And away we go!!!
Our 10th Annual "Aspen Happenin" Fall Color Drive is scheduled for September 26 - September 28, 2025.
Below, you will find the itinerary for the weekend and the hotel information. All times are subject to change.
2-way radios are mandatory during the drive! We will be using channel 20, sub-channel 24.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 - (2 hours driving, 104 miles) - this is a “bonus drive” for those who can arrive early.
Noon - meet in the parking lot of the Comfort Inn, 315 E. Rainbow Blvd. (Hwy 50), Salida, CO.
12:15 pm - Driver’s meeting including radio check
12:30 pm - departure
1:30 pm - arrive at the Dutch Pantry & Deli, 404 Main Street, Silver Cliff, CO, for lunch.
2:30 pm - depart
3:45 pm - arrival Comfort Inn, 315 E. Rainbow Blvd (Hwy) 50), Salida, CO
7:00 pm - dinner provided free of charge courtesy of the management team of Amicas Pizza. Go to amicassalida,com to view the menu. The location will be Amica's Pizza, 127 F Street, Salida, CO.
Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BXbcaYRaTjQM7wYG8
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 - (3 hours & 23 minutes driving, 160 miles)
9:00 am - Driver’s Meeting at the Comfort Inn, 315 E. Rainbow Blvd. (Hwy 50), Salida, CO.
9:30 am - departure
10:00 am - McPhelemy Park, 220 US Hwy 24 N, Buena Vista, CO 81211, for a “Shakespeare” break (to pee or not to pee). There are no restroom facilities on Cottonwood Pass, which is why we are stopping here.
10:20 am - departure
11:00 am - arrive Cottonwood Pass. Photo opportunities available.
11:30 am - depart
Noon - arrive Taylor Park Trading Post, 23044 Co Rd 742, Almont, CO 81210 (Shakespeare break).
12:20 pm - depart
1:50 pm - arrive Monarch Crest for lunch. Those who wish may ride the Scenic Tramway to the top of the Continental Divide. The spectacular, 360 degree views of five mountain ranges in the Rocky Mountains will leave you speechless. Tickets are $22 and may be purchased on site.
3:00 pm - departure
3:30 pm - arrive back to the Comfort Inn
7:00 pm - dinner once again free of charge compliments of Amicas Pizza. Location TBD.
Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5tCRvhAMi3So8Tnw7
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 - (2 hours & 30 minutes driving, 118 miles)
9:30 am - Driver’s Meeting
9:45 am - departure
10:15 am - arrive Collegiate Peaks Scenic Overlook, US-24, Buena Vista, CO 81211
10:45 am - departure
11:45 am - arrive Independence Pass. There are restroom facilities available.
12:15 pm - departure
1:15 pm - arrive at The Lariat, 206 E Main St, Buena Vista, CO 81211 for lunch. Go to thelariatbv.com to view the menu.
Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7WzSyTSS7VmCdxLi9
I’m aware that the drive back to the Front Range can be a drag, but if you can afford it, staying an extra night in Salida can be a real treat. How about we make it a special day and visit Mt. Princeton Hot Springs after lunch on Sunday? It’s a bit pricey, but it’s totally worth it. It’s just a 30-minute drive from Buena Vista and then another 30 minutes back to Salida.
Salida weather - September brings cool nights and comfortable days with the average high temperature being 74 degrees and average low of 43 degrees. The average rainfall for September is 1.41 inches. Please plan to dress accordingly.
Visit the Salida Downtown Historic District - you’ll have some time between the end of the drives and dinner to take a stroll through downtown and immerse yourself in its rich history. In 1984, the Salida Downtown Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and in 2012, it was recognized as one of the first two Certified Creative Districts in Colorado. Just downtown, there are 26 art-related studios, where you’ll find pastel, oil, acrylic, and watercolor artists, photographers, fiber artists, iron and metal work, guitar builders, sculptors, and woodworkers.
The Historic Downtown Salida is a must-see when visiting. It’s home to the largest collection of preserved 19th-century buildings in the state of Colorado. As you stroll down the quaint streets, you’ll be transported back in time, witnessing architectural styles from the Victorian era and the early 20th century.
The hotel is the Comfort Inn, 315 E. Rainbow Blvd (Highway 50), Salida, CO, 81201.
To reserve a room, please call the hotel at 719-539-0860. When calling, tell them it’s for the ZSCCA group. There is no online link to reserve a room.
Our room block consists of 15 rooms: 10 king and 5 double queen rooms.
Don’t miss out - grab a room before they sell out!