Fall color predictions — and early indications — say the autumn foliage this season should be vibrant and long lasting.

A recent drive down the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway supports those theories.

Although peak color is still several days away, the largest patches of aspen trees are looking healthy with a patchwork of golden yellow and lime green. Barring any unexpected and unplanned snow or hail, neither of which is in the forecast for the next week at elevations along the drive, the colors should be in peak glory by the weekend of Sept. 20-22.

The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is Colorado’s original designated scenic route. Established in 1918, these 55 miles of roadway wind through mountain towns, national forest and a portion of Rocky Mountain National Park, starting in Estes Park and ending in Black Hawk.

And although this time of year attracts scenic drivers for the fall colors, the route also has a wide variety of historic destinations, entertaining towns and lots of trails to explore.

Starting in Estes Park just south of the intersection of U.S. Highway and 34 and 36, Colorado Highway 7 is the northern section of this byway.

Drive 7.2 miles and drivers will reach Lily Lake and the Twin Sisters Trailhead, both in Rocky Mountain National Park. These two beautiful areas offer many photo opportunities, with color peaking the last week of September, along with a hike up to 11,418-foot Twin Sisters and a 0.75-mile walk around Lily Lake.Continue south on Highway 7 to see many locations to enjoy a view of fall colors and local history. Some of these include the Dao House below Twin Sisters, Enos Mills’ original cabin, a view of Longs Peak towering above a beautiful meadow with ponds and golden aspens, Eagle Plume’s Trading Post, and St. Catherine of Siena, more commonly known as the Chapel on the Rock. Each has their own collection of aspens, willows and scenic beauty.

Farther down Highway 7 brings the traveler to historic Meeker Park Lodge and past the entrance for Wild Basin, another area of Rocky Mountain National Park with several trails that offer stunning fall color and cascading creeks.

In the small village of Allenspark on the west side of Highway 7, stop for a cup of coffee or a slice of pizza and peruse in The Old Gallery, one of the neatest art galleries in the region, with art — from fiber work and jewelry to photography and watercolor paintings — from more than 25 Colorado artists.

Just after passing Allenspark and Ferncliff, the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway turns right onto Colorado Highway 72.

This next section of the byway doesn’t have quite as many historic or tourist destinations, but it is full of locations for outdoor activities and scenic views.

The first place to stop is in Peaceful Valley, where the Middle Saint Vrain Creek, flanked with golden vegetation, passes near the roadway.

Shortly after Peaceful Valley, sits the historic Millsite Inn. Once the only bustling restaurant between Estes Park and Nederland on the Peak to Peak Byway, it now welcomes diners only with a “closed” sign on its door. The restaurant, which opened in the 1930s and sits at the highest point along the byway at 9,254 feet, closed at some point after Christmas 2023 based on the last post on the Facebook page for the restaurant. It is still, however, an interesting place to stop and envision all of the travelers this small rustic building has hosted in its nearly 100 years.

Within a few hundred feet of the Millsite is the turnoff for Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The lake sits five miles up the road and offers the starting point for stunning views of the peaks in Indian Peaks Wilderness. There are also several worthy hikes in this area, including Pawnee Pass, Mount Audubon and Lake Isabelle.

In another five miles down the Peak to Peak is the most stunning view of aspens along the drive. Labeled as Remedy’s View on Google Maps, this unmarked viewpoint includes a vast forest of golden aspens.

Only a few peaks barely visible in the distance top off the view so photographs are best by focusing on the large aspen grove. This location has lovely color right now with peak color anticipated to arrive by about Sept. 20.

Two more areas popular for hiking — Caribou Ranch and Mud Lake Open Spaces — are next along the route.

Colorado Highway 72 then connects with Colorado Highway 119 at the roundabout in Nederland. Follow Highway 119 to the right after stopping in this unique mountain town that offers an ideal rest stop along the byway.

The next stop is Rollinsville, another small mountain town that is the launch point to reach the East Portal for Moffat Tunnel. This popular area offers several trails into the James Peak Wilderness Area. The drive to East Portal also has a large open valley great for leaf peeping and possible moose sightings.

One more stop — Golden Gate Canyon State Park, with meadows surrounded by aspens and historic homesteads plus more than 35 miles of hiking trails — before the final 10-mile drive to Black Hawk. The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway ends in this revived gambling town with a rich history in gold mining.

When leaf peeping along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, be courteous of other drivers by stopping in shoulders and not in the driving lanes, close doors when exiting vehicles and pull over if driving slower than other cars to let them pass.

The one-way drive on the Peak to Peak can be as quick as 90 minutes or be an all-day cruise, depending upon the frequency and types of stops made along the route. There is minimal cell service along this route so it is best to download any directions prior to starting the drive.

Rocky Mountain National Park and Brainard Lake Recreation Area require reservations and passes. For more information search each location on recreation.gov. Golden Gate Canyon State Park also charges an entrance fee. For more information, visit https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/golden-gate-canyon-state-park.