Don’t Overlook Aspen in the Fall

• Come September, I start thinking about the approaching ski season and – at least mentally – begin planning a trip or two in the West, even if daytime temperatures are still in the 70s.

Perhaps it’s those chilly nights, when temps drop into the 40s and it’s no longer – thank goodness – sticky and humid.

I’m not alone, says Eliza Voss, who has lived in Aspen for more than 15 years and is a big fan of getting out an about in the alpine backcountry come autumn.

“I do think September is the first time it feels socially acceptable to start daydreaming about skiing again,” said Voss, who is senior vice president for Destination Marketing at the Aspen Chamber Resort Association.

Set at the head of the Roaring Fork Valley and surrounded by the White River National Forest, Aspen boasts not only four of the country’s top ski resorts (Buttermilk, Snowmass, Aspen and Aspen Highlands), but world-class hiking trails, rivers and high-alpine terrain minutes away from its downtown.

Nearly three-quarters of the Aspen district is designated wilderness, making it possible to summit a 14er (a 14,000-foot peak) in the morning and be back in town for dinner.

And because Independence Pass closes each winter, fall is the last chance to hike, camp, or take the scenic drive over the summit before the snow arrives, she said.

“Those colder mornings seems to flip a universal switch, at least here in our mountain town. That said, I find the winter stoke happens in tandem with the excitement of fall,” she said.

“There’s something pretty special about getting outside and being surrounded by changing aspens, whether you’re hiking or biking.”

Voss said one of her favorite things about fall in Aspen is that it offers a different way to experience the mountains.

“You get the changing aspens and crisp mornings, but you can still spend the day outside hiking, biking, fishing or exploring the high country.”

“And because fall sits between our busiest summer and winter seasons, it can be a great time to slow down and experience Aspen at a different pace.”

Voss said the best time to visit the Aspen area in the fall is mid-week because the roads can be busy with motorists heading out for a Saturday/Sunday spin along Colorado’s scenic byways.

“Taking an autumn drive along Independence Pass or through the Roaring Fork Valley during the week is a great way to enjoy the colors at a more leisurely pace,” explained Voss.

But getting out of your vehicle is tops, advised Voss, who said hiking and mountain biking are her favorite ways to “really immerse myself in nature and take in the fall colors.”

“There’s something especially rewarding about being out on the trails when the aspens are changing.”

That said, she noted that people headed out onto trails should be prepared for the weather to turn inclement quickly, especially in October or November.

“This time of year in particular, precipitation at higher elevations can mean snow, even when conditions in town are mild,” she explained, noting that snow in Aspen (elevation 7,908 feet) doesn’t usually occur until mid- to late-October.”

It’s important to check the forecast, dress in layers and be prepared for a range of conditions,” she advises.

“If you’re heading into the backcountry, we always recommend hiring a guide from Aspen Expeditions to help ensure you’re prepared for the conditions and terrain,” she added.

Because October can have warm days, visitors can still go whitewater rafting or fly fishing well into the fall, she said.

Glenwood Canyon continues to have water thanks to the Shoshone Hydroelectric Facility on the Colorado River, she said.

“So rafting trips run through October, wrapping up around Nov. 1,” she added. “It’s a great way to squeeze in one more river adventure before winter arrives.”

Another benefit of visiting Aspen in the fall is that lodging rates are lower than during peak summer or winter seasons, she said.

“And if you qualify, be sure to ask about Colorado Resident Rates,” she added.

Here are some more tips for Aspen’s autumn visitors from Voss:

• Hiking: Aspen has a trail system for every ability, from the paved 40+ mile long Rio Grande Trail to the multi-day Four Pass Loop. Come fall, the same trails turn into prime leaf-peeping locations, with golden aspen groves boasting their autumnal colors.
• Biking: As an International Mountain Biking Association Gold-Level Ride Center, Aspen offers everything from lift-served trails at Snowmass Bike Park to the legendary Independence Pass climb and scenic gravel routes.
• Camping: From developed campgrounds near Independence Pass and the Maroon Bells to dispersed sites and 10th Mountain Division huts, there are plenty of ways to spend a night in the high country.
• Fly Fishing: The Roaring Fork holds Gold Medal status, with 45 of Colorado’s 165 Gold Medal miles running through the valley, the state’s largest single stretch.
• Golf & Racquet Sports: An award-winning public golf course and tennis and pickleball courts offer a more leisurely way to get outside.
• Parks: Paepcke Park, the John Denver Sanctuary and Wagner Park provide easy-access green spaces for picnics, walks and taking in the scenery.