62 over the Dallas Divide represents an epic fall Colorado drive. Locals suggest the Jud Wiebe Trail, a 3-mile loop that winds through large aspen groves and passes by Comet Falls. For yet another way to see Telluride’s foliage, several trailheads are located right in town. The aerial views include the town of Telluride, its box canyon and colorful valleys lined with aspens and evergreens.
The Telluride Free Gondola is one of the most popular ways to view Telluride’s amazing fall colors. Gold aspen trees mixed with dark green pines line the pass, while the magnificent Spanish Peaks and Sangre de Cristo Mountains tower over the foliage of the San Luis Valley. Route 160 in southern Colorado (west of the town of La Veta) is one of the most scenic drives in the state during the fall season. Peaking at an altitude of more than 9,400 feet, the La Veta Pass on U.S. The 6.1-mile (round-trip) trail is moderate in difficulty. As the fall colors become more robust, locals recommend a hike to the pristine Zirkel Wilderness Area's Three Island Lake Trail, which takes hikers through coniferous forests and high meadows, past glacial lakes and vistas. The pass winds 8 miles up toward the Continental Divide and Summit Lake, offering stunning views of the surrounding foliage. This dirt road just west of Steamboat Springs, is lined with rows of glowing aspen groves. Powderhorn Mountain Resort's vibrant scrub oaks contrast with golden shimmering aspens along Grand Mesa scenic and historic byway, which is one of the state's electric-vehicle-friendly byways. In addition to the reds, whites and rosés made in Grand Junction and Palisade, fall brings with it glorious colors. Western Slope ColorsĬolorado’s Western Slope is home to the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain, and Colorado wine country. To see this magnificent site you must have a reservation. Located in the 2.3-million-acre White River National Forest, the Maroon Bells tower over numerous hiking trails that offer unbeatable views of golden aspen trees. The iconic Maroon Bells, two towering 14,000-foot mountains nestled in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, are the most photographed peaks in North America.
Another unique way to experience Colorado’s fall colors is with Soaring® Tree Top Adventures, home to 27 zip lines that pass by brilliant aspens. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers rides that coincide with optimal fall foliage. San Juan Skyway, a breathtaking 236-mile loop through the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, offers visitors an amazing array of fall colors and includes a 70-mile stretch known simply as the Million Dollar Highway.
Note: The pass is unpaved and closed in winter.
Ohio Creek Road is a great starting point, as it passes some unique natural landscapes, including a series of ranch buildings marking the abandoned site of Castleton and the spires of “The Castles” - remnants of volcanic ash and mud that erupted from the West Elk Volcano some 30 million years ago. Gunnison is home to Kebler Pass, which boasts the largest aspen grove in North America and is one of renowned photographer John Fielder's favorite places. The Rocky Mountain Conservancy offers guided hikes and tours and volunteer opportunities in the park. It's also electric-vehicle ready, so charge up and get ready to roll. With more than eight miles above 11,000 feet and a maximum elevation of 12,183 feet, Trail Ridge Road is an amazing vantage point for leaf peepers and is a favored spot for photographers. The highest continuous paved road in North America winds through Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. See more at: įor even more scenic drives, check out our 26 scenic and historic byways, including our EV-friendly routes.
For even more scenic drives, check out our quick guide to Colorado's 26 scenic byways.