COLORADO: Sections of the 22-mile
Guanella Pass Scenic Byway are unpaved (check conditions), but the aspens will make you happy to be driving slowly.
From Grant to Georgetown. IDAHO: The 69-mile
Teton Scenic Byway is a drive of subtle yellows--here cottonwoods and there aspens. What's not subtle: the view of the Tetons.
From Swan Valley to Ashton; MONTANA: On the
Seeley-Swan Scenic Drive, you'll spy the bright yellow fall needles of the larch, a deciduous conifer.
Start 1-hour northeast of Missoula on State 83; Seeley Lake to Swan Lake in the Lolo National Forest NEVADA: On the 5-mile (one way)
Marlette Lake Trail, you'll emerge from the aspens to see them reflected on the lake.
East of Lake Tahoe; access at Spooner Lake, 1 hour south of Reno OREGON: You want bold russets and reds? Try a hike in
William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge's Upland Forest for oaks and maples.
Near Corvallis, off Finley Refuge Road UTAH: In
Fishlake National Forest, Pando, the largest aspen clone in the world, creates a gigantic blanket of shimmering color.
3 1/2 hours south of Salt Lake City; 435/896-1070. WASHINGTON: On
Skyline Trail, in Mount Rainier National Park, don't just look up--focus downward to see the deep reds of vine maples and huckleberry bushes.
About 2 1/2 hours south of Seattle WYOMING: You'll pass logging, but don't fear:
Aspen Alley leads through a stand so dense, it's like swimming in a sea of gold.
2 hours west of Laramie; Medicine Bow National Forest