This year, get a birds eye view of the changing leaves from Vail's Eagle Bahn Gondola [2]. For the next two weekends, the gondola will take leaf peepers to the top of Vail Mountain on a 12-minute ride to Adventure Ridge [3] (where you'll find an array of fun things to do). From the lift, you can see Mount of the Holy Cross, the Gore Range [4], and of course, those magnificent fall colors. 

Plan your trip around one of these events to maximize the fun:

Oktoberfest [5] (Sept. 14 to 16): There'll be yodeling, alpenhorn blowing, keg bowling, and traditional Bavarian revelry this weekend. Time to break out the Swiss Miss outfit. 

The America Cup International Fly Fishing Tournament [6] (Sept. 20 to 23): Get tips from some of the best fly fishermen in the world, see the pros in action, and support Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing [7], an organization that uses the sport as physical and emotional rehabilitation for disabled veterans. 

Vail Restaurant Month [8] (Sept. 17 to Oct. 15): This year's event has four themed weeks: Market to Table, Wellness & Outdoors, Little Foodies in the Kitchen, and LoveFest.  Many of Vail's restaurants, lodges, and shopping spots are participating, so check out the calendar [9]and plan ahead.

Tip: Staying overnight? Check out Vail Cascade Resort [10].  To celebrate the hotel's 3oth birthday, you'll get 30 percent off rates and a $30 resort credit this fall. Rates start at $129. 

—Image courtesy of MindspeakPR [11]