Best Places to see Colorado Fall Colors

Fall is a beautiful time in Colorado. The air begins to cool, the summer smog dies down, Bronco’s football becomes top news, and of course the mountains start to pop with beautiful fall colors. It is a beautiful sight to see whole mountainsides light up a bright golden yellow as the aspen trees prepare for winter. While there is virtually no bad location to view the fall colors in the mountains, there are some tried and true destinations that both locals and out-of-state visitors alike flock to for the best experience.

Before we get to the list, it is important to know the average dates for the fall foliage peaks. The leaves first begin to change in the northern mountains and then work their way south. 9News has a handy map here showing the average peak times.

This list contains some of the best locations to go leaf peeping and bask in the beauty of fall in the Colorado mountains. If you wish to share a location for great fall color viewing, feel free to post a comment below.

Million dollar highway

A 25 mile stretch of highway 550 that travels between Ouray and Silverton in Southwestern Colorado. This area of Colorado offers spectacular views all year long but especially during the fall season. Silverton has also been named one of the best small towns to see fall foliage by “Trips to Discover”.

Boreas pass

This road makes a great fall route as it has spectacular views and is regularly lined with aspen trees. Stretching between Breckenridge and the small town of Como along U.S. 285, this is a fairly short 22-mile road and a perfect addition to any
leaf peeper’s trip. The dirt road is suitable for most passenger vehicles, however it does have narrow and rocky sections.

Independence pass

One of the most heavily trafficked fall routes. During peak fall colors it is not uncommon to have fairly long line of vehicles taking in the views. Don’t let the popularity deter you though, because it is truly a great route for fall foliage in the central mountains. If you are able to get access, make sure to stop at maroon bells. It is one of the most iconic sights in Colorado and breathtaking in the fall.

Kebler pass

Another very popular route in the central mountains. Traveling between Crested Butte and Paonia State Park this unpaved road offers stunning views for fall foliage. The large groves of aspen trees offer picturesque photo opportunities with a little less crowds when compared to Independence pass just to the north.

Guanella pass

This route is the closest one to Denver on the list. The closer you get to the metro area the busier it gets, especially on weekends during peak leaf peeping season. Guanella pass is a paved route traveling from Georgetown to Grant. Views are great and there are many hiking opportunities to take in the views.

Kenosha Pass

Last but not least is Kenosha pass. It would be a crime not to include this location. The large aspen grove and being only about an hour and a half from Denver makes this THE top area for fall foliage leaf peepers. Once you arrive at the main parking area off of U.S. 285 you are transported to a golden forest that is hard to rival. This area is rarely not busy once the leaves turn, so it is important to arrive early. If hiking is your thing there are a few trails in the area that will help you get further away from the crowds and enjoy the scenery even more.

A few other areas to experience the fall foliage

Gold Camp Road – from Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek
Hahns Peak Village area – North of Steamboat Springs
Grand Mesa – Just to the east of Grand Junction Peak to Peak Scenic Byway – Travels from Black Hawk to Estes Park