Beginning in September, Colorado’s grand evergreen landscape is painted in swaths of gold with accents of fiery red and burnt orange. Driving its scenic byways and highways, before the snow lays down the blanket of winter, is thrilling and exciting. Here are a few suggestions for comfortable and affordable short trips. (Mileage is approximate.)

Stay in one of Denver’s historic neighborhoods, go out to see the city sights and shop unique downtown stores, antique shops and major mega malls, including Cherry Creek, Flatirons Crossing and Colorado Mills. Then drive south between the mountains and plains where the antelope play to visit Colorado Springs (70 miles), neighbor to Pikes Peak and home of the Air Force Academy, the Olympic Training Center and Ice Skating Academy, and geologic wonders. Proceed to historic Pueblo, (42 miles) home of the Colorado State Fair and the Historic Arkansas River Walk, and then on to Royal Gorge (21 miles) for panoramic vistas and the world’s highest suspension bridge.

If you arrive at Denver International Airport, drive 40 minutes west to the foot of the spectacular Flatirons where Boulder boasts shopping along its historic Pearl Street Mall and myriad opportunities for rock climbing, hiking and bicycling. Proceed north viewing the mountains and plains of northern Colorado where vast farmland embraces charming towns, Loveland (33 miles) or Fort Collins (45 miles), dedicated to the arts, education and the sciences. Just west is the Estes Park (31 miles) entrance to the stunning grandeur of Rocky Mountain National Park where you can travel Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved through road in the nation, until snow closes the highway for the season.

Start in Durango, accessible by air via Delta, United Express, America West Express and Air Midwest. Head north for the awesome scenery -- soaring peaks, streams and valleys -- in southwestern Colorado seen from the antique car of a steam train, or by auto over the thrilling San Juan Skyway to Silverton (48 miles). Continue on and enjoy the spectacular 14,000 foot peaks to Ouray (23 miles), popularly known as Little Switzerland. Proceed then to Telluride (38 miles), a delightful small town nestled in a box canyon laced by a towering waterfall.

Or head east from Durango to South Fork (102 miles) to explore the Silver Thread Country Scenic and Historic Byway. The 75 mile route offers scenic beauty and historic mining camps.

There are a number of choices in the Colorado central high country from which to launch your exploration:

Start in Aspen (accessible via United, Delta and US Airways), in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains and experience the dichotomies of the new West. Mingle with cowboys, celebrities, musicians, miners, and ranchers. See the beauties of the Western Slope driving west to Paonia (89 miles) through spectacular canyons and into the verdant farm land, orchards and vineyards surrounding this pretty town on the North Fork of the Gunnison River.

Or begin in Vail, where the near by Eagle County airport is seasonally served by US Airways, United Express, American, United, Continental and Delta. America’s largest ski resort morphs into spectacular summer and Fall seasons with chair lift rides, hiking, golf and tennis.

Or stay in Minturn, just 7 miles from Vail at the confluence of Gore Creek and the Eagle River. Founded in the late 1800s by silver mining interests, Minturn retains the small town distinctive character and architecture of old West Colorado.

Continue on up and over Tennessee Pass to the legendary frontier mining town of Leadville (30 miles), North America’s highest incorporated city at 10,430 feet. Fortunes were made from the rich mineral deposits of the area, and legends were built from the colorful people who made Leadville such as Horace and Baby Doe at the Matchless mine. More than 8 million dollars worth of gold was extracted from the area in the 1860s and 70s, only to be exceeded by becoming one of the richest and most famous silver districts the world has ever seen. Leadville produced seven hundred million dollars of the precious metal.

Lying in the heart of Summit County are the towns of Breckenridge and Frisco, connected by the artery of the Blue River and numerous bike paths. Easily accessible by a spectacular drive from Denver (72 miles) through the Eisenhower tunnel, these beautiful towns offer all the experiences of high country Colorado together with all the amenities.