Autumn Adventures – From Colorado’s Scenic Drives to the Desert’s Night Sky

Day 1: The Start of Our Autumn Adventure

Our journey began with a scenic drive along the Peak to Peak Highway, en route to Utah. Stretching between Estes Park and Black Hawk, Colorado, the Peak to Peak Highway is one of the most stunning drives, especially at the start of fall. The aspen trees were just beginning to turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and gold, creating a beautiful contrast against the dark green pines. As we wound through the highway’s curves, we were treated to breathtaking views of the Continental Divide, with glimpses of snow-dusted peaks in the distance.

The drive was full of delightful surprises—a charming mountain town here, an alpine meadow there, and, of course, forests ablaze with fall colors, making it the perfect route for leaf-peeping. Around every turn, we’d find a lovely grove of aspens glowing in their golden splendor. The crisp mountain air and the clear blue sky only added to the enchanting atmosphere, making our journey along the Peak to Peak Highway a truly magical autumn experience.

After taking in the stunning colors of Colorado, we continued west to the North Fruita Desert near Fruita, Colorado, to spend the night. The North Fruita Desert Campground, located near the Book Cliffs, was the perfect spot for our overnight stop. Known for its extensive mountain biking trails, this campground is a dry camping area—meaning no water or electrical hookups—but it does have vault toilets available.

As we set up camp, the night sky began to put on a show. With the camp far from city lights, the stars were incredibly bright, and I could make out the faint glow of Fruita in the distance. It was a beautiful reminder of just how vast and captivating the night sky can be when given a chance to shine.

The next morning, we woke up to sweeping views of the arid, rugged landscape typical of western Colorado. To the east, the Book Cliffs formed a dramatic backdrop, especially at sunrise, as the cliffs took on rich red and golden hues. To the south, the towering rock formations and canyons of the Colorado National Monument added another dramatic element to the horizon. The open desert setting provided clear views of the expansive sky—a sight that makes North Fruita such a great spot for stargazing at night.

The surrounding area featured unique rock outcroppings, sagebrush plains, and rolling hills, giving the landscape that classic high-desert ambiance. It was only an overnight stay, but it left me wanting more. I’d love to come back and explore more of what this area has to offer—whether it’s the trails, the landscape, or just another star-filled night in the desert.

Reflection:

This first day of our journey reminded me of the simple beauty that lies in slowing down and taking in the world around us. From the vibrant fall colors along the Peak to Peak Highway to the peaceful solitude of the North Fruita Desert, it was a chance to reconnect with nature and appreciate the changing seasons. Sometimes, we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life that we forget to take a moment to truly see what’s around us. This trip reminded me of the importance of pausing, breathing in the crisp mountain air, and letting the beauty of the landscape wash over me. I look forward to more adventures like this—ones where the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.