Drive with care Recreation Summer's farewell brings an array of changing colors. Leaves begin to turn from green to gold and reds in the high country as early as September. Waves of changing colors continue down the valley throughout the fall. Framed by a canvas of gold, visitors can drive, picnic, and hike through the AHRA from Leadville to Canon City. Various shades of autumn can be seen from the abundant Aspen, Cottonwood, and Oak brush that adorn the river corridor.
Days tend to be warm and sunny, and nights are brisk.
Occasional early season snows highlight an already brilliant backdrop for viewing fall colors in the upper Arkansas River Valley and Bighorn Sheep Canyon. First come-first serve through the winter. No motorized use allowed on the river.