We had two more San Juan National Forest Roads we wanted to drive: Taylor Creek and Hillside Drive National Forest Access Roads. Both roads are right off Hwy 145 (with signage), they were well maintained dirt roads with easy navigation. We passed several others in regular cars and trucks enjoying another day of bright sunshine, mild temperatures and brilliant aspen color.
The hillsides along Hwy 145 are all yellow now.
The Taylor Creek Road, part of the San Juan National Forest Access Road system, was a first for us. This road was right off Hwy 145 just west of Dolores.
Leaving the aspen groves, the road climbed to the top of Table Mesa.
A yellow carpet of aspen blanketed the hills.
These aspen groves displayed incredibly tall, stately trees.
Our lunch spot with two free range cows this day.
Here I go again, too many photographs!
Orange blended in with the gold.
Even a little green chlorophyll still trying to hang on.
Windy days mean leaf strewn paths. Forest Access Taylor Creek Road was a pleasant surprise with some very nice views. We did not complete the drive, we turned around after about two hours or so.
Hillside Drive National Forest Access Drive is about 10 or so miles further north on Hwy 145. We made this drive last year so we knew we had saved the best views for last.
The farther we drove Hwy 145 toward Telluride (and climbing in altitude) we could see that several aspen groves had already dropped their leaves. Reaching open areas on Hillside Drive, those leafless patches where again evident, however there was still some good color.
The dirt road climbs gently here to show off the surrounding mountains and hillsides.
The afternoon sunlight comes from the right direction to illuminate this patch of aspen.
Hillside Drive Road winds in and around the hills to show off the golden fall aspen groves.
This section of road cannot be seen from the main highway, look at the color!
As we rounded another bend in the road, we were suddenly stopped in our Jeep tracks. In front of us was a hillside awash in fire-like yellows and golds.
Colors mixed with sunlight at every turn.
High valley views peep through the trees.
High hillsides topped with gold.
It seemed the farther we drove into the forest after every turn in the road, the more beautiful the aspen groves.
Making another bend in the road and we come to this burned area. Unfortunately a wild fire must have erupted here sometime last year.
Hillside Drive Road continues on for miles into the San Juan National Forest. We made the decision to turn around as it was getting late. Return views are grand.
Aspen groves arching over the dirt road, created this amazing yellow tunnel effect.
One more walk to enjoy this golden color.
It's time to move on.
Another memorable Aspen Autumn logged in the Eas-on Down The Road photo album.
More Later from Cortez, Colorado.
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