A Rare Fall Show Along The Rio Grande

This fall, my walks along the Rio Grande River near Alamosa have offered a beautiful surprise: a real show of autumn color.

In the San Luis Valley, fall color can be fleeting. September temperatures often dip below freezing, leaving leaves brown and brittle before they have a chance to turn brilliant shades of gold. But this year, the trees have put on a different kind of show, with leaves reaching their peak color and painting the river corridor in warm autumn hues.

As I walk beside the river, I find myself slowing down to take it all in. The golden leaves, the crisp air, and the quiet flow of the Rio Grande are reminders that even in a place known for its early frosts, nature can still surprise us.

Sometimes, the most beautiful moments are the ones we don’t expect — and this fall, the Rio Grande has given us a reason to stop, look around, and appreciate the season while it lasts.