Most of the time, we like to think of the art of outdoor living as having something to do with enjoying your backyard and the deck you may have had built there. But the great outdoors can encompass so much more. Take, for example, the wonderful colorful display Coloradans enjoy each fall. This year, sometime between September 15^th and the end of October, we will have a chance to see Mother Nature in all her glory as the trees of our state first burn with incredible color before dropping off for a well-earned winter’s nap.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature doesn’t keep time the way we humans do, so you need to be prepared to jump into your car on your own chosen weekend and drive to locations throughout our area to truly enjoy the spectacle of the season. Wave Dreher, a spokesperson for AAA Colorado said, “These autumn drives are a very popular activity. There are wonderful routes in any part of Colorado, depending upon where you start.”

She said that many great Aspen views could be found as little as an hour away in your car, if the traffic is good and flowing smoothly. But just as with any vehicular activity, safety comes first where AAA is concerned. Here are some tips from Wave about driving out on your color-change hunt:

• Know your car’s capabilities – “I drive a passenger sedan, and there are some unimproved roads I would definitely stay away from,” said Wave. “These roads are best traveled by 4-wheel drive vehicles.”
• There are still places in Colorado where your GPS won’t work. “Keep a map in your car, so if your GPS fails you’ll still have a good idea of your current location.”
• “This is just common sense,” said Wave, “but if you’re going somewhere you don’t normally travel to, let a friend or neighbor know your general plan of where you expect to go, and when you expect to be back. This will help if you get stuck out where cell reception is bad. Your friend can sound the alarm if you’re not back in a timely fashion.”
• “Here in Colorado weather can be very changeable. We’re already hearing of snow in the higher elevations. Be sure, when you drive out, to have the right clothing and footwear—perhaps a jacket for just in case the weather changes on you. And this goes for your passengers as well as for you, the driver.” Wave said that right now people are still comfortable in shorts down in the metropolitan area, but the higher elevations can often surprise people.
• “Also, in higher altitude, the sun is more intense, so sunscreen is not a bad idea,” said Wave. She also mentioned that having plenty of fluids on hand for your group is a wise idea.
• “Lastly, take care of your out-of-state visitors. Give them time to acclimate to our higher elevations before rushing off into the mountains to see the colors. You’ll be glad you did.”

As for what to expect on your drive, most people are aware of the Aspen leaves. Their wonderful clapping sound of the summer winds turns to visual delight with bright golds and yellows in the fall. The tree is so popular here we have named cities, dogs, streets, and even beers after this Colorado native.

But Wave said not to forget to look closer to home in the metropolitan area for color too. “The scrub oaks change to a rich, rusty orange around this time of year. It’s one of those things we take for granted because they’re so close, but they’re no less beautiful for being near us.”

Finally, Wave returned to the topic of cars and the weather. “People are surprised when it suddenly turns to winter around here, but it can snow at just about any time.” Now is the time to prepare for whatever winter surprises may come on the heels of fall’s wonderful display. These are some great ways to take care of your car for the changing season and make sure you’re never out of luck even if you find yourself stuck in snow:

• Change your windshield wipers. Most people aren’t aware this should be done every six months, so if you’ve forgotten when you last changed your wipers, do it now.
• Check your tire tread. You don’t want to be in the long lines at the tire store the first time it snows.
• Keep a gallon of window washer solution in your car. The splash back of snow will keep your need for cleaning your windshield high as winter approaches.
• Dig the ice scraper-snow brush out of your garage and pop it into your trunk. In an emergency, Wave said you could use a CD cover, but it’s best to get a good, inexpensive scraper in place before you need it.
• Prepare a winter kit for your car, in case the winter sneaks up on you and you get stuck. Here are some items for the kit:
  • Flashlight
  • Jumper cables
  • Cell phone charger (there have been several calls to AAA for road assistance, but the cell battery dies, and AAA personnel can’t call back to get directions)
  • A first aid kit—even if it’s just the basics.
  • Blankets and clothes
  • Water and non-perishable food. “It’s bad enough to get stuck and be cold,” said Wave. “Don’t be hungry and thirsty too.”

Wave encouraged our readers to become members of this 112 year-old organization. “When you’re in an emergency you want someone on the other end of the line who’s familiar with your area, and can get you help. One of our members let me know that they had dropped AAA because of the new emergency systems that came with their new car. The car had trouble, so the member used their auto-dial. The service people on the line with her just laughed when she said she was in Purgatory.” AAA Colorado uses local staff to help service people in our state—people who would know Purgatory is a real city here.

So go out. Enjoy the changing colors of our wonderful autumn season. Just remember, Winter sneaks up on us every year. It’s best to be prepared.