Colorful Fall Ride on 401 (19 Sept 2014)

(Last Updated On: September 25, 2014)

Fall riding on 401 near Crested Butte

We’ve done 401 before. We’ve ridden it, written about it, and have had a few different trip reports featuring Crested Butte’s most popular trail. So, what makes this one different? It’s a fall ride on 401 and the colors were so spectacularly surreal we just had to share.

We began our ride on Gothic Road. We travel this road regularly throughout the year. But, this time, we had to stop and grab a few photos to capture the peaking aspen leaves.
Gothic Road in fall in Crested Butte

Views of the East River from Gothic Road

East River from Gothic Road

We climbed the road, enjoying the scenes the entire way. Baldy was as beautiful as it gets – well, except for winter.
Baldy on Gothic Road near Crested Butte

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen Emerald Lake glowing this much.
Emerald Lake on Gothic Road near Crested Butte

We climbed the singletrack to the top and enjoyed the westward views towards the Raggeds.
Raggeds seen from trail 401 near Crested Butte

I love this spot.
Fall ride on 401 near Crested Butte

Frank rode “the black hole”.
Fall riding on 401 near Crested Butte

Tall foliage still surrounded the trail.
Fall ride on 401

Instead of the typical yellow and red hues of the aspens, the alpine terrain shined with tones of lime and magenta.
Fall riding on 401 near Crested Butte

Fall ride on 401 near Crested Butte

Neon green in September? Yep.
Fall ride on 401 near Crested Butte

Fall ride on 401 near Crested Butte

I didn’t know my shirt would blend in with the landscape so much.
Fall riding on 401 near Crested Butte

I could not get over the surreality of it all.
Fall ride on 401 near Crested Butte

Fall ride on 401 near Crested Butte

Fall riding on 401 near Crested Butte

Fall ride on 401 near Crested Butte

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I always thought the most beautiful time to ride 401 was in the summer, with head-high skunk cabbage and wildflowers covering the trail. But, on this ride, I was proven wrong. This was quite possibly the most beautiful 401 ride yet.

Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things,Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate 🙂 Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things, Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate :) Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

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