Estes Park’s Fall Foliage — It’s Officially Gold Season!
There’s still ample time to book a last-minute fall escape to Estes Park, Colorado, one of the most spellbinding mountain towns in the world. Estes Park is the easterly gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, a 415-square-mile natural wonderland that entices travelers from across the continent. Backpackers, nature photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, and casual travelers alike cannot deny the allure of Colorado’s “gold season.” Amid autumn’s peak, the dense forestry transforms into a kaleidoscope of color, mainly vivid hues of yellow, including the bright, marigold-dyed aspens that dot the landscape. And the perfect place to start and finish each day of exploration, adventure, and relaxation is inside one of Estes Park Condos’ finest vacation rentals, ideally located along the peaceful Fall River.
Wildlife Viewing and Vibrant Aspens
Estes Park’s fall-only “gold season” coincides with the elk rut season, where the bull’s bugle echoes through the range. It’s quite common to spot herds of elk meandering through Fall River’s banks, munching on grass and forbs and sipping on crisp, mountain-fed spring water. Elk also frequently trek into town, often near Rock Cut Brewing, Fun City, and the old Donut Haus. But, again, they gravitate toward Fall River, as do bighorn sheep, who gallop down the mountains in search of freshwater. Brown bears, mountain lions, and red foxes also frequent the property. The vibrant quaking aspens accent the breathtaking wildlife and overall natural beauty of the landscape. In fact, the drive up U.S. Route 36 from Lyons remains a storybook experience, in large part, due to the ripening aspens.
Rocky Mountain Adventures
There are several methods of outdoor recreation in the Rockies, such as fly fishing, horseback riding, and backcountry UTVing. However, hiking remains the preferred method of exploration, as well as various offshoots, including geocaching, backpacking, and birding. Fall in Estes Park, as you might expect, is all about those bright aspens. Thus, self-proclaimed “autumnophiles” flock into Rocky Mountain National Park in hopes of observing (and capturing, with a lens) some of the most enthralling foliage in North America. Because the national park is so vast and so incredibly beautiful, no one can agree on which trail is the prettiest during autumn’s peak. That being said, we highly recommend Bierstadt Lake, Lake Haiyaha, and Sprague Lake (in that order). With nearly 200 individual trails in or near Estes Park, sometimes it’s best to browse through the options yourself—perhaps you’ll discover an oft-overlooked hidden gem!
Quintessential Estes Park Lodging
Estes Park Condos remains the region’s premier lodging option, as convenience, upscale mountain decor, and rustic, yet sophisticated architecture meld along the babbling Fall River. This head-turning fleet of Estes Park vacation rentals is surprisingly affordable, undeniably picturesque, luxurious (yet incredibly comfortable), and well off-the-beaten-path. The Fall River allures a bevy of woodland critters, while the location itself is just a short drive from both the heart of Estes Park and the Rocky Mountains’ eastern gateway. When you’re not hiking to Emerald Lake, fly fishing for plumb trout, or dining on grilled quail, remember to utilize your rentals’ many luxuries, including the private hot tub, stone fireplace, and Fall River patio. To book a well-deserved, last-minute fall getaway to Estes Park, please check availability online (or call us directly at 970-577-0068).