![]() ![]() But if you're itching for a dedicated road trip to see the most beautiful foliage, we have you covered. Maybe you’re lucky enough that your own backyard has postcard-perfect autumn leaves. Mother Nature certainly knows how to put on a show, but do you know where to go to see it? And with it comes the return of sweater weather, cozy-scented candles, and, of course, an explosion of colors as the trees change from lush green to a rainbow of golds, oranges, and reds. Pro Leaf-Peeper’s Tip: Visit The Hill, the neighborhood closest to campus, to grab a bite to eat at The Sink or the many other eateries.As summer slowly draws to a close and the nights begin to lengthen and cool, leaf peepers know there is nothing to mourn: it’s almost fall foliage season. From here, you can stroll past the architecturally stunning Old Main and Macky Auditorium buildings and through Norlin Quad. A perfect place for a photo op is Varsity Bridge, which gracefully arches over a Varsity Lake. ![]() The red-tiled roofs of the CU buildings pair well with the scarlet and yellow fall foliage found throughout campus. Pro Leaf-Peeper’s Tip: Nearby is a ton of good food in Boulder's NoBo district: taquerias, pizzerias, trattorias and more abound. The rolling hills at Wonderland Lake Park would be an excellent spot for a picnic. Photo: Courtesy Jinyang Du Wonderland LakeĪ gentle loop path at Wonderland Lake provides reflecting views of the golden cottonwoods, cattails and the Flatirons in the distance. Pro Leaf-Peeper’s Tip: It’s just a short walk to Mapleton Hill from Pearl Street’s East End - full of coffee shops, boutiques and even a chocolaterie - so you can park once and explore on foot. Stroll Mapleton Avenue between Broadway and 4th Streets to admire the stately homes and old-growth trees. One of Boulder’s most historic and beautiful neighborhoods, Mapleton Hill is positively luminous with fall color each year. Pro Leaf-Peeper’s Tip: On the drive into the canyon, you’ll pass hillsides covered in sumac, which turn a deep burgundy red in autumn. Choose the Streamside Trail for a short, sun-dappled jaunt along the creek. With South Boulder Creek running through the canyon, there’s plenty of mature trees along the park’s trails. It’s something of a rock-climbing mecca, so be sure to look up at the canyon walls to see climbers in action. Eldorado Canyon State ParkĪ gem of a state park, Eldo is just 20 minutes from Boulder. Pro Leaf-Peeper’s Tip: On the way up to (or down from) the summit of Flagstaff Mountain, where you'll park, pull off at Panorama Point for a view that takes in all of Boulder from above. That way you tackle the uphill first and enjoy a leisurely downhill stroll as your reward. 2 miles before meeting up with Long Canyon. You can start at the top (at Long Canyon Trailhead) and walk down and back, but we’d recommend parking at Realization Point and taking Ranger Trail for. The narrow pathway is practically overcome with forest growth in sections and has the accompanying color changes perfect for a fall hike. So tucked away is it that it actually harbors a stand of ancient paper birches that survived the Ice Age. This lesser-known trail follows Upper Gregory Creek. Pro Leaf-Peeper’s Tip: Stop at the bird blind so you can watch migrating species without them detecting your presence. This is a particularly lush area, given all the water sources, and the profusion of deciduous trees means a big range of pretty fall colors. Best of all, this protected area is far enough east that you really get a zoomed-out panorama of the Flatirons, foothills and the snow-capped peaks just beyond. The patchwork of 18 small bodies of water at Sawhill Ponds is teeming with waterfowl and wildlife. Pro Leaf-Peeper’s Tip: Finish with lunch on the patio of the on-site Chautauqua Dining Hall for a cup of soup or a wild mushroom Flatbread, just right for a fall warmup. (Parking here fills up fast, but you’ll find parking around adjacent Chautauqua Park or along Baseline Road.) From the McClintock Trail, you’ll have access to the vast network of trails heading up into the Chautauqua hiking area. Start the trail from the parking area south of the Chautauqua Auditorium. As the cottonwoods, willows and bushes along this leafy path change color, they perfectly frame the Flatirons for a stunning autumn view. Fall Foliage Hikes McClintock Trail to Enchanted MesaĪ gentle trail with the good fortune of being at the foot of the famous Flatirons, McClintock is a popular one for families especially, although anyone would enjoy it. ![]()
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