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Where to catch Vail Valley fall colors at their peak

The science behind leaves changing color and the best ways to view them

The fall colors are peaking near Vail. Aspen trees are abundant in Eagle County.
Chris Dillmann/Vail Daily archive

Fall is that magical time when the aspens and scrub oak on the hillsides take time to shine. It’s a short time frame, and it looks like the valley will peak this weekend with a clear blue sky as a backdrop in the forecast.

While taking in the beauty, you may find yourself wondering about this spectacle, so here’s a refresher on the science behind the yearly occurrence.

According to Hannah Rumble, community programs director for Walking Mountains Science Center, color change occurs at pretty much the same time in the same locations each year because each plant has a specific sensitivity to the photoperiod, which is the length of daylight each day.



“Each plant will produce less chlorophyll each year whenever that photoperiod level is reached. Another way to say it is that each plant senses the coming autumn by knowing nights are getting longer, so it starts preparing for impending freezes.” Rumble said. “This means that peak color is typically on the same day in the same location each year, except that storms and microclimates might mean that colors are better in different locations.” 

The snowcapped peaks near Leadville provide quite a contrast against the golden aspen leaves in the valley on Sept. 22.
Chris Dillmann/Vail Daily archive

You may not realize it, but the fall colors of the leaves we enjoy at this time of year are there all along, especially carotenoids in the case of aspen trees. Carotenoids are the yellow shades we see in aspen leaves and in yellow and orange vegetables, such as carrots. When plants stop producing chlorophyll, that chlorophyll breaks down quickly whereas carotenoids break down slowly, so they stay visible much longer. Sometimes there are aspen trees that have leaves that are more red or orange instead of golden yellow.

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“When aspen trees have lived through a healthier growing season, they are more likely to begin producing anthocyanins that get stored in the leaves,” Rumble said. “These compounds can show up as reds, blues and purples, depending on the plant. When anthocyanins in aspen trees mix with the yellow carotenoids, the leaves appear orange.”

If you happen to be in Denver or other parts of the Front Range, you’ll notice the leaves have not started to change much yet.

“Plants at higher latitudes, or further north, and higher elevations in general start to change first,” Rumble said. “This is because these locations freeze earlier in the year than the ones that are to the south and at lower elevations.”

Leaf peeping season is upon us and people will travel to the High Country specifically to look at the fall colors. There are several ways to get out and enjoy this short but sweet season.

Hike

Hiking allows you to take in the views at a slower pace and reach vistas that afford spectacular views. Some favorites include the North Trail in Vail, which allows you to stay on the north side of Interstate 70 and take in the views across the valley from Lionshead to Golden Peak.

Fun fact: Golden Peak was named for the abundance of golden aspen trees surrounding Vail’s easternmost base area. Minturn’s Lionshead Rock Trail is a fun and moderate hike that winds through aspens and the Overlook Trail on Beaver Creek Mountain has a wonderful overlook near the top that showcases the unique topography across the valley and at the base of Beano’s Cabin.

Immerse yourself in the elements of autumn by hiking up Berrypicker Trail on Vail Mountain.
Tricia Swenson / tswenson@vaildaily.com

Bike

If you’re mountain biking, the Village to Village Trail that connects Beaver Creek Village to Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead takes you on a journey through several aspen groves. Shuttle a car to Arrowhead and start at Beaver Creek or vice versa if you want to save some time and miles. The Grand Traverse Trail that goes from the top of Eagle’s Nest, across Game Creek Bowl and winds around to the top of Mountain Top Express (No. 4) offers great views of Vail’s Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin. For road bikers, park in the Vail Village parking garage and head to East Vail and ride the Vail Pass cul-du-sac, which has been used in the USA Pro Challenge and Coors Classic Time Trial races.

Horseback rides

Let the horse do the walking while you look around. Beaver Creek Stables can take you to the iconic Beaver Lake via horseback. Choose just the ride or add the picnic option and make a day out of it. Bear Cat Stables near Edwards offers one or two-hour trail rides, backcountry trail rides or a four-day adventure that takes you from Vail to Aspen.

Gondola rides

Take your viewing to new heights by hopping on Gondola One (No. 1) in Vail Village or the Eagle Bahn Gondola (No. 19) in Lionshead. Lift access is great if you have varying age groups or ability levels. From the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola (No. 19) you can see the Mount of the Holy Cross and the Gore Range. The Centennial Express (No. 6) at Beaver Creek is closed for the season, but the 4X4 Jeep Tours are a fun way to reach some of the far-reaching places such as Patrol Headquarters at 11,440 feet in elevation above sea level. The 4X4 Jeep Tours can also take you to a cool vantage point along the famous Bird of Prey Alpine Ski World Cup race course on Golden Eagle run.

Vehicle

Speaking of vehicles, this time of year it’s just nice to go for a drive. Head south on Highway 24 from Minturn and climb up Battle Mountain Pass, drive through Red Cliff and stop at Mango’s for a bite to eat. Continue south past historic Camp Hale in the Pando Valley before heading up Tennessee Pass and into Leadville. If you’re up for it, keep going and hop on Highway 82 and pass Twin Lakes and tackle Independence Pass before cruising into Aspen, Glenwood Springs and then back to Eagle County. Ditch the traditional vehicle and head to Sage Outdoor Adventures and hop on a Side-by-Side ATV and get away from it all with acres and acres of pristine land. (Mention “VD10” and get a 10% discount!)

A dirt road winds in between aspen groves on the 6,000 acres that Sage Outdoors utilizes for its Side X Side ATV adventures.
Sage Outdoor Adventures Facebook page

How you decide to view the fall colors is up to you, but don’t delay.

“I would predict that we have had enough precipitation this year to have a great leaf-peeping season, but the weather could change that any day,” Rumble said. “If there is an early freeze, leaves will dry up earlier, and wind or snow could snatch otherwise gorgeous leaves from their stems. It’s important to appreciate this amazing season while it lasts!”


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