This post was written by Jean LeStourgeon
The weekend of October 1-2, 2011 was peak time for viewing the Colorado aspens along US Highway 24 up towards Cripple Creek from Colorado Springs. Being from New England, I enjoy the Autumn foliage more than any other season and understand that catching the trees at their peak is unpredictable at best. Many variables have to come together for that peak foliage experience – cool summer days, and cool, crisp nights; along with rain fall, nutrients and more all must combine to produce the brilliant saturated colors that leaf peepers long to see.
It is hard to imagine anything more beautiful than New England in her full autumn glory, but I must admit, at the risk of feeling like a traitor, the Colorado quaking aspens robed in their shimmering regal gold are a glorious sight to behold. The aspen, a tree in the Poplar family (and by the way, though similar in appearance, the aspen is a completely different tree species than the birch) is known for its yellow, golden, quaking leaves. Aspens have underground root systems which results in new trees shooting up wherever their roots spread. This underground root system is often responsible for creating large stands of nothing but these beautiful aspen. In the Fall, these stands of trees create a dramatic blaze of gold across the mountainous Colorado landscape.
If you missed the golden aspens this season, make plans now for some peak, leaf peeper outings next year around the end of September. You don’t want to miss the gold in these mountains.
Tags: Destinations