The Aspens @ Kenosha Pass

Kenosha Pass is an easier hike that gives adventurers an opportunity to see spectacular fall colors and experience part of the famed "Colorado Trail". Lots of people will make the drive out only to hop out and take a few pictures before getting back in the car and heading back but the secret is, to see the best stuff, you have to hike a bit. This trail extends on both sides of 285, you will find bikers, hikers and doggos too. During peak "leaf season", typically late September to early October this trail will be packed with folks trying to get their best photos and experience all those warm colors before it gets cold. Last year we came about a week late. The leaves had already fallen and the aspens were bare but it made for some truly amazing (and a bit creepy) black and white shots, like this one.

While driving Guanella Pass to Mt.Bierstadt last weekend we took note of the color change and made plans right then to head to Kenosha Pass the following weekend. Feeling bad that we left the doggos at home for the Bierstadt ascent we decided this would be a trip for all of us and Rudy and Abel would come along. They do love hiking after all. We are pretty early risers on the weekends as it is but we didn't set an alarm or anything, we figured it would be a bit busy but we would just roll outta bed when we woke and let the day unfold on its own. We ended up out there a bit before 10 and the place was already a madhouse. Cars parked up and down the shoulder on the way to the trail head almost a full mile in each direction on both sides. We gambled and drove all the way up to the trail and actually found a spot next to the information sign, we considered ourselves incredibly lucky. This year we hit up the East side of the trail because we had checked out the other side the year prior. I can't even stress how busy this place was, it was almost a bit too much. Frustrated drivers, annoyed with pedestrians and frustrated pedestrians annoyed with drivers all fighting for the same narrow pathway extending to and from the road. Cars,  adults , children and even doggos all fought for space on the same dirt road in an elegant ballet of unorganized shuffling.  Say the doggos and I made our way from the parking lot up the trail, the higher we got on the trail the more alone we found ourselves as the leaf lookers stayed lower on the trail. To bad for them you have to earn those views and hike a bit to see the best stuff.

 The colors were amazing, the bright yellows and hints of orange with those white trees was really impressive. Unfortunately I had left my watch in the car so I'm unsure of the length and exact duration but we hiked in the ballpark of 2 hours before calling it a day. Turns out there are some amazing dispersed camping spots out here that I was completely unaware of so I can see myself taking advantage of these options next year. While I do recommend going to Kenosha to take in the spectacle I must say that the whole ordeal is also quite the spectacle.

Last year we didn't encounter the number of leaf lookers we did this year but we were about a week too late and the leaves had already dropped. So you have been warned, while it is certainly beautiful and well worth it be aware that its incredibly popular idea and all of Colorado will be hiking along with you. With that in mind, go early and leave early, that's what seems to work best for us most of the time. You have to make this venture at least once, you certainly wont be disappointed.