10 Must-See Places to See Fall Colors in Colorado

There is something pretty special about fall in Colorado.

The crisp mornings, blue skies, cooler temperatures and, of course, the mountains covered in brilliant shades of gold make this one of my favorite times of year to get out and explore.

If you’re looking for a scenic fall drive, a weekend getaway or simply an excuse to enjoy a beautiful Colorado day, you don’t have to go far to find incredible fall color.

Colorado’s fall foliage typically begins changing at higher elevations in September, while areas at lower elevations often see color later in September and into October. The exact timing can vary from year to year depending on elevation and weather.

Here are 10 places I’d put on your Colorado fall-color list.

1. Guanella Pass

Best for: A scenic mountain drive close to Denver

If you want spectacular fall scenery without committing to a long road trip, Guanella Pass is a great place to start.

The scenic byway runs between Georgetown and Grant and climbs through aspen and pine forests toward timberline. In the fall, the aspen groves turn brilliant shades of gold against the mountain scenery.

It’s particularly beautiful when the weather is crisp and clear, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery.

Tip: Peak leaf-peeping weekends can be busy, so consider going during the week if your schedule allows.

2. Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

Best for: An all-day fall adventure

The Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway is Colorado’s oldest scenic byway.

The route connects the Black Hawk/Central City area with Estes Park and offers views of the Continental Divide, Longs Peak and plenty of colorful mountain scenery along the way.

One of my favorite things about this drive is that you can make it an entire day. Stop for lunch, explore a mountain town, take a short hike or simply pull over at a safe designated area and enjoy the view.

3. Kenosha Pass

Best for: A classic Colorado aspen experience

Kenosha Pass, along U.S. 285 southwest of the Denver metro area, is another popular fall destination.

The combination of golden aspens, mountain views and an easy-to-access location makes this a favorite for people looking for beautiful fall scenery without traveling deep into the Colorado mountains.

It’s also a good reminder that you don’t necessarily need to plan a three-day trip to enjoy Colorado’s fall colors.

Sometimes a beautiful Saturday afternoon drive is all you need.

4. Rocky Mountain National Park and Trail Ridge Road

Best for: Mountain views, fall color and wildlife

Rocky Mountain National Park is spectacular in every season, but fall brings something extra.

Trail Ridge Road stretches between Estes Park and Grand Lake and provides dramatic mountain scenery, changing vegetation and opportunities to see wildlife.

Fall is also a great time to visit Estes Park because you’re combining fall foliage with the possibility of seeing elk during the autumn rut.

Important: Mountain weather can change quickly in the fall, so check current road and weather conditions before heading out.

5. Aspen and the Maroon Bells

Best for: The quintessential Colorado fall photograph

It’s hard to make a list of Colorado fall destinations without mentioning Aspen.

The Maroon Bells surrounded by golden aspens are one of those Colorado scenes that almost doesn’t look real.

The area around Maroon Lake is particularly famous for its views, with the colorful aspens creating a beautiful contrast against the distinctive Maroon Bells.

If you’re planning a trip here, be sure to check current access and reservation requirements before you go.

6. Kebler Pass and Crested Butte

Best for: Aspen trees as far as you can see

If your idea of fall foliage involves driving through what seems like an endless forest of golden aspens, put Kebler Pass on your list.

Located near Crested Butte and Gunnison, Kebler Pass is known for its enormous aspen groves. The route provides plenty of opportunities for photographs and scenic stops.

The surrounding Crested Butte area also makes a great fall getaway if you’d like to turn your foliage drive into an overnight or weekend trip.

7. Vail and the Vail Valley

Best for: Fall color with a mountain-town getaway

Vail is beautiful in every season, but fall gives the valley a completely different personality.

The combination of golden aspens, mountain peaks and the charming town makes it a great destination for a weekend away.

You can explore the area on foot, take a scenic drive or simply enjoy a meal while the leaves are changing.

And if you have time, consider extending your drive through nearby mountain communities for even more fall scenery.

8. Telluride and Dallas Divide

Best for: Big mountain scenery

If you’re willing to travel farther from Denver, the Telluride area is absolutely worth considering.

The Dallas Divide, near Ridgway, is particularly well known for spectacular views of Mount Sneffels surrounded by colorful aspen-covered hillsides.

The route continues toward Telluride and Lizard Head Pass, offering even more mountain and fall-color scenery.

Telluride itself is also a beautiful place to experience fall. The gondola connecting Telluride and Mountain Village offers a different perspective of the surrounding landscape.

9. The San Juan Skyway

Best for: A memorable Colorado road trip

If you want to turn your fall foliage adventure into a true road trip, consider the San Juan Skyway.

The scenic loop travels through some of southwestern Colorado’s most dramatic mountain scenery, including Ouray, Silverton, Telluride and Durango. The famous Million Dollar Highway is also part of the route.

This isn’t necessarily a one-day trip from Denver, but that’s part of the fun.

Plan a couple of nights, slow down and enjoy the mountain towns along the way.

10. Ouray

Best for: Fall color, mountain scenery and a relaxing getaway

Ouray is often called the “Switzerland of America,” and it’s easy to understand why once you see the town surrounded by the San Juan Mountains.

In the fall, the aspens, evergreens and surrounding mountains create an incredible backdrop around the town.

You can combine your fall-color viewing with hiking, sightseeing and a soak in the area’s famous hot springs.

After more than 29 years in Colorado real estate, I’m still amazed at how different the landscape can look from one season to the next.

So if you’ve been waiting for an excuse to get out and enjoy Colorado this fall, this is it.

Grab your jacket, fill up the car and go find some gold.

Looking for more ideas about Colorado communities, neighborhoods and what it’s like to live here? Visit my blog at www.suemonroe.com.

Sue Monroe
RE/MAX Leaders
Over 29 years of real estate experience