Nothing is prettier this time of year in Colorado than a stand of Aspen trees turning yellow all at once, like an entire matchbook on fire.

Yes, but: You can find red in the hills, too.

What to know: Gambel oaks — better known as scrub oaks for their busy, low-to-the-ground stature — come alive this time of year and make fields of red if you know where to look.

• Famous Colorado photographer John Fielder once called them "otherworldly."

If you go: Hit the road to these places where you can delight in more than just yellow leaf-peeping.

⛰ Head to the Spanish Peaks region in southeastern Colorado. Just off Interstate 25, take U.S. 160 between Walsenburg and La Veta Pass for a dazzling show of red and orange Gambel oaks.

• Connect with the Highway of Legends and pass through Trinidad for a meal.

🍁 Castlewood Canyon State Park is another hot spot to see the oaks in their fall best.

• Located about an hour south of Denver, just outside Franktown, the 2,628-acre park offers plenty of hiking and picnic spots.

🌲 In Colorado Springs, visit Cheyenne Mountain State Park where prairie grasses give way to Gambel oaks and finally to pine trees at the upper reaches. All three fill out the color palette for a beautiful hike on the park's 29 miles of trails.

🍂 Littleton's Roxborough State Park rock formations are the typical draw, but its meadows and oaks add their own flare this time of year.

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If you can't snag a table at the newly Michelin-starred Alma Fonda Fina in Denver's LoHi neighborhood, head to Boulder for the next best thing.

The big picture: Owner and chef Johnny Curiel has taken his upscale Mexican dining game to new heights (literally), expanding to Boulder with his latest venture — Cozobi Fonda Fina — which opened its doors on Walnut Street in July.

• The restaurant is named after Cozobi, the Zapotec god of corn — a fitting tribute for a menu that honors ancient masa-making traditions.

The vibe: While Alma Fonda Fina leans into contemporary Mexican dishes with experimental flair, Cozobi takes a classical approach that celebrates centuries-old techniques.

• Boulder's version is also more laid-back but still embraces that cozy, earthy charm shared by its Denver sibling.

Zoom in: The two restaurants share a few fan favorites, like the irresistible camote asado — an agave-roasted sweet potato served atop a pillowy bed of fennel-flavored, ricotta-like cheese.

• Another standout feature on both menus is the taco mole verde filled with tender pork carnitas that melt in your mouth.

If you go: Cozobi Fonda Fina is dishing out delights at 909 Walnut St. in Boulder.

The bottom line: It's well worth the trip.

Forward to your dinner date

How you fill your tailgate cooler speaks volumes, so why not represent the home state with local brews?

The intrigue: Colorado craft beer is more available and affordable than ever, it just takes a little guidance to know where to start.

Dig in: We went to the neighborhood grocery and liquor store to find the best beers for tailgating — the ones that aren't too boozy, over-the-top or filling — that you can grab and go.

• Here are our recommendations:

For Bud Light devotees: Dale's American Light Lager

• Upgrade: 4 Noses Perfect Drift Pilsner

The dad beer: Breckenridge Avalanche Amber Ale

For IPA fans: New Belgium Voodoo Ranger, Station 26 Juicy Banger or Odell IPA

For a lighter Blue Moon-type beer: Great Divide Colette Farmhouse Ale or Avery White Rascal

To satisfy a beer snob: WeldWerks Juicy Bits or New Image Coriolis Effect

For the Modelo fan: Cerveceria Colorado Venga Mexican Lager

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