Fall in the Rockies

Having spent my college days in New England, I am well-versed in the vibrancy and fire of the fall. The high-country of Colorado provides something of a different palette, however. In many ways more muted, yes, but still quite stirring.

The aspens in autumn are most akin to the changing colors of an eastern fall. But not having to compete with other deciduous trees, their gold blazes flash across mountainsides with a bright and singular ferocity.

The changing colors of alpine flora are the most subtle. This area, above treeline, is so hardy and delicate that I'm always taken aback with the slight changes in color that take place at this time of year. It is as if the grasses and plants and shrubs would prefer to explode into the bright colors of their brethren aspen, were it not for having to focus on merely surviving.

So the earthen autumnal tones of Naomi Wolf reign supreme here. And while much less intense, they are as moving as the bright reds, oranges, and yellows of the northeast.