We love hiking year-round, but it can be especially rewarding during autumn when the leaves are changing to their vibrant colors. We are heading to Park City, Utah this coming weekend and we are expecting to see at least pockets of Aspen tree groves turning to their golden color. Throughout the years, we have made sure to get into the mountains during September to see the beautiful leaves and although each year is very similar, each year is also unique. Depending on how much rain the mountains have gotten or whether there has been frost or snow already can certainly change how dramatic the autumn colors are when we go hiking. Generally speaking, when we go hiking during autumn, it is more about the beautiful scenery and less about going on a strenuous hike, so these hikes are some of the most enjoyable.
Leaves on the TrailLooking Up at the Blue SkiesColorful SceneryAspen GroveLooking Towards Pikes PeakLooking Across MountainsRugged Hut Along the Trail
The great thing about hiking in the high country is that you get a mix of seeing the changing colors up close as well as the tapestry of colors across the skyline. The park that we usually hike in September is located on the backside of Pikes Peak and the scenery is always amazing regardless of the time of year. The colors are mostly the golds and yellows of the aspen groves surrounded by the deep greens of the pine trees, which is different than the reds and oranges that you find in most other places. If you get a chance to visit Colorado in autumn, we’d highly recommend that you get into the mountains, even if just by car.
Stand Alone TreeHiking the TrailMore Views from the TrailBeautiful SceneryThe Colorado MountainsShadows on the TrailSome Leaves Starting to Change
We love hiking throughout the year and the scenery in the Rocky Mountains is always quite stunning. Although we always take time to look around and see the mountain peaks or stop to gaze at a waterfall, but when you hike you spend the majority of your time staring at the trail that is right in front of you. Obviously we try to keep our eyes on the trees around us to catch a glimpse of any animals that might be near by, but the surest way to trip and bang yourself up is to try to walk over roots and rocks without paying attention to where you place your feet.
Leaves on the TrailShadows on the TrailBridge on a Mountain TrailAspen Leaves on Snow Covered TrailFallen Tree by the Trail
Trails come in many different styles from wide and well-traveled to narrow and sometimes overgrown. Some places are deep in the woods and others are in open fields or even along the edge of a cliff. The different parts of the trail also provide different things along the trail itself, such as Aspen leaves falling on the path or roots of giant pine trees jutting out of the ground. It is quite common for trails in Colorado to be a mix of everything as you hike the full length of the trail. We enjoy all of the different types of trails for the natural beauty that each supplies. Just getting out into nature is its own reward and hiking is a great way to relax, unwind, and recharge ones battery.
Colorado Trail Beaver Creek TrailBarr Trail at Tree LineShadows Across a Trail in ColoradoRocks on the Trail
We don’t make our way to southwestern Colorado as often as we should. Whenever we do take the time to go there, we always have a wonderful time. There are so many different reasons to make your way through the mountains and valleys, as there are definitely some beautiful locations throughout the area. Regardless of whether you want to get into the mountains and go hiking, see some locations of geological interest, or visit ancient ruins, there is something that will appeal to everyone. We have been to each of these locations multiple times, but never in the same trip. It would actually make for a very interesting loop from Colorado Springs to go to all of these locations on a single trip with short stays along the way.
At the Base of the Sand DunesLike Walking on a Strange PlanetA SandboarderAncient Pueblo Petroglyph
Alamosa and the Great Sand Dunes National Park – If you head south from Colorado Springs and then go west once you reach Walsenburg, it is about a 3 hour trip to reach the town of Alamosa. At least for us, the main reason to visit this quaint town is to enjoy time in the Great Sand Dunes National Park, which is truly an amazing experience. It is also a great location to enjoy food of the southwest in one of the several restaurants located in Alamosa. There are some very interesting hiking trails in the area, even one that allows you to get up close to some petroglyphs.
Mesa VerdeAztec RuinsCliff DwellingKiva with Sapapu
Durango, Mesa Verde National Park, the “Four Corners”, and the Aztec National Ruins Monument in New Mexico – Located in the southwestern corner of Colorado, about 3 hours west of Alamosa, Durango is a great place to explore. The area is known as the four corners because it is where Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona all come together in a single location. There is even a marker right where all four states come together and if you want, you can put one body part in each state by putting your hands and feet in different states all at the same time. Mesa Verde National Park is certainly spectacular to see and it worthwhile taking the time to go into New Mexico to visit the Aztec National Ruins Monument.
Mountain PeaksThe Main Street of TellurideTown of Telluride Seen from the GondolaSan Miguel River that Runs Through Telluride
Telluride and Ouray Colorado – After seeing the historic area of the four corners, you can continue north for about 2 hours to the town of Telluride where you can enjoy some upscale relaxation. There are many trails to hike for people of all ages as well as mountain biking and other outdoor activities. Since it is a resort town, there are more than enough food options for any type of meal or budget. Whether staying in the actual town of Telluride or staying in the Mountain Village, taking the gondola between the two provides incredible views without having to exert any energy. The mountain vistas are some of the most spectacular in Colorado, which makes Telluride a destination all on its own.
Dramatic SceneryMountain SummitPond with a Beaver Damn Just Outside of TellurideMore Aztec Ruins in New Mexico
After spending time in Telluride, it is about a 6 hour drive back to Colorado Springs, but the scenery is beautiful and varied as you go through valleys and mountain ranges. Any of these destinations are worthy visiting simply for their own reasons, but combining them into a single trip will provide you with a very unique experience since each location has something different to offer. There are obviously other locations along the way that can be added, so this route can be added to for those who have more time to spend on the road.
