Creek Road to Kebler Pass: From just north of Gunnison on Colorado Highway 135, take a left on Ohio Creek Road (look for signs). About 12 miles up the Ohio Creek Valley, near a series of ranch buildings that mark the abandoned site of Castleton, travelers will see the spires of The Castles. These are erosion remnants carved out of volcanic debris that erupted from the West Elk Volcano, now extinct. Continuing on, look for a fine view of the Anthracite Range. Near the end of Ohio Creek Road is the intersection with Kebler Pass Road (County Road 12). At that junction, you can head west toward Colorado Highway 133, where southbound goes toward Paonia or northbound to Paonia Dam and Redstone over breathtaking McClure Pass, a popular route to Aspen. Heading east on Kebler Pass Road, you’ll come to Crested Butte, with the eighth largest National Historic District in Colorado. Before heading to Crested Butte, take a short detour and go north to the beautiful Lake Irwin.
Kebler Pass to Marble & Crystal River Valley: Going north out of Crested Butte on Whiterock Avenue, the road turns into County Road 12, a well-maintained, hard-surface dirt and gravel road. A stop across the road from Horse Ranch Park provides one of the most scenic landscapes of the Anthracite Mountain Range and a predictable pocket of red amongst the expanse of gold and yellow. Continuing on through the West Elk Mountains, which has been called “the closest you can come to a wilderness experience in a passenger car,” you will pass by the scenic vista of the largest aspen grove in the United States. After a total of 30 miles from Crested Butte and at the intersection of Highway 133, go right and travel along the Paonia Reservoir and over McClure Pass. After the right turn onto Highway 133 and another turn on County Road 3, it is approximately 27 miles to Marble, a historic mining town that is like a step back in time.
West Elk Loop Scenic & Historic Byway: From Gunnison, the byway heads north on Highway 135 to Crested Butte, continues on Kebler Pass Road (also County Road 12, take Whiterock Avenue out of town), which is a gravel road and a popular fair-weather route to Aspen. Kebler Pass Road links with Highway 133 near Paonia Dam. At this point, travelers can complete the loop back around to Gunnison by going south on the West Elk Loop Byway (Highway 133) and going east on Highway 92 toward Blue Mesa Reservoir, traveling through Somerset, Bowie, Hotchkiss, Crawford and the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. At the junction of Highway 92 and Highway 50, going east takes you back to Gunnison along 23 miles of Blue Mesa Reservoir and Curecanti National Recreation Area. West on Highway 50 leads to the main south entrance of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Montrose. AutoWeek deemed the drive from Hotchkiss to Gunnison and Crested Butte one of their eight favorite Great American Roads. An Experience the West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway brochure is available at visitor centers along the route.
Almont to Various Scenic Routes: Between the towns of Gunnison and Crested Butte on Highway 135 is Almont, where the Taylor and East Rivers meet to create the Gunnison River. From Gunnison, go east at Almont on Taylor Canyon Road to Taylor Park Dam and Reservoir. From here travelers have three choices: 1. Go east on Cottonwood Pass to Buena Vista. 2. Go north and loop back to Almont on Spring Creek Road. 3. Go southeast through one of the richest gold strike areas in Gunnison County, traveling through Tin Cup, over Cumberland Pass, and through Pitkin, Ohio City and Parlin before reaching Gunnison.
Lodging Deals
Save on lodging and rafting when staying two nights or more at Three Rivers Resort in Almont through Sept. 30. For $100 per person, receive two night’s lodging in a lodge room or small, one-room cabin and one Upper Taylor whitewater raft trip each. Price is based on two-person occupancy and does not include lodging taxes. This offer is not valid with any other offers or existing reservations and can be booked by calling 888-761-3474. Other lodging options and custom packages can be arranged. Visit www.3riversresort.com.
During September, save 20 percent on all Crested Butte Mountain Resort lodging, such as Grand Lodge, Lodge at Mountaineer Square, Elevation Hotel & Spa and more. This offer is valid for travel through Sept. 30, subject to tax and availability and valid on new reservations only. It cannot be combined with any other offers. Call 800-810-7669 or visit www.skicb.com.
In September and October, purchase three nights of lodging and get one free through Peak Property Management & Sales in Crested Butte. Call 888-909-7325 for rates and property availability and visit www.peakcb.com.
From now until Sept. 30, enjoy a two-night stay at Gunnison’s Western Motel in a single queen room for $130 or a double queen for $150. Offer includes continental breakfast and is subject to tax and availability. Call 888-641-1722 and reference the Tourism Association website deal. Visit www.westernmotel-co.com.
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