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5 fall color drives in Colorado through massive aspen groves

Sprawling 106 acres in Utah’s Fishlake National Forest, Pando is the largest known aspen clone in the world. But with research, experts suspect a larger one could be found — perhaps in Colorado’s mountains.

We asked where they would look. Here’s some of what they said:

Grand Mesa

The gentler topography of the planet’s largest flattop mountain seems perfect for aspen to thrive. Take a look for yourself on the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, running 50 miles between Mesa and Cedaredge.

Kebler Pass

The turning aspens on Kebler Pass near Crested butte show a full palette of colors Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019. (ChristianMurdockchristian.murdock@gazettedev.gazette.comhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7b418fa9a684d03a433f79e3e5065029?s=100&d=mm&r=g)
The turning aspens on Kebler Pass near Crested butte show a full palette of colors Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019. (ChristianMurdockchristian.murdock@gazettedev.gazette.comhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7b418fa9a684d03a433f79e3e5065029?s=100&d=mm&r=g)

The 30-mile road between Crested Butte and Paonia has a world-renowned reputation for leaf-peeping and photography. And it makes sense, with massive groves complementing the Dyke, the jagged rock formation stretching over the seemingly endless canopy.

Owl Creek Pass

Owl Creek Pass in 2014. (Courtesy of Anne Barhyte, Photographer of Life)
Owl Creek Pass in 2014. (Courtesy of Anne Barhyte, Photographer of Life)

Chimney Rock and Courthouse Mountain are among the head-turners on this old cattle trail near Ridgway. Towering stands grow amid the scenery that defined the movie “True Grit.”

Rabbit Ears Pass

The end of Rabbit Ears trail is seen from the road of Rabbit Ears Pass on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner/The Gazette) (Kelsey Brunner)
The end of Rabbit Ears trail is seen from the road of Rabbit Ears Pass on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018. (Photo by Kelsey Brunner/The Gazette) (Kelsey Brunner)

Straddling the Continental Divide, U.S. 40 offers all the mountain majesty you can imagine — plus immense groves. Dumont Lake, 22 miles southeast of Steamboat Springs, is especially recommended.

Red Mountain Pass

Aspens on Red Mountain Pass glow in the afternoon sun Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, between Ouray and Silverton, Colo. (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)
Aspens on Red Mountain Pass glow in the afternoon sun Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, between Ouray and Silverton, Colo. (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)

It’s a perfect showcase for fall foliage. Feast your eyes on this hilly stretch of U.S. 550 between Ouray and Silverton, two of the more picturesque towns in the San Juan Mountains.

A car drives through the turning aspens on 10,007-foot Kebler Pass in this Sept. 25, 2019, photo. (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK, THE GAZETTE)
A car drives through the turning aspens on 10,007-foot Kebler Pass in this Sept. 25, 2019, photo. (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK, THE GAZETTE)
Aspens on Red Mountain Pass glow in the afternoon sun Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, between Ouray and Silverton, Colo. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)
Aspens on Red Mountain Pass glow in the afternoon sun Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, between Ouray and Silverton, Colo. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK THE GAZETTE)

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