The Grand Canyon, Arizona
Visiting this sweeping Arizona natural wonder is always a memorable lifetime experience for visitors. Grand Canyon National Park is especially impressive at the magical moments of the year when the many colors of the million-year-old canyon cliffs are enhanced by the trees' changing autumn leaves.
Because of its scenic location on the Grand Canyon's South Rim, Bright Angel Lodge and Cabins are an excellent choice for overnight and longer stays. The views are spectacular, and services include a rustic restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and other facilities.
Central Park, New York
This serene patch of green in the middle of the biggest city in America can be an astonishingly natural retreat in autumn. Once away from the canyons of steel and concrete, visitors can bask among the leaves in all the vibrant natural colors of the season.
A great variety of trees display their seasonal hues, including brilliant yellows of the elms and the deep scarlet of the oaks and tupelos. Central Park has many picnic areas, as well as hiking and biking trails, offering hours of autumn pleasure.
According to the official website, the best time to experience autumn leaves in New York is usually the last week of October and the first week of November. We like their free West Side Stories tours, which cover the Park's western borders, which are usually not visited by tourists. The tour meets inside the Park at West 81st Street and Central Park West.
The Colorado Rockies
When autumn arrives in early September, the Rockies emulate the state's name by turning their leaves into brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red. Mountainsides covered with bright yellow-leaved Quaking Aspen trees are worth the mile-high journey to see them.
The mile-and-a-half-high town of Aspen in early autumn is not yet busy with winter skiers, and visitors can enjoy quiet, leisurely hiking and biking among the beautiful surrounding forests of the unique trees. When the cool breezes set the leaves to quaking, it's almost possible to hear former Aspen resident John Denver singing about a Rocky Mountain high.
I love the Ritz-Carlton in nearby Beaver Creek. This ultra-luxurious lodge features every amenity available and rates from $199 in low (non-snow) season. In high season, rates are still reasonable, from $389 per night for a deluxe room, with two, three-day lift tickets for Beaver Creek and Vail Mountain included.
Follow travel writer Ted Sherman on Twitter @travel4seniors and check out his blog, travel4seniors.com
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