Fall 2026

Fall is one of the most exciting times of the year when it comes to nature’s transformation. The key to leaf peeping is timing and patience. The changing of colors may be quick or may take a little longer based on the weather. Normally, the change in color pattern follows altitude and temperature.

Sometimes the vibrant aspen groves could be small and at others it could cover the entire hillside. Now-a-days, with thousands of travelers, photographers and internet access, one should be able to get information on the right time to witness this change in colors. But that also brings crowds. Need to make sure the beauty is shared and protected. Get in, take photos, enjoy the beauty and get out for the next person to do the same.

Land can be fenced but nature’s beauty and the opportunity to witness it cannot and should not be fenced.

One does not have to hike miles to see color during Fall. Taking some roadways through the mountains and rural areas can give enough evidence that nature and human created products can coexist. Both have to be protected with minimum impact to both.

The transformation is sometimes slow and at other times fast. One has to enjoy the changing landscape.

Sometime wildfires burn acres of land and most of the vegetation on it, however, nature is resilient and grows back. Seeing golden fall colors crop up after a devastating fire gives hope that things will get back up, maybe even better.