Aspen is basking in autumn splendor and the promise of a second weekend of prime leaf peeping.By most accounts, the showy fall foliage was a bit late in coming this year, but worth the wait. At present, the aspens on Aspen Mountain are close to hitting their peak, and Smuggler Mountain bordering town is a breathtaking mix of green and golden aspens mixed with the russet and orange of the oak brush dotting the hillsides. Red Mountain, on the town’s north side, is crowned in gold, but with plenty of still-green trees spilling down its sides. Buttermilk is close to peaking now, but West Buttermilk was lagging behind on Monday.

Photos: Leadville/Twin Lakes … Divide/Cripple Creek … Florissant

Many trees, still green last week, seemed to turn gold almost overnight.“On Thursday, it wasn’t really started and on Sunday, it was full on,” said Stephen Ellsperman, Aspen’s parks and open space director.The peak weekend for fall colors may prove to be last weekend — and the coming one, as well.

Other great places to check out the aspens“That’s always the million-dollar question — when it’s going to peak,” Ellsperman said. “I think we’re running late this year.”

Fall colors are blazing this week at Mueller State Park and throughout Colorado. There probably isn’t a bad choice among the many hikes, bike rides and drives this weekend. Photo by

Photo by JANET URQUHART, THE ASPEN TIMES