Where To See Fall Colors In Colorado

Nicole Hunter Travel Updated on 10/2/2025 at 1:43 pm

Best Places To See Fall Colors In Colorado — Best places to see fall colors in Colorado.

When you think of Colorado, you imagine mountains, cliffs, and snow-capped peaks. But in the fall, those same mountains come alive in a blaze of yellow, orange, and red leaves. The star of this fall show is the aspen. Unlike the maples of the eastern United States, which offer a wide palette of shades, the aspen usually flashes a pure, shimmering gold, creating a surreal contrast with the deep green of the evergreen spruces and the blue sky.

Every year, thousands of travelers head to Colorado in the fall to witness this magical color change. But there are nuances: at altitude, the colors change earlier than in the valleys; weather and drought can push the peak a bit; and some routes are overcrowded.

I’ll share the best routes in Colorado, planning tips, discount tools, and tricks to make your trip not only beautiful but also economical.

Colorado’s Golden Trails – Where to Look for Fall Colors

To truly experience fall in Colorado, you need to take a road trip along one of the state’s scenic byways. These aren’t just any roads; they’re officially designated “Scenic and Historic Byways” for unforgettable experiences. So, here are some of the routes I suggest:

Maroon Bells and the Aspen Area

It’s impossible to talk about fall in Colorado without mentioning the Maroon Bells. These two perfectly formed peaks (14,156 and 14,014 feet, respectively) tower over Maroon Lake. They’re located about 12 miles southwest of Aspen and are arguably the most photographed mountains in North America.

In the fall, the aspen groves that frame the lake turn a brilliant gold. The area around Maroon Lake is at an elevation of about 9,580 feet (2,920 m), making it one of the first places to see the peak colors in late September. Access is severely limited during peak season and requires advance reservations for a bus or parking space.

King of Aspen Groves: Kebler Pass

If the Maroon Bells are the icon, Kebler Pass is the kingdom of aspen. This nearly 30-mile stretch of road (County Road 12) connecting Crested Butte to CO Highway 133 is known for having the largest grove of aspen trees in the state.

Kebler Pass reaches an elevation of 10,007 feet (3,050 m) and winds through dense stands of trees that form golden tunnels. This elevation ensures peak color from about September 20 to early October. Although the road is dirt, it is generally passable by most vehicles in dry weather.

Historic Grandeur: San Juan Skyway

In southern Colorado, the San Juan Skyway is a grand loop trail that is 236 miles long. This trip takes in Telluride, Ouray, Silverton, and Durango.

The best fall views here are found along the Million Dollar Highway (US 550) and the Dallas Divide. The elevation of Lizard Head Pass is 10,222 feet (3,116 m). These southern areas typically peak a week or two later than the northern areas, making them ideal for late September to early October travel.

Closer to Denver: Guanella Pass and Kenosha Pass

For those arriving in Denver (the state capital is located at an elevation of 5,280 feet/1,609 meters) and looking for a quick fall experience, the perfect options are less than 60 miles away.

The Guanella Pass Scenic Byway is just an hour away and climbs to an elevation of 11,670 feet (3,557 meters). This route offers high-altitude aspen groves that are among the first to change color (mid-September). Nearby is Kenosha Pass on US 285, at an elevation of nearly 10,000 feet (3,048 meters), popular for its easy access to the Colorado Trail.

Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP)

Rocky Mountain National Park is located about 65 miles northwest of Denver. Of particular note here is Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America, reaching 12,183 feet (3,713 m).

At this elevation, the aspens are changing color quickly (mid-September), but the park also has moose that are active in valleys such as Moraine Park (elevation about 8,100 feet), where the peak comes a little later.

Fall Foliage Near Aspen: Your Guide to the Best Views — Fall in Colorado is more than just a time of year, it’s a grand natural spectacle

Additional Colorado Pearls

Grand Mesa Scenic Byway: A Journey Across Colorado’s Flat-Topped Wonder

The Grand Mesa Scenic Byway stretches 63 miles from Interstate 70, about 45 miles east of Grand Junction, along Highway 65 to Cedaredge. Crossing the world’s largest mesa, this route showcases breathtaking fall scenery — golden aspens, glowing cottonwoods, and fiery scrub oak surrounding crystal-clear, aspen-ringed lakes.

Unlike narrow mountain passes, Grand Mesa offers wide, open groves and sweeping views, making it perfect for leisurely drives, photography, or quiet autumn picnics.

Peak to Peak Scenic Byway: Colorado’s Oldest and Most Breathtaking Mountain Drive

Running along Colorado Highway 7 from Estes Park to Central City and Black Hawk, the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is one of the state’s most iconic autumn routes. As Colorado’s oldest designated scenic byway, it winds along the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, treating travelers to sweeping ridge-top views, vibrant aspen forests, and striking contrasts of evergreen and gold.

This historic route blends natural beauty with rich heritage, guiding visitors past mining towns, alpine meadows, and dramatic overlooks. With its panoramic mountain vistas and brilliant fall foliage, the Peak to Peak drive is a must for anyone seeking Colorado’s classic autumn experience.

Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway: Colorado’s Hidden Gem for Fall Color Lovers

For those seeking a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway offers one of northwest Colorado’s most stunning autumn drives. Stretching 82 miles between Meeker and Yampa, this route combines paved and gravel sections, leading travelers through peaceful forests, alpine meadows, and sweeping valleys filled with brilliant aspen groves.

Far from the crowds of more popular destinations, the Flat Tops Trail rewards visitors with unspoiled wilderness views and a true sense of solitude. In fall, the rolling hills come alive with golden hues, reflecting beautifully in high-country lakes and streams. Whether you’re driving, hiking, or simply stopping for photos, this scenic byway promises a serene and unforgettable glimpse of Colorado’s autumn magic.

