Aspen Area Portion of Road Trip

Question

Hi all, I posted this over in the Road Trip forum, but also wanted to post the relevant segments in the local forums to solicit recommendations.

I have my itinerary mostly complete for a 2-week road trip through New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona in late September and early October, but I have a few gaps I would like to fill, primarily with recommendations for scenic stops, easy hikes, Fall/harvest themed events/markets, and restaurants along our way. My husband and I are in our late 30s/early 40s, will be celebrating our anniversary, will be traveling with our dog in our Tesla Model Y, and are fairly familiar with most of the areas we’re traveling to, but Aspen and Telluride will both be new to us. We’re mostly just looking forward to the beautiful scenery and cooler temps, but I particularly enjoy photography (especially sunrise/sunset/nature/landscape). We also really enjoy hiking, but the elevation will be much higher than we’re used to and I have a few chronic health conditions slowing me down, so easier, relatively short/flat hikes would be what we’re looking for.

Day 5 – Drive from Pagosa to Aspen – I noted a couple of restaurant possibilities in Salida, but would be open to any personal recommendations along the route or if it’s better to save time with a picnic. We have a parking permit for Maroon Bells this evening and a reservation at Mollie Aspen. The reservation includes dinner at the hotel.

Day 6 – An Aspen day, with plans to go see sunrise at Maroon Bells and with breakfast included at the hotel. Check into The Little Nell that afternoon, with dinner included. I’ve noted a few possible lunch and shopping options, and we also want to drive out to Independence Pass sometime during our time in Aspen (someone pointed out we'll actually drive though Independence Pass on our way in, so perhaps other scenic drive recommendations since we have the option of "test driving" Audis and Rivians at each of our 3 Aspen/Snowmass araea hotels). This is our actual anniversary, so thinking about lunch at French Alpine Bistro, but there is a limit to how much food we can reasonably eat in one day!

Day 7 – Another Aspen day, with breakfast included at the hotel. More of what I mentioned the day before, and then checking into Limelight Snowmass that evening with dinner included there. It looks like part of the John Denver Celebration is going on that evening.

Day 8 – Breakfast included at hotel. Drive from Aspen to Paonia with scenic stops in Marble and Kebler Pass (tell me more about any specifics, please). Visit Big B’s Delicious Orchards. Have a glamping reservation that evening, would love recommendations for lunch and/or dinner on this day.

Answer

Your Aspen-area portion of the road trip sounds wonderful, and there are plenty of scenic stops, easy hikes, and food options that can enhance your experience while keeping it relaxed and dog-friendly where possible. Here’s a detailed breakdown for each day you mentioned.

Day 5 – Drive from Pagosa to Aspen

This is a long drive, so you might consider a mix of scenic stops and a simple picnic rather than multiple sit-down restaurants to maximize time and enjoy the scenery.

Salida: If you want a short stop, the downtown area has charming cafes and bakeries like The Coffee Trader or Amica Coffee.
Buena Vista: Stop for a quick stretch along the Arkansas River. The riverside parks are scenic and great for photography.
Picnic idea: There are pull-offs along US-285/CO-82 that offer views of the Sawatch Range and Collegiate Peaks. Pack sandwiches or salads to enjoy with a view.

Once you arrive in Aspen, your Maroon Bells parking permit will allow you to see the iconic peaks at sunset. Since you have dinner included at Mollie Aspen, you can enjoy a leisurely evening and photography session without worrying about timing.

Day 6 – Aspen day

With Maroon Bells sunrise planned, make sure to arrive early and bring layers, as mornings can be chilly, especially in late September/early October. Breakfast is included, so you can fuel up afterward.

Scenic drives: Since you already did Independence Pass on the way in, consider the Castle Creek Road or Upper Maroon Creek Road for fall foliage and photo opportunities. Both are relatively short drives with pull-offs.
Lunch options: French Alpine Bistro is perfect for your anniversary; otherwise, try Meat & Cheese or JAS Café for lighter fare.
Afternoon: Stroll through Aspen’s downtown for boutique shopping, art galleries, and fall decorations.

Day 7 – Second Aspen day

Breakfast at the hotel sets you up for a relaxed morning.

Easy hikes: Consider the Rio Grande Trail, a mostly flat and scenic trail along the river. Alternatively, Hallam Lake and Maroon Creek Trail offer gentle terrain and wildlife photo opportunities.
Anniversary afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a light café or picnic at a park. Evening events like the John Denver Celebration can be enjoyed from Limelight Snowmass, which offers convenient access and festive ambiance.

Day 8 – Aspen to Paonia via Marble and Kebler Pass

This is a highly scenic portion, especially during fall.

Marble: Stop at the historic Marble Townsite and Marble Mill. Visit the famous Marble Quarry or hike a short, easy trail like Crystal Mill overlook for dramatic photography.
Kebler Pass: Famous for its aspen groves, this pass is ideal for fall foliage photography. Short pull-offs along the route allow easy access for pictures without strenuous hiking.
Lunch: Consider Crested Butte for lunch at Last Steep or Secret Stash for casual dining with great views. Both allow for short detours.
Big B’s Delicious Orchards: Perfect for fresh produce, cider, and light snacks. Since you have a glamping reservation, you can enjoy a simple dinner there or a picnic with items picked up locally.

Other tips:

Keep layers handy – mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially at higher elevations.
Altitude can be tiring; keep hikes short and easy, and stay hydrated.
Your Tesla Model Y will be convenient for stops along scenic routes, but check charging options if planning longer drives in remote areas.
Fall markets and harvest events are often scheduled in Crested Butte, Aspen, and Paonia during this timeframe, so keep an eye out for local listings a week or two before travel.

Overall, this portion of the trip balances scenic drives, easy hikes, and memorable meals. With careful planning, you can enjoy photography, fall foliage, and a relaxed pace while celebrating your anniversary.