It turns out Aspen isn’t just the city Lloyd and Harry deliver a briefcase to Mary Samsonite. Aspens are a towering grass with soft white stalks and a habit of turning brilliant, bursting yellow every September. Colorado is home to zillions of these glimmering flame-like trees and we got to go see a few this weekend.
We drove the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway, which snakes between Georgetown and Grant, or Grant and Georgetown if you’re not alphabetically inclined (or, prefer to start your journey into the mountains on washboard dirt roads rather than end that way). Here’s a link to a map that looks like an old diner paper placemat map, which I personally love.
At the summit of Guanella, you’re at a mere 11,668 feet above sea level, which is above timberline. Not much grows aside from short scrubby brush and lichen. That didn’t stop the kids from charging down and up a short trail to an amazing 360 degree view of mountain peaks.
Oh picture #3… did I ever mention that you guys make adorable kids!!!