Don't crash your car gazing at the breathtaking blanket of fall colors lining the Vail Valley.

The panorama is amazing, but not as magical as stepping or riding over the yellow leaves while the sun breaks through branches in a kaleidoscope of reds and oranges.

Here are some ideas for the best places to hike and bike for soaking up the beauty of autumn.

1. Take your bikes down the recreation path between Vail and East Vail. It's nothing but aspens the whole way. You'll never see so many bright shades of yellow.
2. Hike up Berry Picker on Vail Mountain. There's a blanket of leaves the whole way to the top of the gondola.
3. Take a drive through Minturn, up Battle Mountain, through Leadville, up and over Independence Pass. It just might be the most scenic ride of your life. The warm colors will be imprinted on the backs of your eyelids. Believe it.
4. Go hiking around or kayaking in Sylvan Lake outside of Eagle. You've got the changing aspens PLUS blue water surrounded by bright red bushes. It's surreal.
5. Hike or bike up Lake Creek Trail in Edwards. Take the Edwards exit off of Interstate 70, go left into Edwards, take a right on US Hwy 6, then a left onto Lake Creek. Veer right for about 3 miles until you see the trailhead.

The array of colors doesn't stick around for long, so get your cameras ready and enjoy it while it lasts.

Enjoy Kelly Liken's recipes for fall cocktails in the attached video. Perfect treats after a day exploring the Valley.