Fall is in the air! It’s crisper, cooler, and flannel-shirt-inducing. Not only do you “feel” fall, you can also see it in the changing leaf colors. This transition from green to yellow, orange, and red is incredible to witness, so make sure you take your friends or family on a fall foliage road trip this month. To help you plan your trip, your friends at Stepping Stone have curated a handy list of places to see Colorado’s fall colors.
Take note: Normally the peak viewing time for Colorado trees changing colors is mid-to-late September. However, this year it’s a bit earlier in certain destinations, thanks to the drought we had in Colorado this summer. So keep this in mind as you schedule your autumn color drive.
Maroon Bells
Southwest of Aspen, these peaks are an ideal spot to capture the many colors of fall, so bring your camera! If you want to make leaf-peeping an all-weekend adventure, you can reserve a campsite along Maroon Creek Road.
Buena Vista
Head down Cottonwood Pass Road, just west of Buena Vista, and watch as the massive Collegiate Peaks rise on all sides. Between Mt. Princeton and Mt. Yale, you’ll find one of Colorado’s most aspen-filled valleys. There’s nothing like the shimmering gold leaves of fall aspen groves.
Guanella Pass
This rambling route starts in the historic town of Georgetown and steers you through pockets of aspen. When you reach the town of Grant, turn on US 285 and head to Kenosha Pass, where the aspen trees truly thrive.
Trail Ridge Road
Cresting at 12,183 feet, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in North America, winding through Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s also an amazing vantage point for leaf watching and is a favorite spot for photographers.
Telluride
While many travelers flock to Telluride during ski season, it’s also a wonderful destination during the fall. The mountain view alone is jaw-dropping, so it only gets better when the leaves start to change. The best part – you can take a free gondola ride to view the amazing colors from up high.
Are you ready to hit the road for your autumn color fix? If you take pictures, make sure you share them with us – we love seeing the gorgeous color in the mountains. Happy leaf-peeping!
