A Two Pass Day for ScooterBob

September is the month where the Fall Colors appears in the Colorado high lands.  There had been rumours that it might be a week earlier than usual, the peaking of said Fall Color so I decided to do some reconnaissance.

First, it was a ride to Loveland Pass and the Continental Divide.

ScooterBob and I rode Scarlett, my 2014 Ural Patrol, using both frontage roads and also the I-70 Superslab where it couldn't be avoided to ride towards the Eisenhower Tunnel.

The Eisenhower Tunnel crosses the Continental Divide and is the main route for vehicles crossing the state along it's northern half.

Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) carriers are obliged to take US Highway 6, aka Loveland Pass Road since they cannot use the tunnel.

Loveland Pass is a favorite destination of mine, especially when it's covered with fresh snow, I find it near and quite beautiful, perfect for a day ride.

There was very little traffic, as the western end of the road was blocked for a Triathlon Event.  Skies were clear and sunny and the morning chill eventually wore off as we rode along.

 Another Pass Summit for ScooterBob

 At a nearby picnic area just west of the summit parking area.

 A view of the mountain peaks to the west of Loveland Pass

 Seven Peaks

 Grizzly Peak?

 The ski runs at Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort

As you can see, not much in the way of Fall Colors yet but I did see the beginnings of it in spots along the road.

Once we were done with Loveland Pass, we took I-70 eastbound to the nearby town of Georgetown.  We did stop briefly at Silver Plume just before Georgetown hoping to see the old vintage locomotive but it wasn't on duty today apparently.

So we tanked up Scarlett at Georgetown and then headed along the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway to check Fall Colors along that road.

I will say, it appeared the northern half of Guanella Pass Road was sporting more Fall coloration than the southern half.

 Scarlett's and ScooterBob's first good look at Sawtooth Peak

 At the Guanella Summit Overlook

 A view of Sawtooth Peak from a lower level parking area.

 ScooterBob at the requisite pass summit sign

There were a few other spots but this was the best I could find on the

southern half of Guanella Pass Road.

So, yes, Fall Colors are starting to come in around the areas I rode through today.  I would say it's still a couple of weeks before they really peak though.

I am using this map put out by one of the news stations as a planning guide, I was in the "pinkish" area today.

Update: A different couple of maps for Fall Colors prediction: