There is so much to see in this beautiful state we live in. My origin is Northglenn, but I've lived in different parts of the state throughout my life and experienced some of the beauty and climate extremes it can offer.
Growing up, my family was always ready to jump in the car and visit some obscure or touristy attraction in Colorado. I've been to the Paint Mines, Dinosaur National Monument and the Four Corners region, to name just a few. The list is endless. Since I left home in the 70's, I've lived in windy Greeley and snowy Summit County. My current home of 25+ years has been Glenwood Springs. It's a small town compared to some I've lived in, (Boulder, pop. ~108,000). Not as small as others, (Crawford, pop. 403). However, any place in Colorado doesn't revolve so much around population as it does elevation.
I've never lost my urge to jump in the car and go explore. I'm so fortunate to have been born and raised in Colorado, and I've always been appreciative of how diverse and wonderful our state is. It's not only the geology and geography, but the diversity of the people who live here. That being said, let's take a few day trips!
The Flat Tops, up on Coffee Pot Road looking over the Eagle valley. It takes an hour to get up here but soooo worth it!
The various elevations in the mountains gives us fall foliage for quite a while. For instance, on the Flat Tops above Glenwood Springs, the fall foliage was in full regalia on October 1st. My house, at approximately 5,700' elevation, hadn't gotten much color yet and we were still wearing shorts. The Flat Tops are in the 10,000' range. It has already snowed there. The trip up to this spot takes about an hour from Dotsero. The road is usually OK for high clearance vehicles. However, it's apparent the recent heavy rains scoured the gravel off and a new sign warns it is impassable when wet. You can actually go all the way to Glenwood on this road, although on the Glenwood side it's four wheel drive only. We drive a Subaru, of course; this current Forester is my fifth Subie. Not 4x4 but no problem on the Dotsero side, although it gets a little nervy when you are on the steep side of the road. Hey, what's life without a little scary stuff? It was beautiful weather, anyway.
We're expecting rain today, turning to snow on Wednesday. I hope we all get enough moisture. In November we are likely to get cold rain, so that will help the gardens. Tomorrow night will be our first real frost. Most of the plants outside are looking pretty sad so it’s time to put the garden to bed. I have some cleanup to do, and I can finally plant some spring bulbs. The ground has to be below 50° for that fun chore. We gardeners have our coats out and ready to go!
Is this a metaphor for the struggles in life, or what? It is telling us, we can persevere.
The Town of Vail has a farmer's market on Sundays in the summer, running through October. We try to get there at least once every year. It is huge, and the booths for food, jewelry, hats, art, and etc. wind through the main streets of Vail. Lots of walking paths, spots by the river and places for kids to play. It's a fun time, and also only an hour away (although the road is better), and we can combine it with the monthly Costco run in Gypsum. This fall the weather was fabulous and the colors were really coming out when we were there.
View of Gore Creek from the Covered Bridge.
My sister visited from Westminster a few weeks ago and we drove up to Redstone, where the colors were beginning to fade. There were still plenty of photo ops, like this scene across from the Redstone Fire Station. Our dogs and their dogs exchanged loud and frenzied greetings. Redstone is known as The Ruby of the Rockies. It's a nice little town tucked under red cliffs and it radiates charm.
Redstone, Colorado
Carbondale is on the way to Redstone, only 15 minutes from Glenwood and it's a funky town with a hippy vibe. The coffee shops in town are great. Bonfire Coffee on Main Street is our go-to for a cuppa. Carbondale hosts the Mountain Fair every July and we try not to miss it. Tie dye everywhere. My kind of place.
Dia de las Muertos with a Carbondale twist.
I hope you enjoyed all my day trips! I have only scratched the surface of my little area, and there's so much more to explore. I encourage you to take inspiration from my visits to my local towns and do the same in your area. Where are your favorite places in our beautiful, diverse state?
By the way, Autumn is now in full swing here. Lots of pretty yellows and reds in the yard. I will leave you with a pro tip from a lifelong Coloradan: get your snow tires on your vehicle if you haven't already!
Clockwise from left: Plumbago, Winter King Hawthorn, and strawberry.
