The beginning of September in the Colorado mountains brings a refreshing shift in the air, as the heat of summer eases into the first hints of autumn. Mornings and evenings grow crisp, while golden light stretches across the peaks, hinting at the seasonal changes ahead. Wildflowers still linger in the high alpine meadows, but lower down the valleys, the first aspens begin to show a touch of yellow, signaling fall’s approach. Trails and towns are alive with a mix of late-summer visitors and locals savoring the quieter days before the bustle of leaf-peeping season begins. It’s a time of balance—between summer’s lingering warmth and autumn’s cool promise.