Fall can be the best of both seasons and seems to always deliver with spectacular scenery!
Photo: Hayley Haws

It’s officially November, which means for many in the outdoor community, it's that time of year when you pull out the winter gear and then wait-and pray-for snow to arrive. Known as the “shoulder-season”, the middle stage between fall and winter is seen by many as a wasteland where bare trees, muddy paths, and chilly temps make spending time out on trails a little less appealing. In some ways, I’d like to end this post here and wish everyone a cozy shoulder-season at home, but the reason behind that is not what you might think. That’s because to me, shoulder season is actually a peaceful time to explore nature and witness its’ amazing beauty without the crowds.

Closer to Nature

While mountain-town restaurants and stores might take time off during shoulder season, nature does not. In fact, shoulder season can provide some incredibly unique opportunities for wildlife spotting. For example, after roads have been salted for the first time, many animals will come down from their typical habitat to lick up minerals that they have been missing, giving drivers the chance to get a peek at animals that normally stay away. During this time of year wildlife is often on the move, traveling from their summer habitat to their winter range. In my area, this means the chance of seeing a visiting elk herd is likely as they appear from nearby hills and the mountain sheep venture lower on the mountains than they usually do. The opportunities will vary depending on location but overall, the chance to see something unique is always there.

Wildlife sightings in the fall are plentiful and fun to see for the whole family!
Photo: Hayley Haws

peace(ful) and quiet

Shoulder season is blissfully quiet. During the months of September and October, the mountain roads around me at times resembled a line at Chick-Fil-A with leaf-peeping, fall-break traveling, and getting in those last rides and hikes of the year. However, once all the beautiful colors fade and the temperatures drop a little more the crowds seem to disappear and drop off too. Now, instead of stressing about parking and fire-pit availability, I know I can head on an adventure whenever the timing is best for my family and likely - have the trails to ourselves.

Gloves or no gloves - the never-ending question!
Photo: Hayley Haws

winter practice

Every single winter, my kids repeat the claim that their hands don’t get cold and that gloves are unnecessary. I’ve found that my attempts at logic and reason just don’t work in trying to coerce them to wear gloves. Instead, I make sure to go out during shoulder season so that they can test their theory. Without the pressure of ski day expenses or a long adventure day, my kids can be reintroduced to the cold and be reminded of the power of good gear. Warm and wicking baselayers are key to keeping them toasty and dry and we are loving these from REI. Predictably, every year they quickly come around to the idea of wearing layers and gloves as they get a taste of winter weather again!

Check out our tips for Muddy Hiking here!

If none of the reasons above make you want to get out and do some exploring this shoulder season, it might mean it’s time to head south to the desert. Either way, you and your family’s adventures can keep going this shoulder season until the snow flies!