New to NPN / Hot Spots Near Fort Collins

I will be visiting Ft Collins Colorado at the end of the month and will have several days to create photo's. Anyone have suggestions for where to visit this time of year? I am new to NPN but really have enjoyed reading all the tips and advice from such a great group of people.

Thanks in advance for your time -- Robbie

Rocky Mtn. Natl. Park is an obvious choice (less than an hour), but you could also head up Poudre Canyon to Cameron Pass and vicinity (90 minutes). there's also Pawnee Buttes NE of town (60-90 minutes). Feel like hiking? Horsetooth Rock and Grey Rock are great local destinations. You could even head up to the Snowy Range in Wyoming, about two hours away, maybe less.

You are here the very best time of the year. get to the mountains and shoot as fast and as much as you can. Check out the Red Feathers Lakes area. Pretty nice scenery up that way as a flickr search will show you http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=red%20feather%20lakes&w=all As Todd said, RMNP, without question, but if you go, go early and I mean VERY early. The park gets packed with "Texans" (as we call them) and by getting there at dawn you beat the crowds. Check out the lower St Vrain along hwy 7 too, pretty great spots and epic Aspen stands along the river, also the Wild Basin area of RMNP (aka no crowds) is there and has some of the best Fall color around

I think Todd nailed it as usual. Up Poudre Canyon would make a good first day adventure, might even catch quite a bit of color!

Thanks to everyone for the advice and insight....

RK