The best way to take in the autumnal splendor? Go for a walk in the woods.
All across the US, chlorophyll is starting to break down in green leaves, revealing vibrant pigments and transforming verdant summer scenery into a red, orange, and yellow harbinger of sweater weather. It’s fall foliage season, baby!
I planned my annual autumn extravaganza to Vail - as soon as I got word from a girlfriend who lives in nearby Edward, I rented a Bronco on Turo, threw my mastiff in the back of the car and took off. The drive was spectacular from Las Vegas - 8 hours of gorgeous scenery, and by the time I arrived after sitting on my ass in my Turo for no less than a full work day, i was ready to move my body, and a well-prepared hike promises a good time.
Peak fall foliage occurs at different times in different parts of the US, due to factors like latitude, elevation, climate, and tree species. In the northern states and higher elevations, mid-September to mid-October is prime time.
I couldn't have timed this trip better (for reference, the exact dates were September 27-29th, which was a little earlier in the season this year for them) as the leaves only 'change' for TWO WEEKS out of the entire year.
Obviously, these photos were for aesthetic, who actually hikes in jeans... but we did do the Beaver Lake hike and it was BRUTAL. Colorado hikes don't play with the elevation game.
Click here for the IG reel of the hike; stats below:
📍Beaver Lake, CO
🏔️9776 ft elevation
⏱️ 3 hours start to finish
🔃 7 mi RT
🔥 700 cals burned
I'll leave you with the hike views - happy foliage hike planning for 2025!
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