Where to Fall Leaf Peep in Colorado
Spectacular Aspen Tree Leaf Peeping in Colorado
It’s leaf peeping time of year again. This means temperatures are starting to fall, and the aspen trees blanket the mountain slopes with rich, vivid gold with their changing leaves. Bringing meaning to the slogan “Colorful Colorado.” Each year brings different colors depending on the spring, summer, and fall weather conditions. The most vibrant fall colors require the right combination of moisture, drought, and cold weather change. Check out the map below for the best times for leaf peeping this year.
Click Map to access Interactive Aspect
When is the Best Time to See Fall Foliage in Colorado?
Generally, Colorado’s aspen trees hit their peak of color for about five weeks between mid-September and mid-October, depending on the year. Typically, a hot, dry summer combined with an early freeze means the aspens will likely turn and drop their leaves sooner rather than later. Even if you miss the peak of the colors, aspen trees will still be gorgeous for a while. It usually takes a few weeks for the leaves to blow off entirely.
Where is the Best Place to See the Aspens in Colorado?
There are aspen trees all over the Rocky Mountains, so there are plenty of places to get your fall fix. Some of Colorado’s most popular leaf-peeping spots include Kenosha Pass, Kebler Pass, and Independence Pass. If you want to get a head start on leaf peeping, head to Northern Colorado, where places like Steamboat Springs will be awash with color.
If you can bear to be patient (or if you’re looking for round 2!), check out the central mountains for some of the most vividly bright aspen trees you’ll find anywhere. Crested Butte is an excellent bet for fall foliage, as are the Maroon Bells, but these scratch the surface.
We can talk about the best leaf-peeping spots in the state all we want. The truth is if you get to one of them and it looks too crowded, keep driving for another ten minutes, and you’ll likely come across something equally as gorgeous, if not more so. Colorado is full of aspen groves, so you’d be hard-pressed not to find any this time of year, so the where of it all isn’t the most important thing. You’ll first need to decide how you want to see Colorado’s fall colors.
Leaf Peeping by Foot
When it comes to fall hiking, a few places are incredibly well-known for their abundance of aspen trees. The first is Kenosha Pass, 285 along the Colorado Trail. During the fall, you’ll find the parking lots full and cars parked up and down the side of the road. Everybody is looking to catch a glimpse of the yellow and orange groves of aspens. It’s a particularly great trail for families since you can see some fantastic foliage without a strenuous hike. More ambitious hikers will find that the overwhelming crowds usually thin out about a mile into the trail. If you plan on stopping at a popular spot like this, consider going on a weekday or off-peak hours.
Some other fabulous fall hikes in Colorado include the Sprague Lake Loop in Rocky Mountain National Park (only ½ mile), Flash of Gold in Steamboat Springs (11.5 miles one way), and the 401 Trail near Crested Butte (~12 miles). And, of course, one of the best places to hike for fall aspens is in and around Aspen. The Maroon Bells are a trendy (and beautiful) spot for fall hiking, but you’ll need a permit, so plan ahead!
Take a Leaf Peeping Scenic Drive
If hiking isn’t your jam, or if you’re looking for a more accessible way to enjoy the fall colors, you’re in luck. A scenic drive is beautiful during the fall when the mountains are bathed in warm golden hues. There are several drives in Colorado where you’ll find stunning golden aspens right out your windows. You will find plenty of pull-offs along these roads where you can stop to get out and gawk or take pictures.
The Million Dollar Highway is a spectacular scenic drive in the fall and shines like gold. Similar drives offering a great view include Independence Pass, Guanella Pass, and Kebler Pass. Still, you’ll find beautiful aspens all over the state if you keep your eyes peeled (as a passenger, of course! If you’re driving, we 100% recommend you keep those eyes on the road, please!)
Take a Leaf Peeping Jeep or Buggy Tour
Another fabulous way to get deep into the groves of Aspen and view spectacular vistas is via a jeep or buggy tour. These ATVs can travel on and through much more remote and less improved roads that provide access to stunning scenery. You can bring your own ATV, but hiring a professional to handle the wheel allows you to sit back and take in the surroundings.
Leaf Peep by Rail or Helitour
Try a Scenic train ride and pass through some of Colorado’s most gorgeous and remote parts. A Georgetown Loop Railroad ride shows Guanella Pass’s beauty just outside the open-air cars. Similarly, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad will take you through gorgeous Cascade Canyon on a scenic, unforgettable ride. But maybe a train ride isn’t enough? Perhaps you want to see those beautiful gold aspens from a bird’s eye view? Try a helicopter tour like Royal Gorge Helitours to see sweeping vistas from above. You could also take a hot air balloon ride for a more tranquil but equally thrilling experience.
Leaf Peeping by Scenic Gondola Ride
All of Colorado’s resort towns offer scenic gondola or chairlift rides, and many of them are free. These lift rides pass above and through the mountainscapes, which is another fantastic way to experience the color in a very immersive way. The lifts usually take you to a mid-mountain location with access to additional hiking trails and facilities like a restaurant. It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon with friends and family.
Leaf Peep via Horseback
Riding atop a horse through the gorgeous aspen groves is a memorable up-close and personal way to experience the colors and vistas. The combined experience of riding a horse and taking in the rich surroundings is a sensory experience that’s more than worth it. You will have to plan a little to reserve your horseback ride.
Colorado Leaf Peeping Etiquette
As always, when exploring nature in Colorado, make sure to leave no trace. Stay on the trail, even when that perfect selfie spot is not too far off. As tempting as it might be to take some leaves home for your scrapbook or crafting projects, leave nature where it is so everyone can enjoy the stunning beauty of Colorado in the fall.
By Emily Krempholtz
