Aspen, Colorado
Each fall, the aspen trees in Aspen, Colorado, deck the mountains in color as the leaves morph from green to gold and orange. The display shines the brightest from the end of September through the first week of October. During these peak weeks, visitors from near and far come to marvel at the glowing hues backdropped by blue skies and snowcapped mountains.
The ski town invites visitors to wander through the autumn landscape on one of the town’s many hiking trails. The Hunter Creek Trail starts in town, and the entire route — past clear creeks, peaceful meadows and luminous aspen groves — dazzles. Maroon Creek Road, Castle Creek Road and Independence Pass also make impressive scenic drives. Whichever path groups take, a view of Maroon Bells should feature prominently on the itinerary. One of the most photographed peaks in Colorado, these twin 14,000-foot peaks sit atop a mirror lake, with aspen trees framing the scene.
To gaze from a bird’s-eye view over the golden foliage, groups can ride the Silver Queen Gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain. Once at the top, the views, hiking trails and meal options at Sundeck will entertain until it’s time to descend once again.
For a local fall experience, visitors can take in the festive atmosphere of the Aspen Saturday Market for Colorado-made items and produce.
Ozark National Forest, Arkansas
For vistas filled with trees glowing in red, orange and yellow, the Ozark National Forest covers 1.2 million acres of pristine mountain scenery. The color makeover starts at the end of September, with the peak usually occurring in late October or early November, depending on weather conditions. Because of the Ozark National Forest’s southern location, visitors can enjoy brilliant shades of color while wearing fewer layers than they would in cooler northern climates.
To view the Ozark’s natural fall spectacle, groups can hike several trails, including a few that are wheelchair accessible. Routes along the Sylamore Scenic Byway of the forest pass by some of the largest tracks of wilderness. Scenic Byway 7 also offers panoramic views as it runs from the Ouachita Mountains through the forest and on to vistas of the vast Big Creek Valley, known as the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks.
Leaf peepers can also travel above the surrounding peaks at nearby Mount Magazine State Park, which boasts the highest point in Arkansas, outdoor adventure options and lodging. Other must-see attractions in the area include Blanchard Springs Caverns, the Ozark Folk Center and the charming town of Mountain View.
