This Rocky Mountain view near Marble exemplifies the splendor of Colorado's wilderness areas. Lying adjacent to Maroon Bells / Snowmass and the Raggeds wilderness lands, the area is surrounded by marvelous landmarks, such as McClure Pass, Schofield Road, and Crested Butte. Standout peaks of Snowmass Mountain and Castle Peak, two of the area's 14ers that top 14,000 feet. To cap it off, three national forests, the Gunnison, White River and Grand Mesa, link together to form 1.7 million acres of mountain splendor and stately forests.
What better time of the year than autumn to enjoy these Rocky Mountains? Crisp air, trophy elk, alpine lakes and vast forests, punctuated with stands of golden aspens and ranges of jagged peaks, all contribute to this breathtaking scenery.
Aside from the area's scenic byways and fall color tours, some adventurers take to area trails by foot, mountain bikes, horseback or 4-wheel-drive vehicles. The Schofield Road, from Marble to Crested Butte, is one of those shortcuts that will leave you breathless. Here, the Schofield Pass nears 11,000 feet in elevation.