It was a quick Autumn for Vail this year. The aspens have a few golden leaves left but will probably drop those once the predicted snow showers roll in this weekend. If you don't get to experience the Fall in New England then definitely experience it out west in the Rockies. I still love the drive up to the White Mountains and the Mohawk Trail but there are some equally spectacular routes around Vail and Aspen. You can drive over to Aspen from Vail to hike Maroon Bells which are quite possibly the most photographed mountains in North America. It is an ideal spot to capture the glory of fall color. If you are one of the lucky ones to secure a campsite along Maroon Lake, you can actually drive all the way into the park and really experience the purple mountain majesties. Maroon Bells for me are as awe inspiring as the Grand Tetons. There are wonderful hiking trails from beginner to expert covering all different areas of Maroon Bells. The Bells are not be missed!
Another beautiful area is Independence Pass which is just down the road from Aspen and it's quite the driving experience. The Amalfi drive in Italy is for girlie-girls compared to Highway 82. There is no dividing line on the shelf road. So as you drive around a curve hugging the mountain you pray no one else is coming the other way. It is a jaw dropping, white knuckle drive up to the 12,095 feet Continental Divide.
There is so much to do in the Vail area. With I-70 right out your door, one can literally drive less than two hours to the best hiking, rafting and skiing areas. Plus there is easy access to some of the "Fourteeners". Those are the 54 mountains in the state that rise more than 14,000 feet above sea level. I definitely intend on climbing a "14", I just have to pick out one. Who knows maybe after our Disney World Marathon weekend I will have to plan a "girls only" trip to summit a "14". No boys allowed, they would only slow us down.
And for those of you who want to have fun the relaxing way there is always the Georgetown Loop railroad. It is an old-time steam locomotive that chugs all the way up a canyon passing the remains of gold and silver mines. It is a two hour journey that takes you through the 1,000 foot deep Royal Gorge along the Arkansas River under the famous Hanging Bridge. I have seen Bald Eagles and Bighorn Sheep and it's a wonderful way to spend a Rocky Mountain afternoon.
Unfortunately, I was in such a rush I left my camera card behind at the house. So no pictures that day..well, more the reason to go back.
So being bi-coastal is totally passe now..bi-mountain is where it's at. Don't forget to check out the The Weather Channel for the latest updates on the Fall Foliage.
The picture this month is one of my favorite trails at Beaver Creek that leads up to Trapper's Cabin. Trapper's by all means is not a "cabin" but a true Beaver Creek experience. It's rustic and rich all rolled into one and the views are simply breathtaking.
Stay tuned for more blogging and check out my new video on YouTube.
Ciao,
Angie of the Autumn
