Autumn has arrived in Colorado!

Hey there, adventure-seekers and nature lovers! So, you’re thinking about hitting up Colorado to catch a glimpse of those glorious fall colors, huh? Well,  you’ve come to the right place! I’m about to let you in on all the juicy details about the best times and locations to soak in the stunning autumn foliage in the breathtaking Colorado Mountains.

Colorado Autumn offers a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows. Aspen and Cotton wood trees offer a beautiful gift from nature before the cold months of winter set it.

First things first, timing is everything. Typically, the fall foliage starts to kick into high gear around late September and peaks in mid-October. But you know what they say about Mother Nature – she can be a bit unpredictable. So, keep an eye on local foliage trackers as you plan your trip.

Now, let’s talk locations. If you’re looking for an iconic, postcard-worthy spot to take it all in, head on over to the Maroon Bells near Aspen. It’s one of the most photographed areas in Colorado, and for good reason! Be sure to plan ahead! Another gem is the Kebler Pass near Crested Butte, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by one of the largest aspen groves in North America. And if you’re up for a little road trip, the San Juan Skyway near Telluride offers some of the most jaw-dropping views you’ll ever lay your eyes on.

 

Along the I-70 corridor there are a lot of beautiful places to do some leaf peeping. The overlooks between Silverthorne and Frisco offer a great view of Dillon Reservoir which is surround by beautiful colors. The Vail Valley is exceptionally beautiful as both sides of the valley are lined with aspens… catch this scene at the right time and you’d be rewarded!

An ideal day trip from the front range could look like this – Head up I-70 and check out the Guanella Pass near Georgetown for some seriously Instagram-worthy moments. I’m talking vibrant colors against a backdrop of rugged peaks. Then drop over to 285 and head south to Kenosha Pass. Once you reach Fairplay, turn north on highway 9 and go over Hoosier to Breckenridge and Frisco. Grab lunch or dinner at one of our great restaurants then hop back on I-70 and cruise home.

One more thing before you go – stay flexible with your plans and keep an eye on the weather. A spontaneous detour or a sudden change in the weather can lead you to the most unexpected and breathtaking vistas. An especially unique scene occurs  just after one of our infamous autumn snow storms. White peaks and yellow leaves are truly breathtaking.

So, there you have it, my friends. Arm yourself with a camera, pack a cozy sweater, and get ready to be spellbound by nature’s artistry in the Colorado Mountains. After all, life’s too short not to chase a little autumn magic in the mountains!