Fall is here! With that comes the beautiful splendor and abundance of gold and red colors along the mountainside. Lucky for us, we don’t need to go too far to enjoy it. Some of the best fall foliage is not too far away. However, don’t wait too long to take a ride. This is prime time in the season to jump into your car, with a picnic lunch, to enjoy it. Here are a few of our favorite places to enjoy optimum leaf peeping.
Lory State Park: The closest option to see aspen and foliage near Fort Collins is Lory State Park. Just minutes away, the park is set between Horsetooth Reservoir and the foothills. Get up close by hiking the loop trail that starts at Arthur’s Rock Trail, connects to Timber Trail, Westridge Trail, Howard Trail and Mill Creek Link Trail back to the Arthur’s Rock parking lot.
Poudre Canyon: Colorado Highway 14, which runs along the Poudre River, is credited as one of the state’s most scenic highways. As you start on the journey into the canyon, keep in mind you won’t see aspen right away. However, you’ll be rewarded by gorgeous photo-worthy views once you pass Colorado Road 63E that will be on your left.
Red Feather Lakes: Just about an hour from Fort Collins, the fall foliage here provides a beautiful backdrop to over a dozen different lakes. You may want to make it a full day by bringing your fishing pole or hiking boots.
Rocky Mountain National Park: Our list wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t include this one. Rocky Mountain National Park offers beautiful trees and foliage that stretch into the skies above them. Although this park is pretty amazing all year round, we think fall showcases its greatest beauty.