Telluride’s “Stick Season,” Otherwise Known as the Time Between Fall and Winter, Is Often the Best Time to Visit
The Travel recently named Telluride as one of seven prettiest towns to visit during stick season.
Stick season is a colloquial term, primarily used in New England and other parts of the northeastern U.S. Stick season in Telluride describes the period in late fall after most of the leaves have fallen from the trees but before the snow arrives. During this time, the landscape takes on a stark, bare appearance. Tree branches are exposed against the sky, resembling “sticks,” hence the name.
Stick Season Is Often Seen as a Transitional Time of Year
This season typically occurs in November and early December, right after the vibrant colors of autumn have faded. Then winter snow brings a different kind of beauty to the landscape. It’s often seen as a transitional, somewhat melancholic time of year. Nature feels quiet and subdued, waiting for winter to arrive.
Why Telluride’s Stick Season Appeals On All Levels
Visiting Telluride during Stick Season is a magical experience. It combines breathtaking natural beauty, smaller crowds, and a host of unique seasonal activities. Here’s why it’s an ideal destination in autumn:
- Quieter, Relaxed Atmosphere: Fall is the shoulder season in Telluride, meaning fewer tourists compared to the busy summer and winter months. This offers a more peaceful experience of the town and surrounding nature. You can also expect shorter wait times at popular restaurants and less crowded trails.
- Ideal Weather for Outdoor Adventures: Temperatures in Telluride during the fall are typically cool and crisp, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and fishing. The clear skies and cool air make for comfortable exploration. Not only that, but he scenery is even more breathtaking against the backdrop of fall colors followed by bare branches.
- Unique Fall Events: Telluride hosts some fantastic festivals and events in the fall, like the Telluride Horror Show, one of the best horror film festivals in the country. Another is the Telluride Autumn Classic, featuring cars, motorcycles, and airplanes in a unique mountain setting.
- Wildlife Spotting: Fall is a prime time to see wildlife in Telluride as animals prepare for winter. You might spot elk, mule deer, and even black bears on trails or from scenic viewpoints, adding a thrilling element to outdoor excursions.
- Cozy Dining Experiences: The restaurants in Telluride, like The National and The Grand, take on a cozy, inviting feel in fall. Many chefs offer seasonal dishes featuring ingredients like squash, pumpkin, and mushrooms, celebrating autumn flavors in a mountain setting.
The Term Was More Recently Popularized In a Song By Noah Kahan
Recently, the term has gained more attention thanks to the popularity of a song and album by singer-songwriter Noah Kahan titled Stick Season. Kahan’s album reflects on themes of change, nostalgia, and the sometimes lonely but beautiful aspects of this in-between time.