In The News: Fall Foliage

Are you still thinking that this fall is when you are going to see the very best colors are country has to offer? Here are some locations that will be riot of color.

Minnesota

Leaf-watchers, rejoice: Peak fall color season has arrived in northern Minnesota. Leaves are 75 to 100 percent turned in the northwest corner of the state, as well as portions of north-central and northeastern Minnesota.

If you don't want to drive all the way up north, you can stop in central Minnesota — a pocket in the St. Cloud area is also at peak.

Fall colors generally peak between mid-September and early October in the northern third of Minnesota. In central Minnesota, it's between late September and early October. The southern third of Minnesota can expect peak fall colors between late September and mid-October. Peak fall color typically lasts about two weeks, but that can vary widely, depending on location, elevation and weather.

New England States

Columbus Day weekend is traditionally the time leaf peepers take to the roads to seek out the beauty of New England's fall foliage. How brilliant the foliage will be this year is debatable since a wet growing season is considered key to fine foliage. Sunshine and temperatures also play a part in determining fall color. 

For those in Western Massachusetts, the leaves are just now turning in Hampden and Hampshire counties. Moderate foliage is reported in Berkshire and Franklin counties. To find peak foliage this weekend, the best bet is to head north of the Bay State. Foliage is at its peak right now in parts of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

Colorado

West Elk Loop

This 205-mile loop is a ways away from Denver, but the views are worth the haul. The route gives access to the White River and Gunnison National Forest, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Curecanti National Recreational Area, and Crawford and Paonia State Parks. Heads up: The 31-mile gravel section over Kebler Pass is closed in winter.

Dallas Divide via Last Dollar Road

If you find yourself in the southwest portion of the state, this unpaved route spanning from Telluride to Ridgway is not to be missed. Last Dollar Road is about 5 hours driving from Denver and you can begin your journey (the road is about 40 miles) at either end of the road. Highlight: A clear view of Wilson Peak, recognizable to anyone who’s ever examined the label on a Coors bottle.

Castle Creek Road

This is a 13-mile paved road in Aspen and Ashcroft, a little less than 3 hours west of Denver.  It dead ends, but people who have made the drive encourage you to pack a lunch and have a picnic at the end.

Trail Ridge Road

According to the National Park Service website, this is the Rocky Mountain National Park's heavily traveled highway to the sky. A 2-hour drive from Denver, this road crests at 12,183 feet. Heads up: This road does close during the winter, so get your leaf-peeping in early. Be sure to check here before making the drive, as the NPS says the status of Trail Ridge Road can change quickly and at any time.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. 

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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
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