Catch the autumn colours in Colorado

The changing of the seasons is often an exciting time to be in the great outdoors, with dramatic transformations taking place.

The blossoming of trees in the spring and colour changes of autumn are some of the most popular times to experience this on holiday.

One of the best destinations to experience the changing season this autumn is the USA, with many states featuring vast expanses of forests and trees that turn beautiful shades of orange and reddish-brown.

Colorado is no exception, and the state is known for its thousands of aspen trees.

A fly-drive holiday is a fun and flexible way of getting to see the trees at their autumnal best, and there are a number of road trip routes dependent on what part of the state you are visiting.

In the South Central region, close to Denver, the Cottonwood Pass offers the chance to see some tall Colorado peaks and large concentrations of aspen-filled valleys.

The pass goes between Mount Princeton and Mount Yale, which both reach up over 4,000 metres, with the pattern of autumnal changes varying from year to year. Frosts can turn the colouring of the trees on the slopes all at the same time, but at other times shadier areas will change first, with the trees that see the sun staying green.

Going by train is a way of getting another view of the changing tones of the aspens. One option is to start your break at the state capital, Denver, which is home to the striking Denver Art Museum, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, as well as several other highly-rated modern cultural attractions

From here you can take the Amtrak service from Denver to Grand Junction, a Colorado hiking hotspot, particularly around the sandstone rock formations that make up the Colorado National Monument.

Special autumn activity holiday packages are also available, such as hot air balloon rides, four-wheel drive tours and visits to the state's hot springs and caves.

The Chipeta Sun Lodge in Ridgway has a romantic package available with a hot air balloon ride, spa treatment and luxury rooms with hot tubs, which starts from $950 (around £475) per couple.

More adventurous ways of seeing the autumn foliage can be had at the Mountainside Inn, Telluride, with an all-terrain vehicle.

Their package is available from September 18th to mid-October and includes a half-day 4X4 tour and two nights' accommodation. Prices start from $294 (around £147) per person.

There is also a chance to experience the caves, trams and hot springs at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park with a package break, available until November. Prices start from $297 (around £148) per person, including two nights' accommodation.

For more information on visiting Colorado see www.colorado.com