If you’re looking for a place to see fall leaves, there are places in Colorado that will leave you breathless. About this time of year, you can start planning a trip to see the beautiful gold, stunning yellow and flaming red leaves that crop up as fall arrives and summer makes its exit. If you’ve never gone on a fall leaf viewing trip, you are totally missing out and you must plan a trip immediately. Don’t forget your camera because you are going to be snapping pictures right and left once you see what the leaves look like. If you don’t know where to go, check out these places in Colorado and get set.
1 Guanella Pass
One of the best places in Colorado to see fall leaves is Guanella Pass, just outside of Georgetown. You can access the road by driving through the town and watching for the signs. Then you’ll wind up through the mountains with stunning views surrounding you. The leaves here get really yellow and there are tons of aspen trees, which are my favorites to see in the fall. This short drive from Denver will be totally worth it, I promise!
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2 Trail Ridge Road
This road winds through Rocky Mountain National Forest from Estes Park all the way to Grand Lake. It’s a leisurely drive with plenty to see on the way, including an absolute ton of fall leaves on trees of many kinds. There are lots of yummy places to eat in Estes Park so have breakfast before you head out. Or enjoy a delicious dinner as you talk over the highlights of your drive.
3 Maroon Bells
During this drive, you’ll be between two of Colorado’s 14ers near the village of Snowmass. It’s a great place to be in the winter, but you can’t match its beauty in the fall. There are loads of hiking trails in the area, so if you prefer to walk while you see the leaves, this is the place for you. Take a hike while you immerse yourself in the beauty of the area, which is in the White River National Forest.
4 The Western Slope
The western slope in Colorado is way too big to see all the fall colors it has to offer in a single day. However, you can check out Grand Junction or Palisade and its surrounding area to see plenty of breathtaking color. Here’s a definite perk to this area – it’s Colorado wine country so you can combine your leaf trip with some tasty samples of the best wine that the area boasts.
5 Peak to Peak Scenic Highway
True to its name, this route is truly scenic, no matter when you drive it. The fall is definitely the time to go though. The road starts in Boulder and winds its way through the Continental Divide area. You’ll pass through several areas of Colorado, although the entire trip is only about 60 miles one way, which gives you the opportunity to see a variety of trees and their fall glory.
6 La Veta Pass
Located in southern Colorado, La Veta Pass goes all the way up to 9,400 feet, which means you’ll have sweeping views of the fall leaves for miles in any direction. Golden aspens are one of the highlights of this trip and you’ll also get to see the San Luis Valley and all of its glory too. If you’re lucky enough to take your trip before it closes for the season, take a ride on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad to see things you’d never get to see from the car.
7 The San Juan Skyway
This loop through the San Juan mountain range is over 200 miles long, so you know there is plenty to see. Contained within the trek is the Million Dollar Highway, which is 70 miles of especially beautiful fall colors. The nearby Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers a Fall Photo Train that you definitely won’t want to miss.
What’s your favorite place to see fall leaves in Colorado? What about in other parts of the country?
