As summer comes to a close, Breckenridge Colorado has a lot more to give than a countdown to the ski season. Although it's often joked that there are really only two seasons in Breckenridge-summer and winter-autumn does in fact take shape in Colorado mountain towns in many remarkable ways. Sure, the warm days of white water rafting, fly fishing, and basking in the sun may end, but that doesn't mean that outdoor adventures in Breckenridge stand still until the snow falls. While Colorado can never claim to be home to the gloriously renowned fall foliage that swells the canvas of New England and Midwestern autumns, there's certainly enough splendor to go around due to the wonderful aspen tree.

Although aspens are recognized as the most abundant tree across North America, they are most rampant in Utah and Colorado. Aspen trees call the Rocky Mountains home and fill towns like Breckenridge with striking, tall and slender, white-barked trees that almost reach to the sky. Underneath an aspen grove is a breathtaking experience, not only due to its exquisiteness but also the soft sound the wind makes as it tears through the leaves. Quaking aspens get their name from the flickering sound the tear-shaped leaves make as the wind blows through them. This majestic sound is best heard and experienced if you're standing right under an aspen grove so planning a mountain picnic under aspen cover is a brilliant fall experience. Aspen leaves glimmer bright green throughout the summer months but turns yellow in the early fall. While aspens are certainly a sight to behold in the summer, you'll have to hurry because the leaves are certain to fall fast and surely you won't want to miss their autumn transformation.

A simple drive along I-70 toward Breckenridge will provide a display of aspens. An early fall drive will grant you a royal view of the many aspens that fill the mountainsides and mark the end of summer in Colorado. To get a closer look, go on a hike on your favorite trail or take a mountain bike ride on a brand new trail. These activities will give you a precise look at the sight and sound of aspen groves in their prime. Since aspens like light and acidic soils that drain well, chasing the fall colors gives you a perfect excuse to get out to the mountains as you aren't likely to find many aspens in an urban setting.

Mid-September has customarily marked itself as the time of year when Colorado mountains turn gold. Then again, if you do not pay attention to your surroundings during the fall in Colorado, you just might miss the season. Snow storms are most likely guaranteed to hit before Halloween and the colder the weather gets, the sooner the aspens will lose their leaves. Furthermore, if the summer season has been particularly dry, fall leaves will unfortunately be wiped out fast. Aspen trees always make an appearance no matter what and since Colorado is so aspen-struck, local television stations provide constant updates on their status and on the best places to bask in their beauty. In addition, because the weather is still likely to be warm throughout September, mountain towns like Breckenridge normally host outdoor festivals or activities that give you even more reasons to go picnic on the hills.

There is absolutely no bad season to visit Breckenridge Colorado. Fall days are still plenty warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities and relish in the aspen glow. If you're worried about keeping yourself under control while waiting for the ski season, take a deep breath and welcome the golden fall showers of the mighty aspen trees with delight.