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Fall in Colorado: 2023 Leaf-Peeping Guide

It's nearly time for one of our favorite seasons in Colorado and this year is expected to be better than ever!

The Ultimate Guide to Colorado's Leaf Peeping Season 

It's nearly time for one of our favorite seasons in Colorado and this year is expected to be better than ever!

When to See Fall Colors

According to 9News we should be able to see some fall colors already...

September 15-29: Steamboat Springs and the Yampa Valley

September 17-30: I-70 Corridor 

September 20 - October 3: Aspen, Buena Vista, and Salida

September 22 - October 4: Foothills and Telluride

September 25 - October 10: Pueblo

October 1-16: Pagosa Springs

U.S. fall foliage map showing county-level change stages and a timeline from September 4 to November 20.

Image courtesy of SmokyMountains.com

5 Scenic Drives to See Fall Colors

Independence Pass

Mountain road bordered by golden autumn trees, with evergreen forest and blue peaks in the distance.

Twin Lakes to Aspen 

Length: 32 miles

Driving Time: 1 hour 30 minutes 

Trail Ridge Road

Winding road across golden mountain grassland beneath a rugged mountain range at golden hour.

Estes Park to Grand Lake

Length: 48 miles 

Driving Time: 2 hours

Kebler Pass

A winding dirt road through golden autumn foliage beneath a rugged mountain and blue sky.

Crested Butte to Paonia 

Length: 30 miles

Driving Time: 1 hour 45 minutes 

Guanella Pass

Winding road through Colorado mountains lined with golden autumn aspens.

Georgetown to Grant

Length: 22 miles

Driving Time: 1 hour

Grand Mesa Byway

Golden aspens and evergreens blanket rolling mountains around a lake, with distant peaks beneath a blue sky.

Mesa to Cedaredge

Length: 63 miles

Driving Time: 2 hours

Top 5 Hikes to Experience Fall Foliage On Foot

The Maroon Bells rise above golden autumn aspens, reflected in a calm mountain lake.

Crater Lake

Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness | 3.5 miles | Moderate | Out and Back

Kenosha Pass

Jefferson | 11.5 miles | Moderate | Out and Back

Herman Gulch

Silver Plume | 6.4 miles | Hard | Out and Back

Lost Lake via the Hessie Trail

Nederland | 4 miles | Moderate | Out and Back

Raccoon Trail

Golden Gate Canyon State Park | 3.4 miles | Moderate | Loop

 

If you are taking the kids don't forget to print our leaf-peeping scavenger hunt to keep them entertained! 

Colorado leaf-peeping scavenger hunt worksheet with illustrated nature items and empty checkboxes.

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