Just days before colors changed...

Staunton Park is one of my favorite Colorado state parks. It is also becoming increasingly popular, so get there as early as possible if you want to hike there. And the easiest hike is just over 2 miles to Davis Ponds.

 

Staunton Park is at its most beautiful in mid-October when the leaves change from green to bright yellow (click here to see how it looks like - Short hike in Staunton Park... Fall colors!).

But at the very beginning of October 2023, the leaves changed, but not so much. But it was still a very good hike...

It was a really nice and warm day... The sun was shining really bright and that made a big difference... We just wandered along the trail and enjoyed the weather... the blue sky... the still green and already yellow leaves too...

Before leaving, we turned back to have one last look at the rocky cliffs. That was our way of saying goodbye, I guess.

By the way, we often think of grass as green. But in fall the colors are more complex and equally beautiful, don't you agree?

You know, this day was somehow magical, unlike other times when we hiked in the park. Maybe because of the sun... but it reminded me of a fairy tale... So let me end this story with some magical image that reflects my perception of this day :)

By the way, time matters... The first time we were there at the exact right time and everything was colorful and bright... And just a week later, everything looked completely different - click here to see it - Staunton Park hike... yes, again ;) 

And spring is different in the park... just take a look - Staunton Park or Lazy Chipmunk Saga ;) 

The pictures were taken on October 01, 2023.