Colorado Road Trip | Leadville, Aspen, Independence Pass, and First Snowboarding Day
This stretch of our Colorado road trip might have been one of the most memorable yet.
From crystal clear night skies in Leadville to fall trail runs at Twin Lakes, a drive over Independence Pass, time in Aspen, and wrapping it all up with our first snowboarding day of the season at Arapahoe Basin, this week had a little bit of everything.
It was Colorado at its best. Big views, changing seasons, and a few moments that will stick with us for a long time.
Camping Under the Stars in Leadville
We started the week just outside of Leadville, camping at elevation with some of the clearest skies we have ever seen.
At night, the Milky Way stretched directly above the van, lighting up the sky in a way that is hard to describe unless you have seen it in person. With very little light pollution, this area is perfect for stargazing and one of the best places in Colorado to experience the night sky.
It was the kind of quiet, still night that makes you slow down and take it all in.
Trail Running at Twin Lakes
From Leadville, we made our way down to Twin Lakes for a morning trail run.
This area is one of the most scenic spots in Colorado, especially in the fall. The lakes reflect the surrounding peaks, and the aspen trees were fully turned, filling the landscape with gold.
It felt peaceful, but there was also a bit of tension.
We started noticing bear tracks and fresh signs along the trail, which definitely kept us alert. It added a different kind of awareness to the run and reminded us how wild this part of Colorado really is.
Driving Independence Pass
Next up was one of the most iconic drives in the state, Independence Pass.
Climbing up and over the Continental Divide, this road offers nonstop views of high alpine terrain, tight switchbacks, and dramatic drop offs. It is not a drive you rush through.
We took our time, stopping often and soaking in the views before descending into Aspen.
Exploring Aspen and Visiting Maroon Bells
Aspen has a completely different feel from the rest of the places we visited during the week.
It is polished, busy, and full of high end shops and restaurants, but still surrounded by incredible mountains and access to nature.
Even though Dre was not feeling great for part of our time there, we made sure to visit Maroon Bells.
And it did not disappoint.
The peaks, the lake, and the late season fall colors all came together to create one of the most iconic views in Colorado. It is one of those places that feels just as impressive in person as it does in photos.
Heading Back Toward Summit County
After Aspen, we started making our way back north toward Summit County.
The weather started to shift, and it finally began to feel like winter was right around the corner. The air got colder, the peaks started to pick up snow, and the transition from fall to winter became very real.
Opening Day at Arapahoe Basin
One of the biggest highlights of the week was getting back on the mountain.
Arapahoe Basin opened for the season, and we made sure to be there for our first snowboarding day of the year.
There is nothing quite like that first day back. It does not matter if conditions are early season or limited terrain. Just being back on snow feels right.
Coco’s First Snowboarding Day
Of course, Coco came along for the experience.
This was her first time on snow in the mountains, and she handled it like a pro. Riding along, taking in the views, and quickly becoming the star of the day.
She has officially earned her spot as a full time member of the Detour Diaries crew.
Wrapping Up in Denver
We ended the week back in Denver, getting ready to say goodbye to Coco as she headed back to Arkansas.
It was a bittersweet moment. She had become such a big part of the trip, and it was strange to think about continuing on without her.
At the same time, it felt like the perfect way to close out this chapter of the road trip.
Why This Week Captured Colorado Perfectly
This part of the trip had everything that makes Colorado special.
High elevation camping and stargazing
Fall colors at their peak
Iconic mountain drives
Alpine lakes and trail running
Early season snowboarding
It was the intersection of fall and winter, where both seasons show up at the same time.
Final Thoughts
This week was a reminder of why we love spending time in Colorado.
You can go from running around alpine lakes to driving high mountain passes, exploring iconic destinations, and ending the week on a snowboard, all within a few days.
It is a place that constantly changes, but always delivers.
If you are planning a Colorado road trip, this stretch from Leadville to Aspen and back through Summit County is one you should not skip.
Watch the Full Episode
Check out the full Detour Diaries episode to follow along with the entire week, from stargazing in Leadville to riding opening day at Arapahoe Basin.
