Fall Colors in Rocky Mountain National Park 2024

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Grand Lake, Colorado

Bob Denaro

Located in northern Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is among the top five most visited national parks in the United States. With the Continental Divide running through the center of the park and the Colorado River traversing the park's northwestern corner, Rocky Mountain National Park boasts various climates and landscapes: mountains, alpine meadows and lakes, forests, and tundra. During the last two weeks of September, the park looks the best as its landscapes get completely transformed with golden tones.

When is the peak of fall colors in Rocky Mountain National Park

The best time to see fall colors in both eastern and western parts of the park is from late September to the beginning of October. The fall foliage season usually peaks between September 18 and September 28. However, every year, the color change can occur slightly differently, depending on the weather.

Estes Park and Eastern Rocky Mountain NP

Estes Park serves as a base for the Rocky Mountain National Park in Northern Colorado. The peak of fall foliage here, late September to early October, coincides with the breeding season of large elk. Dusk and dawn are the best times to hear elk bugling. Overall, fall is a great occasion for wildlife and nature viewing hikes in the park.

Bear Lake Road and Moraine Park Discovery Center

Take a scenic fall drive or bike ride on 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 hiking routes and campgrounds, picnic areas, and the Moraine Park Discovery Center. Most popular fall-time trails include: Alberta Falls, Bear Lake, and Wild Basin.

Twin Sisters

Twin Sisters is another perfect hike, which passes through a thick aspen forest aflame with scenic fall foliage. The Twin Sisters/Lily Lake Trailhead is located just outside of Estes Park. The hike features a series of scenic switchbacks, a forest, and finally, a perfect summit view at the end.

Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley is one of the spots to enjoy fall colors, where you can also catch glimpses of elk and aspen. Astonishing views await your cameras to capture the best shots.

Glacier Gorge Trail

Hiking along the Glacier Creek Trail to Alberta Falls will bring you to the scenic fall panoramas. The trail features alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and granite cliffs.

Storm Pass

Although Storm Pass is considered a rather difficult route, it is worth hiking in the fall to enjoy nature's vibrant colors. The mountain scenery and forested areas will lead you to Sprague Lake, which will be one of the final points of the route.

Western Rocky Mountain NP

The west side of the park is a great fall destination. It's usually less crowded, and the colors are even more spectacular than on the east side! Take the Trail Ridge Road from Grand Lake to Timber Lake Trailhead, and you won't be disappointed by the amazing fall foliage views. Make sure to stop at Fairview Curve Outlook to enjoy a stunning panorama of the Kawuneeche Valley and the Never Summer Range.

Scenic Drives

One of the best ways to take in the scenes of fall colors in Rocky Mountain National Park is while driving. The park is traversed by Old Fall River Road and Trail Ridge Road. Both roads close for the winter season approximately in mid-October.

Trail Ridge Road is one of the most scenic leaf-peeping routes in the park. The road is a 48 mi (77 km) stretch of US Highway 34 from Estes 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. Elk, bighorn sheep, bears, and moose are often spotted along the road.

Old Fall River Road is a dirt road that starts at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. It winds through the park up to the Alpine Visitor Center. Lush aspen groves, rugged mountains, and scenic waterfalls along the route make this road a must-see in the fall.

Rocky Mountain National Park events to visit during fall foliage

Autumn Gold Festival (September 21-22, 2024)

In addition to scenic drives and hikes among the glorious aspen groves, the town of Estes Park invites everyone to the annual Autumn Gold Festival, held over a weekend in late September. Come to Downtown Estes Park-Bond Park and enjoy the change of seasons with street foods, live bands, and a classic car show. The admission is free.

Rails in the Rockies (September 21-22, 2024)

Rails in the Rockies, Colorado's Premier Model Train Show, is an annual event in Estes Park that features working exhibits of all gauges, from the tiny "z" gauge to the toy train "G" gauge, along with British and German railroads. Family-friendly activities include the Estes Club “Kids Layout,” which allows children to run trains, push buttons, and enjoy Thomas the Train. The Seek and Search game, LEGO Layout for kids of all ages, and the Youth in Model Railroading layouts share the love of the hobby and showcase developing skills. Adult tickets cost $10, and children 12 and under have a free admission.

Elk Fest (September 28-29, 2024)

Estes Park also hosts a family-friendly festival in Bond Park with vendors, live music, food trucks, bugling contests, performances, and much more to enjoy. It coincides with the famous elk rut, or mating season for elk. Visitors can often see wild elk in town and at the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park.

Pumpkins And Pilsners Festival (early October, 2024)

A free Pumpkins And Pilsners Festival is an event packed with activities for all ages. Adult guests can pick pumpkins, listen to live music and enjoy craft beer, while little ones can spend their time in the bounce house.

Rocky Mountain Craft Spirits Festival (November 2, 2024)

The Rocky Mountain Craft Spirits Festival welcomes guests with live music, bar games, talks featuring industry experts, a whiskey seminar, and craft spirit tasting. Tickets cost $40. Admission includes a souvenir tasting glass.

Once you are done with Rocky Mountain National Park, there're plenty of other scenic fall destinations in the state of Colorado that are worth checking out.