Colorado Fall Colors 2024

Colorado is home to the largest number of aspen trees in the United States. If you want to give your eyes a treat, witness the blinding streaks of gold in Colorado mountains, when the aspens turn amber. Ash, elm, honeylocust, and cottonwood trees also contribute to Colorado's golden hues. While maples, which make up around 10 percent of trees state-wide, add a touch of red and orange.

Best time to see fall foliage in Colorado

Peak fall foliage usually arrives in Colorado between mid-September and mid-October, but this can vary, depending on the temperatures. You can experience up to five different climate zones within a 2-hour drive from Denver. This means that Denver and its surrounding areas have one of the most extended periods of autumn colors of any city in the United States.

North and north-central Colorado, including the Rocky Mountains and Estes National Parks, usually boast peak fall colors during the last two weeks of September. Colorado Springs area experiences peak fall foliage at the end of September. Pueblo and Alamosa areas in South Colorado can go leaf-peeping in the first two weeks of October.

Rocky Mountain National Park

The most popular hiking destination in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park, is located about 75 mi (120 km) northwest of Denver. During the third and fourth weeks of September, park views are completely transformed with golden tones. Old Fall River Road was the first scenic drive route through the Rocky Mountain National Park. A one-way dirt road goes through the park's high country for 11 miles (17 km), offering beautiful fall foliage vistas and wildlife sightings. Make sure to stop and snap a photo at the beautiful Chasm Falls. The ultimate scenic fall drive in the park is Bear Lake Road, which links Upper Beaver Meadows and Bear Lake. This 23-mi (36-km) road offers spectacular views as well as access to many hiking routes, campgrounds, picnic areas, and the Moraine Park Discovery Center. The area's most popular fall hiking trails include Alberta Falls, Bear Lake, and Wild Basin trail.

Where to stay You can camp for the night in Glacier Basin Campground or Sprague Lake Camp. Lodging is also available at Rocky Mountain Resort.

Estes Park and Grand Lake

Estes Park serves as a base for the Rocky Mountain National Park in Northern Colorado. Trail Ridge Road is one of the most scenic leaf-peeping routes in the park. The road is a stretch of U.S. Highway 34 that goes from Estes Park through Rocky Mountain National Park to Grand Lake. It is also called The Beaver Meadow National Scenic Byway. Trail Ridge Road boasts postcard views with colors ranging from green to yellow and bronze throughout September.

Another scenic fall drive is Peak to Peak Highway, which goes south to Mount Evans. And how about combining the beauty of fall leaves with the mating rituals of large elk in Estes Park? Dusk and dawn are the best times to hear elk bugling. This distinctive mating call is unmistakable and sounds like a bugle's blast!

Where to stay There are plenty of cabin rental options in Estes Park, like YMCA of the Rockies or Fall River Village Resort. Book in advance as the foliage season is very popular with hikers.

Guanella Pass

Guanella Pass is located just a one hour's drive from Denver. Along the way, the Aspen leaves turn into a wonderful yellow color, making this destination a top-notch fall foliage spot in Colorado. This pass climbs up to 11,670 feet (3,557 m), where Mount Bierstadt and Mount Evans are visible in the distance.

North of Guanella Pass, Georgetown Loop Railroad offers scenic train rides in mid-September. In 2024, Fall Colors Train will run on September 20-22.and September 27-29. Georgetown Loop Railroad and Mining Park is an authentic and historically immersive experience for the whole family.

Crested Butte

The towns of Crested Butte and Aspen are famous for their brilliant fall displays. These mountain ski resorts are surrounded by impressive hues of glaring yellows and golden bronze.

Take a scenic drive on Kebler Pass, a beautiful high-mountain road between Crested Butte and Paonia. The route goes west from Crested Butte to Highway 133, near the mining town of Somerset. The road is open for traffic from approximately mid-June to mid-October.

Going from Crested Butte to Aspen, make a stop by Crystal Mill, an idyllic spot made even more incredible when surrounded by golden aspens. The path to Crystal Mill goes along the sparkling Crystal River, through the mountains of the White River National Forest. Spend some time hiking the Crystal Mill Trail, an 8-mi (13-km) moderate trail that is only open from late May to late November.

Where to stay Crystal Mill has some cabin lodging available. Crested Butte and Aspen have many hotels ranging from luxurious to budget.

Telluride and San Juan Mountains

The stunning San Juan Mountains in Southwestern Colorado will satisfy any leaf-peeper with their beautiful vistas. Take a ride along the scenic San Juan Skyway, a gorgeous 236-mile (379-km) loop through Southwest Colorado. Last Dollar Road from Telluride to Ridgway is the number one scenic drive in October. Colors vary from red to golden yellow. Be sure to stop and take in the incredible views of the Sneffels Mountain Range and Wilson Peak.

Imogene Pass, a high mountain route between Ouray and Telluride, is known for its beautiful foliage. The second-highest drivable pass in Colorado is also a top destination for off-road driving enthusiasts. 4WD guided tours to Imogene Pass and Tomboy Basin combine a thrilling adventure with spectacular views above the treeline.

Where to stay Telluride has many bed and breakfasts as well as luxurious mountain resorts. There are also a few camping sites, such as the Telluride Town Park Campground and the Little Molas Lake Campground, where you can be sure to wake up to an incredible view!