Fall Colors in Colorado Springs 2025
Southern Colorado is a fall foliage heaven
Best time: late September–early October
Located at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs offers an abundance of scenic trails, thanks to the mountainous Pikes Peak Region and the iconic Garden of the Gods Park, which features 300 towering sandstone rock formations. Fall is one of the best seasons to visit the area, as the vibrant colors from oaks, cottonwoods, and especially quaking aspens create a stunning landscape.
Best time to see fall colors in Colorado Springs
In Colorado Springs, fall arrives early due to its high elevation of 6,035 feet (1,840 meters). The foliage begins to change colors in mid-September, starting in the mountains and gradually spreading to lower elevations. The peak period for fall colors typically spans from the last week of September through the first week of October. By mid-October, the vibrant autumn hues have moved to lower areas, while trees at higher elevations have already shed their leaves.
Best places to see fall foliage near Colorado Springs
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is a hiker's paradise, boasting over 20 miles (32 km) of trails, many of which are paved. Lush aspen groves are particularly impressive in North Cheyenne Canyon, where multiple trails allow visitors to appreciate the quintessential Rocky Mountains fall landscapes. The Visitor Center parking lot has fewer than 200 spaces and can easily reach capacity during peak hours in the summer and holidays. To alleviate congestion, a shuttle bus runs between the Overflow Lot, Visitor Center, and the park. The park is open daily from 5 am to 10 pm.
Activities in the Park
For those who prefer not to walk, Garden of the Gods offers various guided tour options. One can explore the park's leaf foliage on a guided Segway tour or choose the nostalgic 1909 Trolley Tours, which feature custom open-air trolleys for a 35-45 minute ride priced at $21 per person. The 50/50 Hike & Ride tour combines a guided hike and a ride in an AOW safari vehicle with a local naturalist, costing $70 per guest and lasting approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Jeep Tours, ranging from $60 to $154, vary in duration from 90 minutes to 4 hours. These tours run hourly from 9 am to 5 pm, offering flexible options for all visitors to enjoy the stunning fall colors of Garden of the Gods.
Pike National Forest
A warm fall day is perfect for a scenic hike through the dense forest. Just west of Colorado Springs lies the 1,729 square mile (4,478 sq km) Pike National Forest. This forest is not only an easy drive from Colorado Springs but also offers many activities, such as hiking, fishing, camping, boating, and cross-country skiing. Some of the most popular attractions in Pike National Forest include Pikes Peak Mountain, Gold Camp Road, Rampart Range Road, Devil's Head Lookout, Manitou Park, and Eleven Mile Canyon. The forest is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Activities in the Forest
Top things to do in Pike National Forest include climbing to Devil's Head Lookout, a 2.8-mile out-and-back trail leading to a U.S. Forest Service fire lookout tower. This hike features beautiful pines and aspens and offers a 360-degree view of the layered mountains in Pike National Forest. Another popular activity is fly fishing at Eleven Mile Canyon, where the roaring stream is home to rainbows, cuttbows, and brown trout, making it a perfect fly-fishing spot. Hiking to the top of Pikes Peak Mountain, camping at one of the many campgrounds, and spending the day at Manitou Park (with a $10 per vehicle day fee) are also excellent ways to explore and enjoy the forest.
Mueller State Park
Another renowned leaf-peeping destination is Mueller State Park, which spans around 5,000 acres (2,023 ha). This park invites visitors to explore its natural and historical resources via over 50 miles of trails, ranging from short, leisurely walks to challenging, full-day hikes. Families can enjoy several short trails, including the Dragonfly Children's Nature Trail. A Daily Vehicle Pass costs $10, while an Aspen Leaf Annual Pass for Colorado residents aged 64 and older is $70. Camping fees range from $18 to $36 per day. For fall photography, the scenic 5-mile (8 km) Cheesman Ranch Trail, winding through forests of aspens and evergreens, offers a picturesque experience.
Quail Lake Park
Quail Lake is the easiest way to get to nature while you are in the city. Located in the southern part of Colorado Springs, Quail Lake Park is a great place for kayaking or biking. The mountain vistas from the east side of the lake complement water reflections, which are especially scenic when framed with golden leaves. The park also offers a variety of amenities, including a basketball court, non-motorized boating, picnicking areas, a playground, a large group shelter, and sledding. Visitors can enjoy the Quail Lake Fitness Trail, which is one mile in length and suitable for hiking, biking, jogging, and fitness activities. Additionally, there are two sand volleyball courts and opportunities for fishing.
Scenic Drives
Highway 67 is celebrated as one of Colorado's most picturesque routes, particularly stunning during the autumn months. Spanning 71 miles (114 km), it winds through the eastern section of Pike National Forest. Along the way, travelers encounter Woodland Park, fondly dubbed "The City Above the Clouds," a historic mining town in Cripple Creek, and the charming mountain town of Divide. The route offers sweeping vistas of the forested landscapes and is a favorite for those seeking scenic drives amid fall foliage.
For a complete experience of the crisp fall mountain air, embark on the 19-mile (30 km) journey along Pikes Peak Highway, a paved road leading to the summit of Pikes Peak, famously known as America's Mountain. This scenic route is dotted with numerous overlooks where you can pause to admire breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. It's an ideal way to immerse yourself in the beauty of Colorado's high mountain vistas during the autumn season.
Both Gold Camp Road and Rampart Range Road offer spectacular scenic drives with stunning vistas of Pikes Peak, distinctive rock formations, and towering pine forests. Rampart Range Road spans 60 miles of gravel road, stretching from Garden of the Gods to Colorado 67, between Sedalia and Deckers. On the other hand, Gold Camp Road links southwest Colorado Springs to Victor in Teller County, providing another picturesque route through the region's rugged landscapes and historic mining areas.
Practical info
When is the best time to see fall colors in Colorado Springs, CO?
The fall foliage season in Colorado Springs is between mid-September and mid-October due to the city's high elevation. The changing of colors starts at higher altitudes and typically peaks between the last week of September and the first week of October. However, visitors can still witness vibrant colors in lower altitudes by mid-October.
Where are the best places to see fall foliage near Colorado Springs?
Tourists visiting the Colorado Springs area during the fall can find spectacular autumn colors at various locations. For example, Garden of the Gods park is ideal for hikers, and Segway tours are available for those who want a guided experience. Other alternatives include North Cheyenne Canyon, Pike National Forest, Mueller State Park, and Quail Lake, known for their scenic trails, biking, and water activities.
What are some scenic drives in Colorado Springs during fall?
Fall drives are an ideal way to experience the beautiful autumnal color display around Colorado Springs. Two scenic routes that provide stunning views of the region's Fall foliage are Highway 67, which runs through Pike National Forest, Woodland Park, Divide, and Cripple Creek, offering many overlooks. The other route is Pikes Peak Highway, which features a 19-mile stretch of paved road to reach America's Mountain. Gold Camp Road is also popular among drivers but requires a 4WD to access.
When do the trees start changing colors in Colorado Springs?
As a consequence of its high elevation, trees begin transitioning colors in Colorado Springs as early as mid-September, beginning at higher elevations and gradually working lower. The leaves typically start changing colors at their peak during late September and early October. By mid-October, the leaves on higher elevations will have already fallen, whereas trees in lower altitudes will still be sporting gorgeous colors.
What is the elevation of Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs, CO's altitude is 6,035 ft (1840 m), causing the change in foliage to begin as early as mid-September. Higher elevations start changing color first, reaching their peak during late September and early October, while lower altitudes still have vibrant colors as the month proceeds. Therefore, the best time frame to visit Colorado Springs and observe the vibrant fall foliage is from late September to early October.
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