The Best Places to See Fall Leaves in Colorado
There’s something magical about autumn in Colorado. As the air turns crisp and the nights cool down, the mountains and valleys explode into brilliant shades of gold, orange, and red. Locals call it “leaf peeping season,” and for good reason—everywhere you look, the aspen trees shimmer with fiery color against a backdrop of evergreen forests and snow-dusted peaks.
Colorado is one of the best states in the country to see fall foliage, and the window of peak colors can be short. Typically, the best time is from mid-September through early October, though it depends on elevation and weather. Higher mountain passes usually change first, while lower valleys hold onto their colors a little longer. Whether you’re a lifelong Coloradan or visiting for the first time, these are the best places to see fall leaves changing color in Colorado.
Aspen and Maroon Bells
If you could pick just one iconic spot for Colorado fall foliage, it would have to be Maroon Bells near Aspen. The twin peaks are some of the most photographed mountains in North America, and when the aspen groves turn bright gold, the whole valley feels like a postcard. The reflections in Maroon Lake make the colors even more breathtaking.
Kebler Pass
Located between Crested Butte and Paonia, Kebler Pass is one of the best scenic drives for leaf peeping in Colorado. This area is home to one of the largest aspen groves in the world, and in the fall, it feels like driving through a tunnel of color.
Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park
For high elevation fall colors, Rocky Mountain National Park is unbeatable. Trail Ridge Road takes you up above 12,000 feet, offering sweeping views of golden valleys below.
San Juan Skyway and Million Dollar Highway
If you’re looking for the ultimate fall road trip, head to the San Juan Skyway in southwestern Colorado. This loop connects charming mountain towns like Ouray, Telluride, Silverton, and Durango. Along the way, the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton delivers jaw-dropping views around every curve.
Guanella Pass
Just an hour from Denver, Guanella Pass near Georgetown is a local favorite for fall colors. The road winds through aspen groves and alpine meadows, climbing up to over 11,000 feet.
Cottonwood Pass
Connecting Buena Vista and Crested Butte, Cottonwood Pass is another high-elevation stunner. The drive takes you through golden aspen groves, then up to a summit over 12,000 feet where you can see for miles.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
You don’t have to drive deep into the mountains to enjoy fall colors. Golden Gate Canyon State Park, just 45 minutes from Denver, offers miles of trails surrounded by glowing aspen groves.
Steamboat Springs
Steamboat is famous for its champagne powder in winter, but in fall, the town transforms into a leaf peeping paradise. The Yampa Valley and surrounding mountains are blanketed in color, and the drive up to Buffalo Pass is especially spectacular.
Flat Tops Scenic Byway
For a quieter, less-crowded leaf peeping trip, check out the Flat Tops Scenic Byway between Yampa and Meeker. This remote area features wide open spaces, rolling hills, and endless aspen groves.
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
As Colorado’s first designated scenic byway, the Peak to Peak Highway has been a fall favorite for decades. Stretching from Estes Park down through Nederland and Black Hawk, it’s lined with aspen groves and offers stunning views of the Continental Divide.
Tips for Seeing Colorado’s Fall Colors
· Timing is everything – Peak colors usually run mid-September through early October, but it depends on elevation.
· Go early or midweek – Popular spots like Maroon Bells and Guanella Pass get crowded. Sunrise is often the quietest (and most beautiful) time of day.
· Layer up – Mountain weather changes fast. Even if it’s warm in Denver, it could be 30 degrees colder at the top of a pass.
· Take your time – Half the fun is pulling over, walking through a grove, or just sitting quietly to soak it all in.
Unforgettable Fall Colors
There’s no wrong way to experience fall in Colorado. Whether you’re road tripping along the San Juan Skyway, hiking through Golden Gate Canyon, or simply sitting by a lake in Aspen, the colors have a way of making you pause and appreciate the moment.
Fall in Colorado doesn’t last long, but maybe that’s what makes it so special. Each year feels like a fresh reminder of how beautiful this state really is. So, grab your camera, gas up the car, and get out there before the leaves are gone for another year. This information is provided by Fireplace and Grill Experts in Denver, Colorado for entertainment purposes only. If it is gas related, we are your experience service team. With over 30 years’ experience in the Metro Denver and surrounding areas. Please contact us for all of your gas fireplace, gas grill, and gas line needs.