We returned to Colorado for the first time in a decade. One highlight of our trip was a visit to Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, which is located in the White River National Forest.

It’s easiest to get to this remote locale by a shuttle bus near Aspen; we booked our tickets for the bus two months in advance given that we’d be there close to peak fall foliage.

For near-optimal viewing conditions (and to avoid large crowds), our bus was at 7:30 on a Thursday morning. Even for late September, it was so cold that there was some frost on our rental car; I’d also wished I brought mittens along for my freezing fingers.

It was all worth it. So named for their shape, the two peaks that make up Maroon Bells were gorgeous, especially against all the yellows of the surrounding aspen trees.

Rather than attempt a more strenuous hike deeper into the woods, we stuck to the basic “scenic” path, a loop whose furthest point is the bridge pictured above.

Viewed from that bridge, the tableau is straight out of a painting.

I could stare at this view in person all day (and luckily, the temperatures rose considerably throughout the morning.)

I’m sure this would’ve looked perfectly lovely without the changing leaf colors, but still–this was a treat to see.

The two peaks are the park’s main attraction, but other mountain ranges are visible in most directions.

We lucked out with such bold, blue skies.

Back towards the loop’s beginning later in the morning, the foliage practically popped against the tall pines and the rocks and dirt of the mountains.

The trail back to the starting point, around 10 AM. A full day of possibilities awaited us.