Fall Colors Are Arriving Early—Why This Year’s a Golden One
If you’ve been out on the trails or even just driving around town, you may have noticed it already—Colorado’s aspens are starting to shimmer with gold. And guess what? This year, the show is starting up to 10 days earlier than usual.
Why? A mix of cooler nights and drought stress has encouraged the trees to reveal their golden hues a little sooner. Normally, we’d expect peak foliage from mid-September into early October, but in 2025, the magic window will likely fall in early to mid-September. In other words: it’s time to start planning that fall road trip now.
Want to See It All at a Glance?
We’ve created a custom interactive map that highlights every region and its peak foliage dates—so you can plan your road trip with ease. Zoom in to explore your favorite destinations, or save it for quick access on your next adventure. View the Fall Colors Interactive Map
When & Where to See the Brightest Colors
Colorado is huge, and the timing shifts as you move from north to south. Here’s a quick guide so you don’t miss the best of the season:
- Sept 12–24 – Northern high country: Steamboat Springs, Cameron Pass, Rabbit Ears Pass
- Sept 15–25 – North‑Central mountains: Rocky Mountain National Park, Peak‑to‑Peak Highway, foothills west of Denver
- Sept 18–28 – Central mountains: Aspen, Vail, Summit County, Collegiate Peaks
- Sept 20–30 – Western/Southwestern mountains: Gunnison, Crested Butte, Telluride, Ouray
- Sept 25–Oct 3 – Southern Front Range & Wet Mountains: Pikes Peak region, Colorado Springs, Trinidad
- Oct 1–9 – Southern San Juans & Four Corners: Durango, Pagosa Springs
Pro tip: The earlier you can get out in September, the better your chances of catching the brightest, most vibrant color.
The Scenic Drives You’ll Never Forget
Part of the joy of leaf-peeping in Colorado is the drive itself. These routes aren’t just roads—they’re experiences:
Kenosha Pass – Just west of Denver, this drive is a leaf‑peeper favorite with sweeping aspen groves and easy access.
Peak to Peak Highway – Colorado’s oldest scenic byway, stretching from Estes Park to Black Hawk, offering panoramic mountain and aspen views.
Independence Pass – A dramatic high‑altitude route between Leadville and Aspen, with rugged peaks and golden aspens.
Guanella Pass – Showcasing Mount Bierstadt and dense aspen forests—ideal for a day trip or photography outing.
Kebler Pass – Near Crested Butte, famed for its thick, glowing aspen tunnel—late‑September glory.
Million Dollar Highway (Red Mountain Pass) – Between Ouray and Silverton, this legendary drive pairs cliff‑side curves with golden fall color.
How to Make the Most of Your Fall Adventure
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Start Early. Morning light makes the leaves sparkle, and you’ll beat the crowds.
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Check daily foliage maps. Sites like ExploreFall.com give real-time updates.
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Dress in layers. Colorado mornings are crisp, even if the afternoons warm up.
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Book early. Hotels in places like Aspen, Vail, and Crested Butte fill quickly this time of year.
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Keep an eye on the weather. Rain can deepen the colors, while drought may make them fade faster.
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Stay flexible. If one area is past its peak, another region just a few hours away may be glowing.
Final Thoughts
Fall in Colorado is fleeting but unforgettable. With colors arriving early this year, the best advice we can give is this: don’t wait. Pack your bag, gas up the car, and head for the mountains. The aspens are already waiting to put on their golden show.
