Monday, September 17, 2007

Colorful Colorado

Autumn in Rocky Mountains
September 2007

State Highway 82 is a scenic highway in Colorado. It provides the principal transportation artery to the Roaring Fork Valley in the Rocky Mountains. It starts from Glenwood Springs and links it to Carbondale, Basalt, Snowmass and Aspen. Beyond Aspen it climbs to 12,000+ feet crossing Independence Pass before descending and passing through Twin Lakes to meet U.S. Highway 24 in the Arkansas River valley. SH 82 teases you with spectacular sceneries of Colorado.

Along SH 82, the autumn colors begin a bit earlier - perhaps a combination of altitude and mountain weather. The mountains and valleys along the highway offer good hiking trails. Along of the way, there are plenty of parking spots. Wild life is common here. The forests are moderate to dense. The valleys are fed by fast moving water streams. The air feels cooler. The weather can change to wintery conditions quickly. I stopped at several locations. Enjoyed some hike and the challenge.

The independence pass part of SH 82 closes for winter (October to April). Spring through fall, this route offers a beautiful way to sample the grandeur of Colorado.