It’s that time of year again. The days shorten, the Pumpkin Spiced Lattes flow, and the leaves in Colorado begin to change. That last one is what really excites us at RMFI. We are hearing that peak-leaf-colors may come earlier this year than usual, so our staff wanted to share some of their favorite places to leaf-peep.  

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Sam Blankenship, Trail Crew Technician: While I really like Independence Pass and parts of Crested Butte, Gold Camp Road is a great place to look at trees closer to the Springs. It is a gorgeous drive, and if you can get up to Gray Back (where RMFI has done some work, featured below), you can find incredible views. 

Calla Balliett, Community Engagement Coordinator: I really like Mueller State Park. RMFI has done some timber stand improvement work there to preserve some aspen stands. It’s also a relatively easy spot to access, especially if you have a Keep Colorado Wild Pass attached to your vehicle registration.  

Carl Woody, Program Director: I really like Pancake Rocks (partially because RMFI has done some trail work there and it is cool to check out how the trails are doing). The drive from the Springs to that trailhead is beautiful in and of itself. Then, when you get there and get up to the namesake rocks, the view is expansive.  

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You may notice a bit of a theme. RMFI is honored to steward the trails and open spaces that house these leaf-peeping opportunities.  While these places are beautiful year-round, this time of year really underscores how lucky all of us are to have these resources in our backyard. It also highlights the need to take care of them. We hope you will do so, joining us on a volunteer day, becoming a member, or getting involved during the end-of-year giving season.  

Thank you, and enjoy the fall colors! 

Sam Hinkle