As summer fades and the crisp autumn breeze kicks in, there’s no better time to fall in love with Colorado. Autumn brings a colorful transformation as the leaves of the trees around the state turn hues of gold, orange, and red. Colorado boasts some of the most stunning fall landscapes in the country. From the Rocky Mountains to small towns filled with charm and character. We wouldn’t want you to miss this season’s natural gradient. So let’s dive right into the best places to witness the fall foliage.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Nothing rivals the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park as the leaves in this region change colors. The park boasts one of the highest elevations in the country, making it a prime spot for leaf peeping. The park’s amazing vista points, tundra trails, and scenic drives are ideal for viewing the breathtaking fall foliage. The best times to go are between late September to early October, but conditions may change based on altitude and weather patterns.
Aspen
With the name “Aspen”, you would expect to see some stunning trees, and the city of Aspen does not disappoint. Home to a variety of breathtaking single-leaf cottonwoods, aspens, and oak trees, the city’s fall colors display is one of the most spectacular in the country. The iconic Maroon Bells of the Aspen Highlands is the area’s crown jewel and the perfect spot to capture the essence of autumn. The peak time to catch the changing colors in Aspen runs from late September to early October.
Crested Butte
If you are looking to bask in the glory of golden aspens while taking some stunning photos, then the town of Crested Butte is the perfect destination. Crested Butte holds the title of “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” but in autumn, the area’s gold and orange leaves add to its beauty. The drive from Gunnison to Crested Butte offers one of the most breathtaking experiences of Colorado’s fall foliage. The leaves change colors around mid-September, at the peak of the state’s fall season.
Telluride
Telluride’s natural beauty is breathtaking in every season, but in autumn, there’s something magical about the town. The golden aspens that dominate the area’s T-bones and San Juan mountain ranges make the town an ideal leaf-peeping destination. The breathtaking views and charm of this small mountain town make it a must-visit destination during the fall season. The leaf peeping season runs from early September to mid-October in Telluride.
Vail Valley
Vail Valley is renowned for its world-class skiing, but it’s autumn beauty deserves a mention too. The valley boasts changing aspens, providing a stunning visual display of the season. Its scenic drives offer some of the most stunning views of the region’s fall colors. The valley peak season for leaf peeping runs from mid-September to the first week of October.
Experience mother nature’s annual leaf color change in Colorado by visiting any of these breathtaking destinations. Each promises an unforgettable display of autumn’s beauty, nature’s unfolding of changing seasons. Although the optimal windows to view the fall foliage varies from season to season, the destinations listed above have some of the best displays of Colorado’s winter colorful and striking scenery. It’s impossible not to fall in love with Colorado!
