In 1890, Bob Womack touched off Colorado's Gold Rush. His discovery in the legendary Cripple Creek and Pikes Peak areas led to a flood of prospectors, infected with gold fever. Today, those 500 or more mines are abandoned and the Gold Rush is a chapter of American western history.
In early September, as the air turns cold, another gold rush is under way. Visitors head toward Colorado for fall's wonderful golden showcase. The aspens here at Owl Creek Pass have signaled that summer is over. At 11,120 feet, the cool temperatures start early and this large stand of aspens begins to prepare for winter. The chlorophyll process ends and the leave's golden colors appear. This area, east of Ridgway is just one of many areas covered with aspens. Chimney Rock, Ohio Pass, Courthouse Mountain, Maroon Bells, McClure Pass and the Sneffels Range, all offer incredible views. Some of these mountain sides were cleared by loggers and wildfire, and the opportunistic aspens quickly cover the decimated area. Their quick growing capability can out distant most other tree species.
It's impossible to predict when the peak colors will arrive, but experts cite dates from September 15 to October 15. For those waiting, the U.S. Forest Service attempts to keep its Fall Color Hotline updated often.