It's been many years since I visited Steamboat Springs and I'd love to return. I'd like to visit during a time frame in the early fall when the foliage change is in peak evidence and hot air balloon rides are still available. Can anyone with direct, first hand knowledge and experience (...as opposed to speculative anecdotes or mere guesses...) provide any insight into the approximate annual "window" when combining these two objectives would be a certainty --- or at least highly likely?
Thanks in advance from a Yankee "flatlander".
Any prediction of when the "peak" Aspen viewing season will be involves speculation. It varies based conditions and an early fall storm can knock down the leaves faster than they turn gold.
Nevertheless my speculation is that the most likely time woud be mid to late September.
I've never done the balloon ride thing, but a quick check on a Steamboat Springs web site, (see
http://www.steamboat.com/plan-vacation/activities/details/index.aspx?id=34) which took less time to find than typing this response did, found at least one company offering them now, during the winter. That makes me speculate that they are available year round.
You're welcome, from a Colorado "semi-native" who's lived here many years and has had many direct experiences viewing Apsens.