Colorado Fall Colors: Where to Catch Peak Fall Foliage
By WayFy Staff
November 17, 2025
One of the best times to visit Colorado is during the fall, when the Quaking Aspen forests erupt into striking golds, reds, and oranges.
Aspens aren’t necessarily as vibrant as oaks, maples, or dogwoods—so what’s all the hype?
One of the Largest Organism’s in the World
Aspen trees grow new saplings from their roots, creating massive colonies that are, in fact, a single living organism.
Pando, an aspen tree forest located in Fishlake National Forest in Utah, is considered the largest organism in the world by mass. It consists of 106 acres of aspen trees, all sharing the same root system.
You can imagine, then, that when the cooler weather falls upon the area, that 106-acre section of land transforms into a mesmerizing sight. It becomes a sea of golds, reds and oranges.
Although Colorado doesn’t have an aspen grove quite as large as Pando, we’re fortunate to have nearly 5 million acres of aspens across the state that put on a stunning display of vibrant color every fall.
Where to See the Peak Colors
Aspen trees make up about 20% of Colorado’s forests, and they can grow at elevations ranging from 6,500 to 11,500 ft. From mid-September through mid-October, you can generally expect to catch peak color somewhere in the state.
When you visit will determine where you should go to find the best fall foliage.
September 15 – September 29
Head to higher elevations, where colder temps spark early color change. Areas north of I-70 and west of Denver are your best bet.
Top Towns to Visit:
- Steamboat Springs
- Grand Lake
- Estes Park
- Winter Park
Top Parks/Forests to Visit:
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Routt National Forest
- Arapaho National Forest
- Roosevelt National Forest
September 22 – October 7
Peak color weekend typically falls in this window, especially along the I-70 corridor, where access to scenic drives is easiest (albeit, the busiest, so be prepared for heavy traffic).
Top Towns to Visit:
- Boulder
- Aspen
- Breckenridge
- Crested Butte
Top Parks/Forests to Visit:
- Kebler Pass
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park
- Grand Mesa
- Mueller State Park
- Geneva Pass
- Kenosha Pass
October 1 – October 16
If you’re visiting after peak weekends but still want color, head south. Lower-elevation forests turn later, offering brilliant hues into mid-October—and fewer crowds.
Top Towns to Visit:
- Durango
- Saguache
- Pagosa Springs
- Trinidad
Top Parks/Forests to Visit:
- San Juan National Forest
- Rio Grande National Forest
- La Veta Pass
- Highway Legends Scenic Byway
How to Plan for Your Trip
Fall is a wonderful time to visit Colorado, but it’s also a popular time, so you will want to plan ahead.
Book Lodging Ahead of Time
Accommodations fill up quickly in popular leaf-peeping towns, so make sure to book well ahead of your trip. 2-3 months ahead will give you the best options.There are also several fall festivals that take place around Colorado this time of year, so be prepared for that.
Plan For Travel Congestion
Major highways like I-70, US 285, and US 50 are busiest from Thursday afternoon through Sunday evening. Aim to travel Monday–Wednesday and depart before 8 a.m. for a smoother experience.
Prepare For Weather
As soon as September arrives in Colorado, the window for sudden winter storms is upon us, so don’t be surprised if you run into inclement weather during your trip. Travel with an AWD or 4WD vehicle with all-weather tires, and pack appropriately: coats, hiking boots, hats, and gloves are fall essentials.
Plan Beyond the Colors
Sometimes the weather doesn’t work out in our favor, and we don’t have quite the visually stunning fall that we all look forward to. Drought can play a major factor in this—if the aspens don’t get enough water at the end of the summer, they may have a very brief pop of color before the leaves fall, or they may skip right from green to brown, with no gold to be seen.
If this happens, just be prepared to plan beyond the colors. Fall is an excellent time to visit Colorado, even with no leaf peeping. Festivals like Oktoberfest (throughout the state), Elk Fest (Estes Park), and pumpkin festivals are taking place nearly every weekend throughout September and October. It’s also a great time to get in some hiking before the weather really turns.