Posted by Jody Grigg on October 5, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Just noticed on USA Todays website that they have a top 10 Ten Fall Drives for the US, and Colorado choice is....... article. Really this is the best choice for Colorado. Photographer or non photographer this wouldn't be my first choice, I would say Kebler Pass or Million Dollar Highway (Hwy550). On a normal Fall color year what would your choices be....don't forget they are talking abount non 4x4 routes.
Posted by Erik Aagaard on October 5, 2009 at 4:20 PM
Looks like they're giving points for tourist activities - which in my book actually rates demerits!
How about Owl Creek Pass or the Last Dollar Road as another top choice?
Posted by Chris Ebright on October 5, 2009 at 4:49 PM
I personally have not been on the Grand Mesa highway, but from all the people I have ever talked to in Colorado, that has never been the first on the list. Of the places I have been, I would choose Kebler for a non 4x4 scenic drive because of the amount of continuous aspen forest your drive through.
Posted by Roger Rouch on October 5, 2009 at 5:45 PM
I've never been there in the fall, but actually can't recall many aspen up top. The slopes on the sides of the mesa have looked sort of interesting.
No doubt not one of Colorado premier aspen areas, but I think I'd enjoy a few fall days up there.
Posted by Chuck Peacock on October 5, 2009 at 6:03 PM
The flanks of Grand Mesa are amazing in a good year. Pretty bland across the top on the west end (conifers).
It's really nice but doesn't compare to Kebler or the other suggested places IMO mainly because there are no towering snow covered peaks to fill the background. But for more intimate shots it's an excellent place.
Posted by Todd Caudle on October 5, 2009 at 6:41 PM
Give 'em a break, Jody. They've obviously never been to Colorado in the fall. Or ever. Is that a prerequisite for writing an article telling people what the -- oh, wait, yes it is.
Makes you wonder how many people in Wisconsin, California, Ohio, etc., are reading the article and having the same reaction as ours.
Posted by John Mumaw on October 5, 2009 at 6:43 PM
Anti-rant here...
I agree that the San Juan Skyway should have been mentioned instead, but if it means hundreds fewer distracted drivers on those roads, I say 'Viva Grand Mesa!'.
Thanks John for bringing up my point! Maybe it's a blessing to have all these tourists go anywhere but were we have important business to take care of
And then, god forbid, that same tourists will come to your gallery or show and tell you that he has a better picture of that same place that he shot with his p&s!!!
Posted by Chris Rice on October 5, 2009 at 8:21 PM
hey isn't the best camera the one you have with you? I've seen some amazing pictures from consumer cameras, and lately, Iphones.
The very first good Colorado aspen I saw were on the north side of Grand Mesa during Fall 2007, our first after moving here. Of course, we were on our way south to drive the San Juan Skyway...
Discussion
13 repliesHow about Owl Creek Pass or the Last Dollar Road as another top choice?
No doubt not one of Colorado premier aspen areas, but I think I'd enjoy a few fall days up there.
It's really nice but doesn't compare to Kebler or the other suggested places IMO mainly because there are no towering snow covered peaks to fill the background. But for more intimate shots it's an excellent place.
Makes you wonder how many people in Wisconsin, California, Ohio, etc., are reading the article and having the same reaction as ours.
I agree that the San Juan Skyway should have been mentioned instead, but if it means hundreds fewer distracted drivers on those roads, I say 'Viva Grand Mesa!'.
And then, god forbid, that same tourists will come to your gallery or show and tell you that he has a better picture of that same place that he shot with his p&s!!!