September brings relief from summer heat and a return of colorful autumn, with fall foliage along the Front Range typically turning between mid-September and early October. There’s no better time for a high-country drive or hike than on a comfortably cool September day as clear blue skies set off those golden aspens. We’re fortunate in the Denver area to have these beautiful but fleeting landscapes so accessible to us. So get out there soon, and catch a “peak” while you can!

Keep in mind that trees generally “bloom” in a given location for about a week and can peak early from a cold snap or high winds, so keep an eye on the weather as you plan your trip. Check the U.S. Forest Service fall foliage hot-line, which starts operating in late September, call for updates at 1-800-354-4595.

An excellent choice for viewing foliage is the Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway, which runs 55 miles from Black Hawk to Estes Park, offering superb autumn scenery, access to great hiking, and the mountain towns of Nederland and Estes Park. The Peak to Peak is accessible from I-70 via US-6 W (from the east), or Central City Parkway (from the west) to Black Hawk. From Black Hawk take CO-119 north to Nederland, then CO-72 W to the tiny hamlet of Raymond, then CO-7 W to Estes Park. It’s a fairly straight route north but the numbers change along the way. Without stops, the drive should take about 80 minutes.

For some fresh air, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, just north of Black Hawk, offers lovely day hiking. From the Peak to Peak (CO-119) go about eight miles past Black Hawk, then head east 4 miles on CO-46 for the park’s visitor center.

About a third of the way to Estes Park you’ll go through the charming town of Nederland, which lies on the shores of Barker Reservoir. It’s a great place to stretch your legs, get in some hiking, and enjoy “Ned’s” great restaurants and vintage shops. With lots of outdoor dining options, the surrounding water, colorful trees, and Continental Divide views are sure to delight and make for great photos.

At 8,200 feet, Nederland’s a gateway to higher-elevation foliage in the breathtaking Indian Peaks Wilderness. Two great entry points for fall foliage hikes in Indian Peaks are the Hessie and Fourth of July trail-heads. From Nederland head west on County Road 130/N. Bridge Street. Follow signs for Eldora, being careful to avoid the Eldora Mountain Resort turnoff, staying right for the rustic village of Eldora, where the pavement ends. Take the left fork off the dirt road for Hessie trail-head, or continue until the road ends at Fourth of July trail-head. From Eldora, it’s roughly two miles to Hessie, and roughly 6 miles to Fourth of July. Enjoy your hike!

And, of course, at the northern terminus of the byway is Estes Park, which is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park on the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains. The park offers unparalleled outdoor opportunities, but do keep in mind the $20 per vehicle entrance fee. Estes is bigger than “Ned,” and also has incredible views, but it can be a bit touristy. Otherwise, it’s a great spot for lunch, dinner, or a leisurely stroll.