Colorado Destinations to View Autumn Beauty!
One of the great things about living in Colorado is the plethora of scenic mountain drives that this great state has to offer. No matter where you live in Colorado, much of its beauty can be seen in a day trip or quick weekend getaway.
And there’s no doubt that arguably, the most gorgeous time of the year is when the fall leaves start to turn. Across the Colorado Rockies, you’ll see spectacular reds, oranges, and yellows littering the mountainsides – but only for such a brief time.
That’s the downside to living in Colorado – the seasons can change quickly. Depending upon the destination altitude, you never know how long the fall beauty will last before that first snowfall hits.
Before setting out on any road trip, check the weather, road closures, and any other restrictions if your plans include camping or an overnight stay.
To make the most of this fall season, below is a list of some local attractions to visit if you want to experience some breath-taking mountain beauty! In no particular order, here are some must-see destinations to put on your bucket list this fall!
Fall River Road
Take I-70 west out of Denver, to exit 238. This is the Fall River road that ends at the St. Mary’s Alice trailhead. The drive is somewhat steep and winding, so take it slow, and enjoy the changing colors of the foliage along the way. At the end of the drive, you can opt to hike the 1.5-mile alpine trail to the “glacier” at the top.
Kenosha Pass
This scenic drive starts in Conifer, driving along Route 285 traversing the high mountain Kenosha Pass, and eventually, the road spills into South Park. The pass is wide and meandering, making it easily navigated. The drive is known as one of the best in Colorado to view the autumn colors. For the more experienced hikers who enjoy high-altitude trails, the Kenosha Pass Trailhead is about 19 miles southwest of Bailey.
Trail Ridge Road
Just west of Estes Park, passing through Rocky Mountain National Park to Grand Lake, is Trail Ridge Road. Enjoy the beauties of RMNP at this high altitude, as Trail Ridge Road is only open seasonally. Due to its elevation and annual snowfall, the road is typically closed during the winter & spring months.
Colorado Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
Also starting in Estes Park, heading south on Highway 7, this Scenic Byway takes you through lots of old gold mining, and now, ghost towns. Through Allenspark on Highway 72 to Nederland, and finally south on Highway 119 toward Black Hawk. This drive has lots to offer!
Telluride, CO
The quaint mountain town of Telluride is a valley nestled among the many mountain peaks just north of the San Juan National Forest. You can even take the gondola ride up the mountain for some breathtaking mountain views!
San Juan Skyway
The San Juan Skyway drive forms a loop encompassing Durango, Silverton, Ridgeway, Telluride, and Cortez just southwest of the San Juan National Forest. The complete drive is over 200 miles but includes some spectacular mountain views from the San Juans, such as Dallas Divide, and Mesa Verde National Park.
Independence Pass
In the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Independence Pass sits along the Continental Divide Highway just outside of Aspen. Just like Trail Ridge Road, this pass is only open seasonally, as it’s the highest paved highway that crosses over the Continental Divide.
Kebler Pass
Just west of Crested Butte, Kebler Pass is a favorite seasonal destination. Most of the road (referred to as Gunnison County Road 12) isn’t even paved, but it’s a quiet, secluded area with lots of great colors to see.
Maroon Bells
Perhaps one of the most photographic areas in Colorado is Maroon Lake, sitting in the valley amongst the spectacular Maroon Bells. Situated a little southwest of Aspen, this destination surely tops the list.
Buffalo Pass
Just west of Steamboat Springs, Buffalo Pass is a winding dirt road that heads towards Summit Lake and is lined with colorful aspen trees. If you are up for a hike, take the 6.1-mile Three Island Lake Trail to the Zirkel Wilderness Area. The hike takes you through pine forests, high meadows, glacial lakes and beautiful vistas.