10 Places to See Colorado's Fall Color

As summer fades and crisp air fills the mountains, Colorado transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of gold, amber and crimson.

By: Colorado.com Staff Writer

Updated: August 20, 2025

The bell-shaped peaks of the Maroon Bells surrounded by yellows and greens of all leaves — The Maroon Bells, near Aspen
Courtesy Aspen Chamber Resort Association

Pro Tip: It's easy to get caught up in the moment when viewing fall colors on a scenic drive. For the best photos, Do Colorado Right by choosing a spot in a safe, designated parking area to really bask in fall's beauty. Keep in mind that these destinations are popular for leaf peeping, especially during peak weekends. Try visiting during lesser traveled times on weekdays to enjoy more of the colorful vistas. And while you're keeping an eye out for the golds, ambers and reds, don't forget to also look for pedestrians that may be taking in the scenery as well.

1. Trail Ridge Road

The highest continuous paved road in North America winds through Rocky Mountain National Park, spanning 48 miles between Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. Reaching a maximum elevation of 12,183 feet, Trail Ridge Road is an amazing vantage point for leaf peepers and is a favored spot for photographers. It's also equipped with electric-vehicle charging stations in each gateway town, so you can power up at the beginning and end of your trip. Not into driving? The Rocky Mountain Conservancy offers ecology bus tours with an educational guide to discuss the elk mating season while witnessing fall colors.

2. Kebler Pass

Gunnison is home to Kebler Pass, an unpaved road that boasts one of the largest aspen groves in North America. A favorite spot for renowned landscape photographer John Fielder, you’ll find plenty of photo ops along the way. Ohio Creek Road is a great starting point, as it passes some unique natural landscapes, the spires of “The Castles” — remnants of volcanic ash and mud that erupted from the West Elk Volcano some 30 million years ago.

3. The San Juan Skyway

San Juan Skyway, a breathtaking 236-mile loop through the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, offers visitors an amazing array of fall colors and includes a 25-mile stretch known simply as the Million Dollar Highway. Drive the entire loop or pick just a section of it, using pulloffs for scenic overlooks to take in the golden views. Or, for a car-free option, hop aboard The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which parallels the San Juan Skyway and offers rides that coincide with optimal fall foliage. Add on a zip line tour with Soaring® Tree Top Adventures, only accessible via the railroad, to experience Colorado’s colorful foliage on their 27 lines that pass by brilliant aspens.

4. Maroon Bells

The iconic Maroon Bells, two towering 14,000-foot mountains nestled in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, are the most photographed peaks in North America. Located in the 2.3-million-acre White River National Forest, the peaks tower over numerous hiking trails that offer unbeatable views of golden aspen trees. Note that reservations are recommended to see this site. Learn more about Maroon Bells reservations

5. Western Slope

Colorado’s Western Slope is home to the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain, and Colorado wine country. In addition to the reds, whites and rosés made in Grand Junction and Palisade, fall brings with it glorious colors. Powderhorn Mountain Resort's vibrant scrub oaks contrast with golden shimmering aspens along Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway, which is one of the state's electric-vehicle-friendly byways.

6. Buffalo Pass

This dirt road just west of Steamboat Springs is lined with rows of glowing aspen groves. Drive eight miles up toward the Continental Divide and Summit Lake, where you’ll find stunning views of the surrounding foliage. As the fall colors become more robust, locals recommend a trek on the pristine Zirkel Wilderness Area's Three Island Lake Trail. The 6.1-mile (round-trip) moderately rated trail takes hikers through coniferous forests and high meadows, past glacial lakes and vistas.

7. La Veta Pass

Peaking at an altitude of more than 9,400 feet, the La Veta Pass on U.S. Route 160 in southern Colorado (west of the town of La Veta) is one of the most scenic drives in the state during the fall season. Gold aspen trees mixed with dark green pines line the pass, while the magnificent Spanish Peaks and Sangre de Cristo Mountains tower over the foliage of the San Luis Valley.

8. Telluride

The gondola at Telluride Mountain Village passes through mountain terrain and fall's yellow leaves — Courtesy of Telluride Tourism Board/Ryan Bonneau

The Telluride Free Gondola is one of the most popular ways to view the area’s amazing fall colors. The aerial views include the town of Telluride, its box canyon and colorful valleys lined with aspens and evergreens. If heights aren’t for you, there are several trailheads conveniently located right in town and waiting to be explored. Locals suggest the Jud Wiebe Trail, a 3-mile loop that winds through large aspen groves and passes by Cornet Falls.

9. Dallas Divide

Colorado Hwy. 62 over the Dallas Divide represents an epic fall Colorado drive. Starting near Ridgway, visitors can get an amazing view of Mount Sneffels, one of Colorado’s 58 fourteeners, and the expansive Sneffels Wilderness Area, which offers several hiking trails for those wishing to venture out farther. The route eventually connects with Hwy. 45 and Lizard Head Pass, which offers views of Wilson Peak, the very mountain that inspired the iconic Coors logo. Read about other famous Colorado mountains.

10. Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway

The Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway is Colorado's oldest, having been established in 1918. The byway starts in Central City and offers unmatched views of the Continental Divide and its dramatic fall colors. Though the byway is less than 60 miles in length, there are numerous stop-off points along the route, including Rocky Mountain National Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, and the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, all of which offer their own unique vantage points for leaf peepers.