Top 5 Colorado Locations for Fall colors
Whether you’re getting married in the Fall or you want some engagement photos, family photos, or the infamous Christmas card photo, here are my GO-TO locations to see the aspen leaves change and take advantage of their natural beauty.
Within an hour drive from Denver
Guanella Pass, Colorado
Just outside of Georgetown, Colorado high up in the rockies is a windy road along Guanella Pass. Along the side of the road there are plenty of opportunities to pull over and enjoy the leaves but continue up the road to a large meadow to take in the mountain views in addition to the fall colors.
Loveland Pass, Colorado
Loveland Pass has a variety of spots to enjoy the changing autumn colors. With mountain views, aspen trees, alpine lakes, and its proximity to Denver, it’s a great place to start. Whether you’re driving eastbound or westbound on I-70 I recommend taking the scenic route and driving over the pass in late September.
Within a 4 hour drive from Denver
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, Colorado is by far one of the best places to see the fall colors…I mean it’s even in the name. The area is peppered with aspen trees and when the brisk cold weather rolls in, so does the color.
Best views in the area:
Make a reservation and visit the infamous Maroon Bells.
Take a drive up Independence Pass
Take a drive from Aspen to Crested Butte via Kebler Pass.
Crested Butte, Colorado
Just on the other side of Kebler Pass from Aspen, lies the mountain town of Crested Butte. From Denver, Crested Butte is roughly a four hour drive but let me tell you something, its WORTH IT! Take a drive in any direction and you will be drawn in by the golden leaves and breathtaking mountain views…without the crowds.
Best views in the area:
Take a drive to Oh Be Joyful Campground
Head into town…and keep going along Gothic Road until you hit National Forest Land
Take a drive from Crested Butte to Aspen over Kebler Pass
4 plus hour drive from Denver
Telluride & Ouray, Colorado
Tucked within the San Juan mountain range lies two small mountain towns… Telluride and Ouray, Colorado. Also know as the Switzerland of America…(according to a sign by the side of the road in Ouray). These areas are roughly a 6 hour drive from Denver, but worth the trip. Take a few days to hike to a waterfall, rent a mountain bike to take on the trails, or simply take a drive along highway 145.
Best views in the area:
When to Visit
Though it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact timing of the leaves I’ve listed the best time to see the leaves throughout Colorado according to my 32 years living here.
Colorado Overall
The last week of September to the first week of October will provide the best chance to see the aspen leaves at peak of their golden color in large amounts. Though the leaves start to change towards the middle of September, it’s best to wait until they are at their peak for the best views.