Autumn in the San Juans

I have been to Southwestern Colorado four times in the last three years, but not in October for its legendary explosion of aspen, cottonwood, and oak trees.

So I had planned to go the first week of October. 

But my dad collapsed and cut his head open, which is becoming an annual event. He only spent one day in the hospital - unlike the two weeks in 2024 - but he was in a lot of pain and had to use a walker for several days, so I cancelled my trip. 

I finally made it last week, two weeks later than I had hoped to visit, and the trees were past their peak. 

But they were still beautiful. 

I understand the appeal of New England in October; I've done it twice myself. It is classic Americana. 

But these colors, on the western slope of the Continental Divide, between 6,000 and 14,000 feet, while perhaps not more majestic, are certainly more my style.