Like thousands of other Denverites, we drove up to the mountains this past weekend to see some peak fall colors. Here's what glory we beheld up at Guanella Pass, behind Mt. Evans.

It's an annual tradition—the flocking up to the mountains in search of changing aspens. And the route through Guanella Pass, from Georgetown to Grant (or the reverse), makes a great little day trip. This week, the aspens up that direction are experiencing their peak colors—glorious yellows and oranges and golds.

The whole loop took us about six hours, including stops for lunch, photography, some light hiking, and a little bit of shopping in Georgetown.

Map of route to Guanella Pass

Courtesy of Google Maps

Remembering that we sat in miserable westbound I-70 traffic last year, we decided to take 285 up this time and come back via I-70. I think it was a good call. We ate lunch at the ever-delicious Mac Nation Cafe in Indian Hills and ambled our way up the mountain.

aspen leaves on the ground

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Guanella Pass aspen grove

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The Georgetown side of Guanella Pass definitely has more aspens and, consequently, more blazing colors. But it's all extremely beautiful.

aspens on mountains

aspens on mountain

When you've had your fill of fall colors, don't forget to stop in Georgetown to browse old books and jewelry at Ophelia's and grab some delicious ice cream and fudge at Georgetown Valley Candy Company!

Looking for more ways to celebrate fall in Colorado? We've got you covered! Check out our coverage of trained-themed "state-cations" and our list of other gorgeous mountain drives!

*All photos courtesy of Joy Moore

Did you go anywhere this weekend to see fall colors? Post your photos in the comments! And tell us your favorite Colorado drive for leaf-peeping!

J. Moore
A synesthete who sees the world in vivid color, Joy is all about soaking up life experiences -- and then translating those experiences into words. Freckle-faced and coffee-fueled, Joy is on a personal quest to visit all 50 states in her lifetime (40 down!), see all the Broadway musicals, and eat all the tacos. For fun, she plays the piano, diagrams sentences, and solves true crime stories from her couch, along with her husband of 20 years and their teenage daughter.
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