The Aspens were in their Fall golden glory in the San Juan Mountains in southern Colorado in late September. After leaving the Moab UT area, we traveled southeast into Colorado with stays in Delores, Durango, and South Fork Colorado.

From these towns we drove north on several scenic bi-ways to take in the Fall Aspen show. We visited the mountain towns of Telluride, Pagosa Springs, Creede and Lake City. The best Fall color was along Highway 550 north of Durango to Silverton and Ouray, known as the “Million Dollar Highway”.

North of South Fork and CO Hwy 160, we drove the Silver Thread Scenic Byway between Creede and Lake City stopping at the North Clear Creek Falls. North Clear Creek is part of the Rio Grand River system that originates in the San Juan Mountains. The waterfall drops 100 feet from the plateau to the canyon below.

Our last stop in Colorado was Cheyenne Mountain State Park south of Colorado Springs. This is a popular State park perched up on Cheyenne Mountain with a view of Colorado Springs and the town of Fountain.

With a short drive to Manitou Springs we took the Pikes Peak Cog Railway train to the top of Pikes Peak. Since we visited in 2017, the railway has been completely redone with new track and passenger cars, providing a smooth and scenic ride up the mountain.

There is a new visitors center at the summit that can also be accessed by driving the 19 mile Pikes Peak Highway. Either way, you can enjoy some spectacular panoramic views.

Getting close to the end of this trip. On to Texas next.