Todd Warnke
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In a normal year, your time frame would be great. Let's hope this year is a normal one. It started out real dry, which can lead to faded colors. However, we've had some timely moisture, and temps are starting to moderate. I was down in Ouray area a couple of weeks ago and the flowers were still going quite strong. so it looks positive.
As for locations, Estes and RMNP is fine, but not really the best for fall colors. My advice for folks coming to Colorado for their first burst of colors is to take Bob Seger's advice and "Get out of Denver", and get yourself down to Crested Butte, Ridgway, Ouray, Silverton, and Telluride just as fast as possible.
Aspen is great ... there is a lot to see, though Maroon Bells is difficult as it's a full-on zoo. Instead, head over to Ashcroft, and head up Independence Pass (with a stop at the Grottos). Still, I'd place Aspen lower on the list as it's too crowded, too expensive, and too over-done.
Gunnison is a great base. The town is good, with some nice places to eat, and affordable places to stay, but you'll be driving every day. The trip up to Ohio Pass is easy, and very worth it. And from there up to Kebler pass is also easy. That said, if it were me, I'd rather stay in Crested as that cuts 3-45 minutes off the drive each way. I'd plan on spending 2-3 days here.
Ridgway or Ouray as a base for the rest of your trip makes a lot of sense. Owl Creek Pass, County Rd 8, County Rd 5, County Rd 7, Last Dollar Road, Crystal Lake, Red Mountain Pass, Chimney Rock, Wilson Peak, the list is endless. It will be crowded, but not as bad as Aspen, both because it's further from Denver and because there are so many places to shoot.
Also, if the color ran fast, you can head south on 550 to Durango where color tends to hang on. And if it's all gone, head west from where you cut over to Telluride on 145/141 along the San Miguel River for some cool red rock shooting.
Good luck, and post your results!
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