Golden Leaves . . . Take Two

Saturday took us on another leaf-watching drive.  We looped down to Aspen via Glenwood Springs and came home via Independence Pass and Leadville.  What a drive!  We initially thought we'd spend more time exploring Aspen itself, but there were huge crowds and not a lot of parking, so we ended up mostly bypassing it.  But Snowmass was fun.  And then we headed over the pass - it was probably the most beautiful drive we'd been on in our lives.  Ever.  Colorado sure knows how to do fall right.   It's been spectacular!

We took a little walk under the lifts at Snowmass.

This is a sculpture made from an old haul rope (over 1/2 mile of it!)
to form a "Blissful Helix".  That sign also says it's for sale by owner
if you're interested in some lawn art.

In Aspen we were able to see their old single
chair, "Lift 1", which was the longest lift
in the world back in the day.

Here we are, starting up the drive on the Top of the Rockies
Scenic Byway over Independence Pass.

Just a lovely little lake off the side of the road.

This was a pit stop at a little trail called
The Grottos - the next picture will explain
why it's called that.  I just loved how this little
tree was glowing in the sunshine.

These cascades were so pretty!

And there were some pretty crazy rock formations happening here, too.

Back on the road, nearing the top of the pass above treeline.

At the overlook on top of Independence Pass -
which is above 12,000 feet.

And down we go!

These trees were pretty close to Twin Lakes - and oh my goodness
were they bright.  It was breathtaking!

Even Camp Hale had some nice color.