Aspen/Vail during October?

I have heard that Aspen and Vail can be beautiful in September & October. Cool weather would be fine for hiking. We aren't really looking for snow.

Any input about weather during that time? leaves changing colors?

bdurstta said:

I have heard that Aspen and Vail can be beautiful in September & October. Cool weather would be fine for hiking. We aren't really looking for snow.

Any input about weather during that time? leaves changing colors?

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The Rockies are beautiful at that time of year with the Aspens changing colors. Weather, as at any time in the Mountains, can be almost anything but generally speaking, Sept and Oct are very nice but be aware of rain or even an early snow.

Cheers

You may not be looking for snow, but it may find you. We were in Breckenridge around the 10th of October one year, and we got over 15" of snow that weekend. September is a bit safer, but a snowstorm by the 15th of September is certainly not unheard of.

Kurt

bdurstta said:

Any input about weather during that time? leaves changing colors?

Click to expand...

September 20-30 is peak time for the changing of the aspen in the high country. Color change for the trees and willows in the valleys is good for the following 2-3 weeks.

Hiking weather is the best of the year through about the end of October, because the chance of afternoon thunderstorms is lower than during the summer. If a cold front does move through, there will be at least 2 or 3 bluebird sky - Chamber of Commerce days following it.

We were in Breckenridge the third week of September and the aspens were in full color. We also got snow but it quickly melted.

We were in Aspen the second week of September in 2015. The leaves had not turned; however, on the way to Aspen from Denver, we saw many beautiful vistas of turning leaves. DH is anxious to return and we are on a waiting list for September 2017 in Aspen.