TELLER COUNTY — In our series Adventures with Alan, we'll travel across Southern Colorado week-by-week to show you everything from hidden gems to well known areas.
This week, we hit the road in search of changing leaves and gorgeous fall colors on an easy road trip to Teller County.
Leaf Peeping on Highway 67
In spite of an unseasonably warm start to autumn, we already know that Highway 67 in Teller County will be bursting with fall colors, and that's where we join the leaf-peeping caravan to check things out for ourselves.
On this windy stretch of highway between Divide and Cripple Creek, Aspen and Cottonwood trees serve as the main acts, with dazzling displays of color at every turn.
Driving through the mountains, we're greeted with shimmering yellows, brilliant oranges and some more elusive reds.
Stopping along the way every few miles, the scenery this time of the year is second to none.
Makes sense since this is one of the most popular spots in Southern Colorado to see the changing leaves.
On our visit, we encounter people that are visiting Colorado from far and wide to check out this year's fall foliage display.
We run across a visiting couple from Texas, who tell us that this is part of an annual trip to the Centennial State.
"We're from a tiny town outside of Fort Worth, Texas. We come every year to be part of God's beautiful paint brush that he does in your trees, " said Lucia Howarth.
After traveling across the state, Howarth tells us that Southern Colorado has been far more colorful this year than Northern Colorado.
"I'm sure you get some years better than others. This has been spectacular, spectacular, so I'll be able to go home in peace today," said Howarth.
We also meet a nice couple from Missouri. They're out here visiting Colorado for the first time, and tell us that they are blown away by the beauty of our state and vibrant fall colors.
"That's gorgeous. That's exactly why we came here this time of the year is the leaves changing and stuff because it's so pretty. Just love the trees," said Janel Hetelle.
How the Drought has Affected this Year's Fall Foliage
One thing I learn is that this year's display has suffered at the hand of our state's drought.
Stress from the drought has caused some leaves to turn early instead of having the bulk of them change near the same time.
Even so, there's still pockets of brilliant colors for all to see, but with a weekend cool down on the way, you better make your plans soon before they disappear for the season.
Leaf peeping this year was awesome! Make sure to tune in next week to find out where our next adventures will take us.
