Squaw Pass Fall Colors in Denver 2025

A scenic drive through the Mount Evans Wilderness

Best time: mid-September

Squaw Pass is a high mountain road located in Clear Creek County, within less than a one-hour drive from Denver. The pass, which boasts an elevation of 9,790 ft (2.984 m), is surrounded by the picturesque Arapaho National Forest. The 30-mi (45-km) road starts in Evergreen and ends in Idaho Springs. It's also known as Mestaa’Ėhehe Pass. This name commemorates Owl Woman, a translator of the Cheyenne tribe.

Best time to see fall colors at Squaw Pass

Beautiful fall foliage can be viewed at Squaw Pass from mid-September to late September. The road, which is also marked as CO 103 highway, can be used year-round. However, the nearby scenic Mount Evans Byway closes in October. Squaw Pass road is paved and is very steep, having an 8% gradient at some points.

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland

The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland is 1.5 million acres (6 milons ha) across five districts. The Arapaho National Recreation Area covers 35,000 acres (54,632 ha), offering world-class recreation opportunities and containing five major reservoirs: Shadow Mountain Reservoir, Lake Granby, Monarch Lake, Willow Creek Reservoir and Meadow Creek Reservoir, where you can relish the magnetic fall colors. The Arapaho National Recreation Area also provides oppertinity for fishing, hiking, picniking, and wetar activities to diversify times pend there.

Echo Lake

Hiking is the best way to experience fall colors at Squaw Pass and Mount Evans Wilderness. You can stop by the scenic Echo Lake to enjoy some spectacular views. Echo Lake Campground closes in early September, but West Chicago Creek Campground and some dispersed camping sites north of Echo Lake stay open until the end of September.

Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway or Mount Evans Byway

Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway (formerly Mount Evans) is the highest paved road in North America. A trip to the summit of Mount Blue Sky takes you on an adventure winding through nearly 9,000 feet (2,743 m) of elevation gain. Starting from the high plains of Denver, the journey ascends through five distinct climate zones, culminating at the 14,264-foot (4,347-meters) peak. Mount Blue Sky is one of Colorado's renowned "fourteeners," among the 54 peaks in the state that rise to 14,000 (4,267 m) feet and above.