Fall in Colorado – 5 Destinations to Catch the Change

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park offers scenic fall drives, overlooks, hikes, and plentiful opportunities for glimpses of wildlife. Especially elk, as their rutting season coincides with the changing of the colors. Therefore, the park is a great destination for a chance to see it all!

Rocky Mountain National Park currently requires a timed entry ticket, which costs $2 on top of the park entry fee.

2. Grand Mesa Scenic Fall Drive

Abundant with aspen trees, this 50 mile byway between Mesa and Cedaredge is an ideal location for viewing the fall colors. This scenic drive has plenty of hiking opportunities, as well as many lakes to explore on top of the mesa. Also, check out Lands End Observatory for an overlook of the valley below!

3. Ouray

Any direction traveled around Ouray is bound to provide spectacular views.

Red Mountain Pass, found along the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton, offers many pit stops and overlooks.

Just south-east of downtown Ouray, County Road 16 leads to thick forest and towering mountain peaks. Therefore, Ouray is a must-visit if you are looking for fall colors!

4. Crested Butte

This area, well know for beautiful wildflowers during the summer, is also home to striking aspen groves.

Ohio Pass will take you on a leisurely drive along Gunnison County Road 730, a gravel road between Gunnison and Crested Butte. This pass leads between Mount Axtell and Ohio Peak. Among the spectacular views, you’ll find beautiful aspen groves as well.

Kebler Pass, also a gravel road, leads you 30 miles west from Crested Butte and through one of the largest aspen groves in the state. Follow Gunnison County Road 12 to State Highway 133, near Paonia State Park, as you pass through the aspen and evergreen forest.

5. Buena Vista

Located in the Arkansas River Valley, Buena Vista is a perfect central location between Salida, St Elmo Ghost Town, and Leadville. Pictured above is the colors starting to change on Mt Princeton in mid-September.

South of Buena Vista, visit the town of St Elmo and to find Mount Princeton Hot Springs. For a fun scenic drive and a view of the mountains from the valley, follow County Road 371 located north of downtown Buena Vista!

When to expect fall colors:

~Northern Colorado mountains: September 15-30

~Central Colorado mountains/Grand Mesa: September 17-Oct. 1

~San Juan Mountains: September 19-Oct. 3

Fall colors are expected to happen earlier than usual this year due to drought conditions, and these estimated dates reflect that.