Autumn has always been my favorite time of year, at least in terms of aesthetics. Sure, I love the freedom and heat of summer, but if I could reschedule “summer” break in Flagstaff, it would go from about mid-June until late October, with perhaps a quick return-to-work month during monsoon season.
I feel really lucky to be able to live in a “desert” (esp. one in the middle of mountains and pines) and yet still get fall colors. Aspen turn such a bright shade of yellow and sometimes orange, and sometimes you can find scrub oak that add nice dashes of red. Plus, our town is filled with transplanted Japanese maples and other non-native trees that bring even more variety to our autumn palette.
But Wyoming.
Pretty much when we entered into the state, we got a clear sense that we (meaning Bob) had picked the right time of year to go.
Wyoming’s got its share of yellow and orange aspen.
Oxbow Bend in Grand Teton had an AMAZING batch of trees in all different shades and when the sun hit it, it just lit right up.
In addition to yellows and oranges, there was also this amazing red and pink undergrowth.
Put ’em all together, and here’s what you get.
My favorite was this rainbow patch in Cascade Canyon.
though this spot in Paintbrush Canyon was right up there, too.
Just wait until you see the combination of foliage + mountains . . . ah, but that’s another post.
all other priorities rescinded 
Such stunning pictures, Chloe.
Thank you!
Missing Autumn down here in Southern-Middle-of-the-Dusty-Desert AZ, so these were very welcome shots.
Haha. You must have some autumn down there though, no?
Eh. I only see the colors when I venture up into the mountains. Not too many dead leaves around in the city. When my 2nd grade class does leaf rubbings, we needed to use stencils to duplicate the rare thing that is a leaf.
Oh no! Next time I will send you leaves!