Tomorrow is the first official day of fall, but trees are already changing colors. Dan Leeth, a freelance travel writer who lives in Aurora, has been looking for the best places to see the seasons change in Colorado. He stopped by to give Colorado Matters host Ryan Warner his recommendations.
On whether fungal disease is affecting leaves:
"Well, we've seen a lot of nice color in the mountains, so it may be hit or miss."
How long you can see the changing leaves:
"It's altitude related. And so, the higher altitude aspen are changing now or have changed. As one drops in altitude , you start getting more color. Probably up until the first week or two of October you can find some fall colors at lower elevations."
Recommendations for seeing leaves by horseback:
- Vista Verde, requires a week-long stay.
- Emerald Valley Ranch, horseback ride included in the price.
- Lost Valley Ranch, "for just horsemanship."
Recommendations for scenic driving trips
- Mount Evans Highway, typically very nice for fall color.
- Kenosha Pass, on Highway 285.
- Shrine Pass, a dirt road near Vail.
- San Juan Skyway, a 233 mile paved loop in the southwest.
- Kebler Pass, 31 miles of graded gravel.
