The signs of summer are slowly fading. The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting colder and the trees are flourishing into brilliantly bright colors. It's the perfect time to take a scenic drive.

The striking colors don't last very long, maybe two weeks.

The golden leaves that are on many Colorado Springs trees are like tiny little hands. Hands that have to let go and scatter in the wind.

"Oh, it's pretty," said Barbara Sherwood who is visiting from out of town.

But it's while they're hanging on tight when they reveal their most breathtaking shades.

"It's beautiful, just beautiful. I love it," said Melva Owens who is also visiting from out of town.

"I'm enjoying the colors so far. I see a lot of gold and some red is starting," said Jeff Fargo who is a Colorado Springs resident.

Late September and early October is when trees shine the most and they stand out clustered around others. "The contrast between the Pine and the yellow Aspen is really neat," said Owens.

And here's a little science lesson. Experts say it's the Chlorophyll inside the leaf that gives it its green shade. Once winter hits the Chlorophyll recedes, the yellow pops out, then the leaf weakens and dies.

"It's just kind of exciting to see what nature can do," said Fargo.

As for the marvelous reds. There's Glucose in those leaves and it's less sunlight and cooler temperatures that turns that Glucose bright red.

"This country is beautiful probably any time of year, but this time of year it's really gorgeous here," said James Puckett who is visiting from out of town.

And anyone who enjoys taking photos will tell you. The early morning hours and dusk is the best time for snap shots. "I got three cameras with me," said Puckett.

For the best scenic drives in Colorado, log onto the address below.

http://www.trails.com/toptrails.aspx?area=11365