Take a fall road trip through Colorado to see the color-changing aspen leaves
Each fall, tourists and locals, alike, flock to the mountains in Colorado to see the changing aspen leaves. The days see less hours of sunlight as the autumnal equinox approaches mid-September, making the aspen leaves change due to the decrease in photosynthetic activity. Other factors like precipitation levels, the tree’s stand health, and temperatures throughout Colorado affect foliage colors in the fall. Typically, the best time to catch the colorful display in Colorado is mid-September through early October.
Try taking a road trip through Colorado for the best chance to see a variety of autumn leaf color, including yellow, orange, and red aspen leaves. The best time to take this road trip would be late September for peak viewing times throughout Colorado, assuming the weather will be dry and sunny with cool, but frost-free nights.
Author’s Note: The timing of the color change in foliage varies each year. Click here for the outlook for aspen leaves changing in 2021. When leaf-peeping, be sure to safely pull of a road using a public route and designated pull-offs. Follow the Leave No Trace principles when adventuring in Colorado. Never pick leaves off the aspen.
Denver in fall (Photo) Credit JOHN MIRRO
1. Denver
This fall road trip through Colorado starts in Denver. One spot to see aspens with golden leaves in Denver is Washington Park, which features two lakes, flower gardens, and a tree-lined running path.
Photo Credit: JOHN MIRRO.
Bear Lake Road, Rocky Mountain National Park (Photo) Credit Craig Zerbe (iStock)
2. Rocky Mountain National Park
Head about 1.5 hours west from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park where classic Colorado scenes feature golden and red aspen leaves, snowcapped peaks, and abundant wildlife.
Author’s Note: Remember to get a timed entry permit for Rocky Mountain National Park along with a day pass to enter. The reservation system is implemented through October 11, 2021.
Photo Credit: Craig Zerbe (iStock).
Road biker on Vail Pass (Photo) Credit OutThere Colorado Staff
3. Vail
Continue this fall road trip by traveling approximately 2.5 hours southwest of Rocky Mountain National Park to Vail. This mountain town in Colorado offers bursting colors in the forest during the fall. Aspens are spread throughout Vail Valley and change from green to deep gold and bright orange.
Photo Credit: OutThere Colorado Staff.
Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon (Photo) Credit CampPhoto (iStock)
4. Glenwood Springs
About an hour west of Vail via I-70, travelers will find Glenwood Springs. Situated in the Roaring Fork Valley, Glenwood Springs offers spectacular fall scenes as the aspen leaves change. From yellow and gold to orange and red, the aspens are a must-see during fall in Glenwood Springs.
Author’s Note: Be sure to check road conditions and closures with the Colorado Department of Transportation. Mudslides in 2021 have severely damaged Interstate 70 through Glenwood Canyon. If this stretch of I-70 is closed, plan to add several hours to get to Vail. Note that the main detour includes a trip through Steamboat Springs, where aspen leaves are sure to put on a show in the fall.
Photo Credit: CampPhoto (iStock).
Fall Hills of Colorado (Photo) Credit welcomia (iStock)
5. Aspen
Arguably one of the best Colorado places to see the aspen colors in the fall is a mountain town of the same name. Aspen is a town in Colorado’s mountains surrounded by quaking aspens. Visit the iconic Maroon Bells for a postcard-perfect Colorado scene. When heading to the next destination, be sure to account for time along Highway 82 – Independence Pass for more colorful scenery (but don’t linger on this narrow mountain road in non-designated pull-offs. After Independence Pass, the small town of Twin Lakes and the two mountain lakes here provide great photography spots.
Photo Credit: welcomia (iStock).
Buena Vista (Photo) Credit Breanna Sneeringer
6. Buena Vista
Head south on US Highway 24 to Buena Vista, about 1.5 hours from Aspen. Buena Vista offers beautiful landscapes of aspens and other shrubs that line the Arkansas River with glowing colors in the fall.
Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado.
Colorful Colorado Fall Sunset With Mountains, Crested Butte (Photo) Credit jdebordphoto (iStock)
7. Crested Butte
The more robust the tree, the more attractive the colors are. The quaking aspens in Crested Butte are among the largest in the state, making the area’s renowned Kebler Pass a perfect destination to see the golden leaves in the fall.
Photo Credit: jdebordphoto (iStock).
Ouray Colorado in Autumn (Photo) Credit Craig Zebre (iStock)
8. Ouray
From Crested Butte, drive about 2.5 hours southwest to Ouray – a town dubbed “Switzerland of America” thanks to its epic mountain views. Ouray is situated at about 7,800 feet above sea level and surrounded by higher elevations where aspen leaves change dramatically.
Photo Credit: Craig Zebre (iStock).
Pagosa Springs in fall (Photo) Credit Missing35mm (iStock)
9. Pagosa Springs
Another one of the most beautiful sections of this fall road trip is the approximately 3-hour drive from Ouray to Pagosa Springs. Travelers will head over Red Mountain Pass and Molas Pass between Ouray and Durango. These mountain passes offer spectacular views of slopes painted in gold. From Durango to Pagosa Springs, Wolf Creek Pass is another mountain pass travelers can take with more sweeping views of forests splattered in colored aspens create awe-inspiring scenes. Spend time in Pagosa Springs for more fall colors in the San Juan mountains.
Photo Credit: missing35mm (iStock).
Cripple Creek in fall (Photo) Courtesy of Visit Colorado Springs
11. Cripple Creek
Continue northeast from South Fork to Cripple Creek, where you’ll pass through valleys, over mountain passes, and through a canyon during the 3.5-hour drive. Cripple Creek is at the base of the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak and is another renowned destination for fall colors. Highway 67 is a winding mountain road lined with aspens and far-reaching views of peaks in the distance.
Photo courtesy of Visit Colorado Springs.
Pikes Peak Greenway (Photo) Credit Gazette file
12. Colorado Springs
About an hour east of Cripple Creek, continue to Colorado Springs for many options to choose to see more fall colors. North Cheyenne Cañon Park, Garden of the Gods, the Pikes Peak Highway, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park are all great places to see vibrant aspens during the fall.
Photo Credit: Gazette file photo.
Fall Road Trip Map (Photo) via Google Maps 2021
Fall Road Trip Through Colorado
Be sure to check Colorado Transportation Department’s Travel Center for updates to the state road closures and conditions. Fall often brings snow to Colorado’s mountains, which may impact this road trip to see aspen leaf colors. Always pull off the road in a safe manner if stopping to look at and photograph the aspens in Colorado and be sure you’re in a designated pull-off area.
Photo via Google Maps 2021.
Colorado Snow Capped Peak (Photo) Credit KenCanning (iStock)
10. South Fork
About an hour-drive from Pagosa Springs, South Fork is a small town with plenty of access to the surrounding forest. Towering aspens around South Fork glow in yellow and orange during the fall.
Photo Credit: KenCanning (iStock).
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