On the ground they become food for mice, squirrels, and other rodents who remain active in winter. Plants and animals spend much of the autumn preparing for winter. Rocks, of course, do not. There they sit, appearing the same season after season. Winter brings powerful forces of change, though.
Water seeps into cracks where it freezes and expands.
Pieces small and large break away. The relentless forces of erosion alter the shapes of the mountains themselves. Fall colors have given way to another landscape. Treat yourself to exploring this one, also.