What makes fall one of the best seasons for exploration? In addition to breathtaking foliage, less crowds, and idyllic temperatures, there’s also a lot to do. So, you can delight in emptier roads, fewer tourists, and some of the most radical seasonal scenery.
If you’re planning a road trip this fall, there are a few adventures you can’t overlook this time of year.
Desert Trekking
Hiking, biking, rock-climbing, horseback riding – these are just a few of the activities you can do in the desert. Problem is, it’s often too hot in the summer to do these things. And too rigidly freezing in the winter as well.
Fall offers milder desert temperatures that make all of these activities far more accessible. This is the time to do things like camp in Death Valley or make your way across Utah’s National Parks. Sights like Delicate Arch are easier to reach with moderate temperatures.
Furthermore, once school is back in session, all these places are far less packed than in the summer and spring seasons. So, if you want to enjoy some solitude in nature, autumn is your season.
Best of all, however, is the way vibrant fall foliage aligns so perfectly with the bright and warm colors of the desert landscape. The shades of bright yellow, orange, and red can further saturate the surrounding red rock for a landscape that almost appears to be aflame.
Dirt-Biking & Off-Roading
Exceptional views and still-dry roads make fall a great season for off-roading. Veer off the beaten path this season with your campervan and see all the sights otherwise hidden from the main highway.
Previously, this time of year used to be known as Red Sticker Season in California, so you can bust out your dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs, and other off-highway recreational vehicles for free roaming. While most seasonal restrictions have now been lifted, it still stands that this is the best season for your off-road recreational vehicles.
Due to the autumn climate, and the even mixture of precipitation and dryness, the dirt firms up more, creating more grip for your tires.
After a long day of exploring, you can charge up your bike’s battery by plugging it directly into the exterior outlet of your Grit Overland van, and let our unstoppable GO FARTHER™ power system juice it back up. The outdoor shower hose also makes it easy to rinse off so you don’t track mud or dirt back into the van.
Taking in the Colors
Who says you need to leave the van at all? You can simply stay in and watch the fantastic colors whizz by you on the road. This practice of fall foliage sightseeing is also known as “leaf-peeping” and involves seeking out various destinations where the colors are particularly vibrant, and heading that way to photograph or simply take them in.
While the most renown spots for fall colors are New England states like Vermont, the American West offers a treasured trove of its own spots, including:
- Columbia River Gorge – Oregon/Washington border
- The Enchanted Circle – Taos, New Mexico
- Maroon Bells – Aspen, CO
- Teton Scenic Byway – Idaho/Wyoming border
- Lake Tahoe – California/Nevada border
- Big Sur & the Pacific Coast Highway – California
No matter where you go this fall, don’t forget to take in your surroundings. The unique way the landscape around us transitions is half the wonder of the season. The other half is how you choose to make the most of it.
