Scientists say this spring’s moisture primed aspens for epic fall colors. We suggest a series of nearby hikes and drives to savor the season, as well as tea – of course
We feel it in the mornings, now. It’s not yet time to turn on the heat, but maybe we slip on a pair of socks, and switch to the winter robe for the first hour, before returning to jeans and flip-flops for the remainder of the day.
The subtle shift towards cooler weather initiates a parade of welcome changes that occur in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Sweaters and jackets. Fires in the hearth. The Flatirons dusted with snow.
One of the grandest transformations strikes the trees. The different shades of green that leaves broadcasted since they first emerged in the spring begin to fade. Replacing the greens: yellow, gold, red, crimson, orange.
The swift color evolution is so striking that we pile into cars and head for the mountains. There, aspen groves in bold yellow nearly pave slopes, broken up by patches of dark green conifer.
Leaf-Peeping Tea? We Developed a Blend Just For You
The season demands one special beverage: warm tea! After a summer of iced tea, smoothies, and frozen chai lattes we crave the comfort of a warm mug with rising steam.
We think tea and leaf-peeping are a swoon-worthy pairing. In fact, they are so made for each other that we even named one of our herbal teas after Colorado’s glorious leaf season. The organic tea is called Afternoon in the Aspens, and includes lemongrass, lemon verbena, rosemary and licorice root.
This signature herbal tea provides a gentle lift, without the caffeine. It’s perfect for an afternoon spent driving the Peak to Peak highway, oohing and aahing. Or taking a hike on one of the trails around Nederland, many of which support an abundance of aspens.
Due to the heavy moisture we enjoyed across Colorado during the spring, scientists are predicting an epic season for fall colors. Dan West, an entomologist at Colorado State Forest Service, told The Denver Post that the rains gave aspens renewed strength this year, after a tough year last year.
“What does that mean for aspens and fall color?” he asked. “Healthy stands show a more vibrant color than non-healthy stands, and they’ve had perfect growing conditions all summer.”
To help you plan for this epic leaf-peeping season, we suggest a handful of wonderful and easy hikes and drives near Boulder. And we offer you Afternoon in the Aspens, too, to make the day even more special.
Hikes
Fourth of July Trailhead/Hessie Trailhead (Nederland)
Length: It’s up to you. The trails from the trailhead can lead to dozens of miles of hiking.
Drive time from Boulder: 45 minutes
Location: West of Nederland and the town of Eldora. The trailhead is just past Eldora. Parking fills fast. If spots aren’t available, the city of Nederland offers a free shuttle that runs from the city’s RTD Park-N-Ride parking lot to the trailhead from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays until October 6.
The trees: The trailhead is one entrance to the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, which is 119 square miles of protected wilderness at Boulder’s doorstep. No matter which trail you take from the trailhead, you will encounter glorious vistas of aspens, and walk past plenty of aspen stands.
Caribou Ranch
Length: 4.2 miles round-trip.
Drive time from Boulder: 35 minutes
Location: Just north of Nederland. From the traffic circle in Nederland, drive north on Highway 72 for two miles, then turn left on County Road 126 and follow the signs to Caribou Ranch.
The trees: This easy hike combines the DeLonde Trail and the Bluebird Loop. Together, they form a lollypop that involves little elevation gain, just 300 feet, and lots of exposure to glorious aspens, as well as other trees that change color in the fall.
Drives
Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway
Location: Reaching the Peak to Peak takes just 30 minutes from Boulder. The road itself spans 55 miles, from Estes Park to Blackhawk. The highway is Colorado’s oldest scenic byway, established in 1918.
The trees: Everywhere! You can’t go wrong driving the Peak to Peak during the high season for leaf-peeping. Do stop in the town of Nederland for refreshments. The town offers plenty of restaurants. Salto, a large and charming coffee shop with a full bar and ambitious menu, is a favorite (breakfast sandwiches are excellent, as are the soups, tacos, grilled cheeses and more. We also savor Crosscut, a wood-fired pizzeria and taproom.
Kenosha Pass
Location: This is not a Boulder-area scenic drive, but it’s not terribly long to get there, either — just a little more than 90 minutes. Kenosha Pass is along Hwy. 285. Getting there means picking up 285 near Morrison (just west of Denver) and taking it all the way to the pass.
The trees: The crest of the pass offers one of the most spectacular stands in the region. The drive itself is glorious, and the crest of the pass supports ample parking. But for people who want to get out of the car and go for a stroll, the Colorado Trail is easily reached. From here, the Trail leads hikers through glades and aspen-blanketed hillsides.