La Veta Pass: A Golden Gateway Through Southern Colorado’s Mountains

The La Veta Pass drive, stretching 50 miles along U.S. Highway 160 from Walsenburg to Fort Garland, offers one of southern Colorado’s most spectacular autumn routes. As you ascend into the mountains, brilliant golden aspens blend seamlessly with the deep evergreens of pine forests, creating a dramatic contrast of color and texture.

Along the way, travelers are treated to breathtaking views of the Spanish Peaks and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which rise majestically above the San Luis Valley. This route combines vibrant fall scenery with panoramic mountain vistas, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a scenic, soul-soothing autumn drive.

How to Plan Your Route and Not Miss the Rush Hour

The most important aspect of a fall trip to Colorado is timing. Since the golden peak only lasts about 7-10 days at any given location, a mistake in choosing a date can cost you the spectacle.

The rule of thumb for fall timing: Colors start high and move down, north to south. Color change is directly related to elevation and temperature.

Stage I: High Mountains (above 9,500 feet / 2,900 m): Expect peak color from about September 10 to 25. This includes the highest points of passes like Guanella Pass and Maroon Bells.
Stage II: Mid-Elevations (8,000–9,500 ft / 2,400–2,900 m): Peak shifts from about September 25 to October 5. This includes most areas around Aspen, Telluride, and Crested Butte.
Stage III: Foothills and Valleys (6,000–8,000 ft / 1,800–2,400 m): Spectacle shifts from about October 5 to 20 to lower areas, such as canyons near Denver and Boulder.
Optimal Window: If you can only plan for one week, aim for the third or fourth week of September. This period usually offers the best compromise, when the high mountain passes are still golden and the mid-elevations have already burst into flames.
Forecasting Tools: Don’t rely solely on general dates. Use up-to-date online Fall Foliage Maps and Forecasts, which update in real time and show peak areas to within 50-100 miles.
Reservations: Due to high demand, parking or bus reservations (especially at Maroon Bells) often open 2-3 months in advance and sell out quickly. Check RMNP and Maroon Bells reservation deadlines in advance.

Logistics and Smart Planning

Crowds and Parking: Fall in Colorado is peak “leaf tourism.” Get to popular spots (Kenosha, Guanella, Maroon Bells) by 8:00 a.m. Otherwise, you could spend up to 2 hours in line or looking for a parking spot.
Acclimatization: Many key aspen areas are located at significant elevations (over 10,000 feet). Be aware that symptoms of mountain sickness can appear as early as 8,000 feet. Plan the first 24 hours of travel at lower elevations, drinking 3-4 liters of water per day.
Creating a Logistic Loop: Plan a route that follows the peak of the colors: start in the northern and higher points (like RMNP), then head south or to lower passes (like San Juan Skyway) to maximize your chances of success over the course of a 10-day trip.
Gas Costs: Colorado is a state of long distances. The San Juan Skyway, for example, is 236 miles long. Allow extra for gas and check the condition of dirt roads (like Kebler Pass) before you head out.

Pro Tip

Spare days. It’s always better to have spare days: if the weather doesn’t allow it on one of the days, you can switch to another route or location.
Early departure and late arrival. Morning and evening light are the best for photo shoots. And you’ll also avoid traffic on popular roads.
Route flexibility. If you see that the leaves have already fallen on a certain pass or the weather doesn’t allow it, change direction.
Road preparation: spare luggage, offline map (GPS sometimes fails in wild places), enough fuel (especially in mountainous areas), comfortable shoes, clothing.

Saving with Expedia and Groupon – Financial Lifehacks

Fall travel to Colorado, especially during peak season, can be expensive. The average hotel price in mountain towns can increase by 10-30% in September. Using travel platforms can help reduce these costs significantly.

Expedia: Packages and Bonuses Strategy

Bundling: Expedia is your best tool for saving on major expenses. The site offers booking packages (“Flight + Hotel” or “Flight + Hotel + Car Rental”) that can save you an average of $600 compared to booking each element separately. These savings will cover a large portion of your car rental.
OneKey Loyalty Program: Be sure to sign up for OneKey’s free loyalty program. You earn 2 points for every $1 spent on a booking. These points can be used for discounts on future trips.
Member Prices: OneKey members receive “Member Prices” that offer 10-25% or more off select hotels. With this discount, you can afford to stay closer to the foliage viewing spots, saving time on your daily commute.

Groupon: Experience Discounts and Local Coupons

Activities and Tours: Groupon is great for saving on local experiences. Check out the “Local Activities” or “Groupon Getaways” section. You’ll often find 30-60% off Denver bike rentals, historic train tickets, or city tours.
Car Rental Coupons: Groupon also offers coupons for car rentals from major companies. Considering you may need an SUV for the dirt road of Kebler Pass, saving 15-20% on a rental can be significant.
Hotel Deals: Groupon Getaways offers hotel packages that can sometimes be cheaper than on the big aggregators. In some cases, travelers have reported saving up to $60 for two nights by booking through Groupon.

Advice: Off-peak times. For example, off-peak weekends (weekdays) often have lower accommodation prices and less crowded routes.

Gifts of autumn against the backdrop of nature.

Summary: Autumn Trip + Efficiency

Autumn in Colorado is a unique chance to see nature in its brightest colors: golden slopes, red bushes, contrast with mountain peaks.

To get the most pleasure:

combine several routes: do not limit yourself to just one road.
plan with a margin and be ready to adjust the route depending on the weather and the condition of the leaves.
use Groupon, booking services, coupons and promotions to reduce the cost of accommodation, excursions or transport.
always have alternative routes in reserve, if one pass is “already passed”, move on to the next.
early departure and evening hours are the keys to the best light and less traffic.

Have your camera, camera or smartphone ready – because the moment passes quickly.