Omayra Acevedo, Nederland.   Soon Autumn will be upon us and to me it always feels a bit bitter-sweet. Autumn brings before us another reminder that the only constant in life is change. It’s a reason to enjoy what we have while we still have it. I will miss the amazing Colorado Summer season, but I love submerging myself in the brief Colorful Colorado Autumn Season. I have found myself struggling with life lately and the mere thought of seeing so many colors on my hike home – well – it excites me to the point that it fills me with hope.

Just yesterday as I hiked my five miles home from work, I noticed that some of the aspen leaves were already changing.

I thought about how I could find my way to some of my favorite Colorado scenic Autumn drives and favorite places to visit during the peak Autumn season. Out of breath, I smiled as I reminisced over the places I have already been. These are just ones I have visited and can confidently tell you about. Please allow me to share my top three with you.

First on my list is Maroon Bells. There’s a reason these are the most photographed peaks in North America. As you stand before them looking upon their majesty and all the colors surrounding them, you feel as if you are somewhere that is not found on Earth. They seem unreal and like a painting even Bob Ross could not duplicate. It tends to be a very popular destination, so get there early for the best lighting and to get the most out of the encounters nature has to offer. I would suggest you head out early to Aspen, spend the night, and then in the morning head up 10 miles West of Aspen to Maroon Bells. It is a sight that will not disappoint.

Second on my list is the Peak to Peak highway, which you can catch coming from Black Hawk, Boulder Canyon, Coal Creek Canyon or Nederland. It’s a stretch of highway with scenic overlooks as often as one can breathe. Every curve, every couple hundred feet of gained elevation will take your breath away. There are plenty of places to safely pull off and enjoy the beauty of our magical state. The Peak to Peak Highway can even take you all the way to the charming towns of Estes Park or Lyons.

Third, and last on my list, is pretty much anywhere in the entire state.

Guanella Pass, Trail Ridge Road, Golden Gate Canyon State Park. What I love most about my home is that there is never a dull sight. No matter the season, beauty never ceases to exist in Colorado. Those who call it home should consider themselves some of the luckiest people on Earth. This of course, is simply in my humble opinion. I’ve lived in several other states and even lived in Europe for a couple of years. I beg of you, this Autumn, please get out. Soak in the overwhelming elegance of where you live. Take it from me when I tell you, there is no place like home.