‘Mine’ Autumn in these Top West Spots

You can “mine” your autumnal treasure in these former gold mining destinations, brimming over in mountain-high natural beauty and recreation. Just remember to pack a warm jacket and don’t forget your camera!

Lake Arrowhead Gold

You may not know that Southern California’s largest gold mining boom was located close by in Holcomb Valley, about an hour from Lake Arrowhead in the San Bernardino Mountains. When gold was discovered in the valley in 1860, it spurred a huge rush of prospectors; today, weekend prospectors still turn out hoping to discover undiscovered treasure. You may not be in search of that kind of gold, but Lake Arrowhead has its own “gold rush” during the fall when Southern Californians who long for fall foliage and pine-scented autumn air head to the tranquil lake resort.  It is as easy as snaking upward along the Rim of the World Highway to watch the fall glory unfold with every turn.  The liquid ambers, oaks and maple trees gradually display their brilliant colors, all set against an alpine backdrop of dark-green, towering pines.

Take some time to wander the shops and restaurants in Lake Arrowhead Village,  then take a tour of the lake itself on the Arrowhead Queen. Board and buy tickets right on the waterfront in the Village for the one-hour, narrated tour. The old-fashioned paddlewheel-looking vessel glides slowly around the 14-mile shoreline, granting unobstructed views of the estates that grace the private lakefront. The impressive homes, some with heated driveways that melt winter snows and many with gondolas that carry homeowners up and down to their boat docks, also have (or have had) some illustrious celebrity owners. On October weekends throughout October, freshen up your Chicken Dance and beer drinking skills for the annual Oktoberfest held in the Village. (Photo courtesy Darren Edwards)

Mining Treasures in Julian

A memorable fall day or weekend in Julian, high in the mountains above San Diego, beckons with the scent of apple pies baking and cozy fires warming inns and bistros.  Here, bathed in the orange- and yellow-splashed leaves of fall, you will find a sparkling nugget of early California history Gold Rush days. The quaint, historic city that was founded on gold-dust fever now offers a bounty of mouth-watering apple pies at every turn, along with crisp autumn days. A designated historic district, Julian’s late-1800’s downtown is filled with antique shops, arts and crafts boutiques and home-style cafes. (Julian photos courtesy sandiego.org)

One of many apple pie eateries, Moms Pies, has been selling prepared-from-scratch apple pies for nearly three decades in its downtown location. It is not uncommon to see lines forming outside the door to purchase one of the pie shop’s flaky delicacies. Plan a narrated historic carriage ride tour through the downtown, wrapped in cozy blankets then reserve your spot to stare at the heavens at night.

Gold was discovered in Julian on Washington’s birthday in 1870, and it’s easy to imagine life as it might have been, especially once you have toured one of the area’s original mines. The Eagle Mine & High Peak Gold Mine, about six blocks off Main Street, still offers underground tours into its hard-rock tunnel.  Don’t miss a chance to climb through the caverns, up a small ladder and back out for stories, history and perhaps a few “ghostly” encounters. The two mines were joined in time and became the site of the most notable disaster in the history of local mining in 1906, making it a frequent stop for paranormal curiosity.

Free Fall in Telluride

Nestled in southwestern Colorado’s dramatic San Juan Mountains, Telluride, Colorado is known for its world-class alpine skiing, awe-inspiring landscapes and a vibrant festival season. The former mining town lies in a box canyon, surrounded on all three sides by towering mountain peaks, providing an endless outdoor playground of skiing, hiking, mountain biking and trail running. Get double the mountain pleasure, by taking a free, scenic gondola to neighboring Mountain Village, which stands as the only transportation system of its kind in North America. The 13-minute ride with 360-views of the San Juan Mountains is referred to by locals as “the best commute in the country.” (Photo courtesy Visit Telluride)

Telluride’s “Gold Season” is in full gear right now when the Rocky Mountains roll out a vibrant display of shimmering yellow, orange and gold aspen leaves, creating an unforgettable sensory barrage of scenic beauty.