DENVER (KDVR) — People across the country flock to Colorado in the fall season to take in the breathtaking scenery that comes with the changing leaves.
There are a few ways to do this, with leisurely drives and fall color hikes being two of the most popular.
With that in mind, there are a few do’s and don’ts that Coloradans and visitors alike should keep in mind before hitting the trails or getting behind the wheel to check out the fall foliage.
Do: Anticipate traffic
With so many people wanting to take in the sights in a limited timeframe, traffic is inevitable.
The Colorado Department of Transportation gave FOX31 a list of roads it expects to be particularly popular in 2024. The agency said a lot of high-elevation mountain passes, such as Kenosha Pass, will get a lot of traffic and people parking on the side of the road.
Don’t: Drive carelessly
Colorado State Patrol said its troopers investigated 21 deadly crashes in the high country in September and October 2023, with most of those being caused by careless driving behaviors.
The Park County Sheriff’s Office, which oversees popular routes like Guanella Pass and Kenosha Pass, said increased traffic in areas has caused some people to drive carelessly or impatiently, which can cause crashes.
The sheriff’s office said when crashes do happen, it can take much longer for first responders to get to the scene, due to the traffic conditions.
Do: Be aware of your surroundings
If you are driving, it is important to stay aware at all times and expect the unexpected, according to CDOT.
CDOT said drivers should keep on the lookout for several things including pedestrians and drivers pulling out into traffic.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife also encourages people to stay aware of their surroundings when on a hike, especially as it is common for people to cross paths with wildlife.
Don’t: Park in unsafe areas
CDOT said people should look for safe and designated areas to park and look around.
Officials also discourage people from pulling over on the side of the road. Many highways include small places along the road for people to park and get out, especially in places where people may like to take a photo or two.
Do: Stick to trails
While shortcuts may seem tempting, CPW said, it is important to stick to trails when hiking.
This can lessen the potential for injury and also protect animals and vegetation in the area.
Don’t: Approach wildlife
CPW heavily encourages people to only enjoy wildlife from a distance.
“The key is to respect the wildness of wildlife,” CPW said on its website. “Wildlife is just that – wild.”
CPW said anyone who comes into contact with an animal while outdoors should stay calm and, if possible, back away slowly while facing the animal.
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Do: Know current conditions
While snow and icy roads are not nearly as common in fall as they are in winter, there is always a chance of those things occurring.
CDOT will keep people updated on potentially unsafe road conditions and encourage people to use the CoTrip app or website when heading out.
Don’t: Leave any trace
CPW encourages people to leave wildlife exactly as they found it. This means only parking in designated areas and not leaving any trash behind on hiking trails.
According to CPW, parking in untouched wildlife can destroy vegetation, spark wildfires in dry grass and sometimes even block first responder vehicles in the case of an emergency.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
