After decades as Colorado Natives, the hubby and I finally made it up to Maroon Bells and WOW was it worth it. The drive up to the base camp is so pretty you don’t ever want to go over 25 mph because you have to pull over every mile or so to take yet another spectacular photo. We were lucky enough to see it at the absolute peak of the “Aspen turning” season and a few of the 200 photos I took are below for you to enjoy.

I’d suggest an entire weekend, use one of those find a bargain hotel website and see what you can do for lodging. Aspen itself is such a friendly, beautiful, healthy, visitor friendly place.

I will take my moment to tell you one place to avoid like the plague!

DO NOT GO TO UTE CITY GRILL!!

We had the worst service, rudest waiter, longest wait for everything and could not believe a restaurant like this was still in business. Pathetic! If you look at the ratings for the place you’ll see either glowing or horrible. I suspect the glowing ones are friends of the owner/wait staff that perhaps get treated  like one should when they are dining out.

I DO recommend “The Red Onion!”

After being disgusted with our time at Ute City Grill, we wandered over to the outdoor walking mall and met many friendly locals. When we mentioned that we really had been looking forward to getting to sit outdoors and sip on a glass of wine and soak of the mountain atmosphere this Aspen local suggested the “Onion” and assured us they would take care of us and that it was even happy hour. Not only did they take care of us but we ended up meeting a wonderful couple at the “community table” and were treated like regulars even though we were only there for a couple of days.

We also highly recommend visiting the John Denver Memorial Park – article to follow.

Enjoy these lovely photo of Maroon Bells Peaks and Maroon Bells Lake.

The trees are truly spectacular and with the warm temperatures you can’t find a better time to see this spectacular vista. It’s known as the most photographed spot in all of Colorado, and once you visit you’ll know why.

Enjoy the slideshow photographs of Maroon Bells Peaks and lake taken in late September.

Anytime you head to the mountains be sure to take water, wear layers and lather up with sunscreen.

For more information on Aspen and Maroon Bells.