ROUTT COUNTY IN COLOR

The Flat Tops

As autumn approaches, locals await the annual explosion of red and gold hues which will paint the scenery throughout Routt County. Take to the roads by car or bike to witness the panoramas in all their majesty. Among the many admirers of nature’s fall quilt are a plethora of photographers including nationally acclaimed Steamboat Springs residents, Rob Hanna and Noah Wetzel.

Hanna has called Routt County home for almost 50 years and published two books – Seasons of Light and Seasons of Gold. Among his favorite locales for photographing fall scenes are North Routt, Hahn’s Peak and the Steamboat Lake Area, or over Rabbit Ears Pass to Muddy Pass on the east side.

For North Routt, travel up Routt County Road 129 (Elk River Road), stopping at the Clark Store to stock up on homemade goodies, or lunch. Travel North to Columbine and return for dinner at the Steamboat Lake Outpost or the Hahn’s Peak Café.

Wetzel made a name for himself as a landscape and lifestyle photographer, and his reputation just keeps growing. His imagery has made the

Hahns Peak

covers of publications from Powder to Ski Magazine. He counts The Flat Tops Wilderness Area Scenic Byway from Yampa over Dunkley Pass to the top of Ripple Creek Pass as a favorite drive to capture the colors.

To access the 82-mile scenic byway, follow Colorado 131 to Yampa, and take Routt County Road 17 from

downtown Yampa all the way to Meeker. Consider a down and back, then take in dinner at Antlers Café and Bar in Yampa, open Thursdays – Sundays. Or loop back through Craig and refuel on authentic Mexican food at Los Jilbertos or savor a sundae from the newly opened Scoop Dog ice cream store in Hayden.

Hands down the best spot according to both photographers is Buffalo Pass Road (accessed just outside downtown Steamboat Springs, via County Road 36 to National Forrest Road 60). Either of them may be spotted at “Rainbow Ridge” approximately one-mile past Dry Creek Lake Campground. “It’s the worst road in the state,” Noah says laughing.

Buffalo Pass

For those traveling with a camera, Hanna recommends “the golden hours,” just before sunrise or after sunset, to get the best imagery.

See some of Rob Hannas’s Photos at www.rodhanna.com 

See some of Noah Wetzel’s Photos at www.wetzelgallery.com