There’s more than just nature’s golden hues to entice us into the mountains this month—like the colorful blur of vintage cars whipping around aspen-lined corners during Central City’s Hot Rod Hill Climb (September 15 to 17). The race, which pays homage to a 1953 time trial on Guanella Pass that pitted drivers with modified American roadsters against those with flashier European sports cars, is one of three notable automobile shows and races in Colorado this month. Turns out our breathtaking fall views—and a booming economy—have made the Centennial State as much a fall hot spot for gas-pedal pushers as for leaf peepers. You’ll find both at the Telluride Festival of Cars & Colors on September 23 and 24. There, owners of vintage American and international automobiles get a chance to win $10,000 in gemstones and jewelry. (Attendees will vote for their favorite car in each of the two categories.) Even sleepy Snowmass is getting in on the action: During September 14’s Aspen Snowmass Vintage Car Race, drivers of custom ’60s and ’70s dragsters will gun their engines for 1.3 miles of Fast and Furious–style street racing.