Originally published by Macaroni KID Teller Publisher. Subscribe to that area here!
It’s that time of year again: the aspens are turning gold, the mountains are showing off, and approximately 47,000 people are about to stop their cars in the middle of a perfectly good mountain road because: "LOOK AT THAT TREE".
If you live in Colorado, you know the annual phenomenon. If you don’t, welcome to leaf peeping — those glorious few weeks each fall when people pile into cars, head for the mountains, and chase the changing colors like it’s a competitive sport. And honestly? We get it. The aspens are ridiculously beautiful.
But if you’re a local, you may also be thinking: Could everyone please stop driving 13 miles per hour? And why are there six cars parked on the shoulder? And WHO taught people that a mountain highway is an appropriate place to turn around?
The annual leaf-peeping pilgrimage can be a little… much. But it’s also one of the best parts of living in Colorado in the fall. So rather than spending the entire season yelling at tourists from behind the steering wheel, let’s accept that the gold rush is happening and make the most of it.
The leaves are going to change whether we like it or not. You might as well go look at them. There are aspen trees all over the Rocky Mountains, so there are plenty of places to get your fall fix. We can talk about the best leaf-peeping spots all we want. The truth is: If you get to one of them and it looks too crowded, keep driving for another ten minutes, and you’ll likely come across something equally as gorgeous.
YES, THIS IS A LOOONG ARTICLE. BUT IT'S BECAUSE IT'S AWESOME. KEEP SCROLLING FOR LINKS, MAPS, TIPS, SPECIFICS. YOU'RE WELCOME :)
Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, a family-friendly adventure, a place to stop for a picnic, the science behind why the leaves change, or simply the best ways to see the colors without spending three hours sitting in traffic, we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up some of Colorado’s best leaf-peeping routes, maps, timing tips, family-friendly stops, and a few tricks for enjoying the season without becoming that person who parks in the road for a photo.
Here's real-life, local, nitty gritty details:
Many believe that the best fall leaf colors near Colorado Springs/Teller county can be found along the scenic mountain drive on Highway 67 from Divide to Cripple Creek, where golden aspens peak around this time. Others see the beauty close to home inside the city of Colorado Springs or through the mountain pass heading to Woodland Park or up the dirt road towards Rampart Reservoir. You don't have to go far to see the beauty of the leaves, but wherever you go, simply enjoy the journey.
HOT TIP:
Just in time for leaf peeping season, CDOT has overhauled COtrip.org and the COtrip Planner App, giving drivers immediate access to the interactive map right from the start. Maybe give it a try!
To see another interactive Fall foliage prediction map and the science to discuss with your family, click here! And here's another interactive map to try! This should cover the bases.
Peak foliage date estimates by elevation:
- Northern mountains and high passes (above 9,500 feet): Early to mid-September
- Central mountains and Aspen corridors (8,000 to 9,500 feet): Mid to late September
- Southern Colorado and San Juan Mountains (varied elevations): Late September
- Foothills and Front Range (below 8,000 feet): Late September to early October
Note on Timing: While local timing varies, experts from the Colorado State Forest Service report that drought across parts of the state could cause leaves in some areas to turn earlier. Overall, central portions of the state are expected to peak near the end of September and into early October.
Tips for Leaf Peepers
- Arrive Early: Parking lots at spots fill up fast. Drivers are strongly encouraged to consider mid-week trips to avoid extreme weekend congestion.
- Park Safely: Never stop in active travel lanes or narrow shoulders. Use designated turnouts, paved parking areas, or scenic overlooks.
- Keep Eyes on the Road: Avoid distracted driving. Passengers should take photos so that drivers can focus on sudden stops.
- Watch for Pedestrians: Exercise extra caution near trailheads, turnouts, and overlooks where pedestrians frequently exit vehicles to take photos.
- Use Lower Gears Downhill: Downshift into lower gears when descending steep mountain passes to avoid overheating your vehicle's brakes.
- Yield Uphill Right-of-Way: On narrow, single-lane mountain pass roads, the vehicle traveling uphill has the right-of-way. Downhill traffic must yield or pull over where safe.
- Wildfire Prevention: Dry roadside grasses create extreme fire danger. Never park on dry vegetation, ensure trailer chains do not drag, and dispose of smoking materials responsibly.
- Prepare for Early Snow: High-elevation passes can experience early autumn snowstorms. Ensure tires have at least 3/16-inch tread depth and keep winter emergency supplies in your vehicle.
Top Scenic Drives and Mountain Spots Near Us
Highway 67 (Divide to Cripple Creek)
Winding mountain road lined with vibrant yellow aspen and cottonwood trees. Highly convenient local drive with multiple safe pull-off areas for photography.
Mueller State Park Divide, CO
Address: 21045 Colorado 67, Divide, CO
Highlights: Features trails like the Cheesman Ranch Loop winding directly through golden aspen groves and open meadows.
Cost/Access: State park daily vehicle pass required (typically $10)
Pikes Peak Highway Colorado Springs, CO
Highlights: Offers elevation-based changing foliage all the way up the mountain. Keep your eyes open for eagles, deer, elk and bighorn sheep.
Cost/Access: Timed-entry reservations are required in advance, and the summit sits at 14,115 feet with the new Summit House.
North Cheyenne Cañon Park Colorado Springs, CO
Address: 2120 S Cheyenne Canyon Rd
Highlights: Historic bridges over North Cheyenne Creek framed by colorful trees.
Cost/Access: Features free parking near the lower entrance and Helen Hunt Falls.
Garden of the Gods Park Colorado Springs, CO
Highlights: Impressive red rock formations paired with brilliant orange, red, and yellow autumn leaves.
Cost/Access: Free public entry and paved parking lots
Want To Go A Bit Further??
Some of Colorado’s most popular leaf-peeping spots include Kenosha Pass, Kebler Pass, and Independence Pass. If you want to get a head start on leaf peeping, head to Northern Colorado, where places like Steamboat Springs will be covered with color. Check out the central mountains for some of the most vividly bright aspen trees you’ll find anywhere. Crested Butte is an excellent bet for fall foliage, as are the Maroon Bells.
- High Country & Passes: Peak viewing is active in late September across high-altitude areas like Summit County, Kenosha Pass, and Guanella Pass.
- Southwest & Valleys: Destinations like Telluride and the San Juan Mountains will peak in the final days of September through early October.
- Grand Mesa: "Color Sunday" is anticipated around September 27.
When it comes to fall hiking, a few places are very well-known for their aspen trees like Kenosha Pass, 285 along the Colorado Trail. During the fall, you’ll find the parking lots full and cars parked on the side of the road. It’s a particularly great trail for families since you can see some fantastic foliage without a strenuous hike. If you plan on stopping at a popular spot like this, consider going on a weekday.
Some other amazing fall hikes in Colorado include the Sprague Lake Loop in Rocky Mountain National Park (only ½ mile), Flash of Gold in Steamboat Springs (11.5 miles one way), and the 401 Trail near Crested Butte (~12 miles). And, of course, one of the best places to hike for fall aspens is in and around Aspen, CO. The Maroon Bells are a trendy and beautiful spot for fall hiking, but you’ll need a permit; so plan ahead.
Originally published by Macaroni KID Teller Publisher. Subscribe to that area here!
