10 BIG Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Colorado Fall Colors Trip

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Planning a trip to see Colorado's fall colors? There's nothing worse than arriving a week too early or too late and missing those mountainsides covered in golden aspens!

I've spent more than 10 years exploring and photographing Colorado's fall colors, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that timing is only part of the equation.

From choosing the wrong dates to booking accommodations too far away and underestimating mountain driving times, here are 10 mistakes to avoid when planning your Colorado fall colors trip.

1. Planning Your Colorado Fall Colors Trip Around the Same Dates Every Year

I see people make this mistake every single year: assuming Colorado's aspens will peak on the exact same dates as the year before.

While fall colors follow a fairly predictable pattern, peak timing can shift by a week or more depending on temperatures, precipitation, elevation, and weather.

I've photographed the same locations across multiple fall seasons, and the difference can be significant. A mountainside that was completely golden during the last week of September one year might still have plenty of green the next.

What to do instead: Use historical peak dates as a starting point, NOT a guarantee. If you're booking months in advance, choose a window that historically offers good color across multiple elevations.

If I had to choose just one week to visit Colorado for fall colors, I'd generally aim for the last week of September. It's one of your best opportunities to find beautiful foliage across multiple mountain regions. However, if Telluride is a must-see, I'd shift that to the first week of October.

For a detailed breakdown of typical peak dates by region and elevation, read my When to See Fall Colors in Colorado guide.

2. Assuming Fall Colors Peak Everywhere in Colorado at Once

Colorado's fall colors don't peak simultaneously across the state, and elevation plays a HUGE role in when the aspens change.

Higher elevations generally turn first, followed by lower elevations over the following weeks. Weather and geography also influence timing.

For example, the high elevations around Silverton and Telluride can look completely different from lower elevations near Durango during the same week.

What to do instead: Plan around elevation and region rather than expecting every destination to be at peak color.

As a general guide:

• Mid-September: Higher elevations may begin showing significant color.
• Late September: Many mountain destinations approach or reach peak color.
• Early October: Lower elevations and some mountain valleys can still have incredible foliage.
• Mid-October: Most high-elevation aspens are finished, although lower elevations with cottonwoods may still have color.

These are general windows, NOT guaranteed peak dates.

One of my favorite things about Colorado is that you can usually find beautiful fall colors somewhere in the mountains for several weeks if you're willing to adjust your plans.

3. Booking Accommodations Too Far From Where You Want to Explore

Colorado looks much smaller on a map than it feels when you're driving through the mountains!

Staying in Durango to explore Telluride or Glenwood Springs to visit Maroon Bells every day can add hours of unnecessary driving to your trip.

And during fall colors, the last thing I want to do is spend half my day driving back and forth to my hotel.

What to do instead: Choose accommodations based on the places you actually want to explore, not just the cheapest hotel or nearest major town.

For the San Juan Mountains, consider Ouray, Ridgway, Telluride, or Silverton, depending on your itinerary. For the central mountains, Aspen, Snowmass, and Crested Butte are great options.

Always check actual driving routes before booking. Two destinations that look close together on a map might be separated by an entire mountain range with no direct road connecting them.

Looking for an RV for your Colorado fall colors adventure?

4. Not Checking Current Colorado Fall Colors Conditions

Historical peak dates are helpful, but they won't tell you what the aspens actually look like during your visit.

I've watched entire mountainsides go from mostly green to nearly peak color in a matter of days. I've also seen strong winds and early snowstorms strip leaves from trees that had only recently turned golden.

This is exactly why I never rely entirely on a calendar when deciding where to photograph fall colors.

What to do instead: Start monitoring current conditions in early September, especially if you're visiting higher elevations.

I've put together a guide on how to track Colorado fall colors in real time with resources to help you follow current conditions and plan your trip around the best foliage.

Look for recent photos, webcams, local updates, and firsthand reports from people who are actually visiting the areas you're interested in.

And PLEASE pay attention to when photos were taken, not just when they were posted. That gorgeous fall photo someone shared today might be from three years ago!

If you're visiting multiple regions, use current conditions to decide where to spend your time rather than sticking to a rigid itinerary.

5. Underestimating Colorado Mountain Driving Times

Some of Colorado's most beautiful fall colors are found along scenic mountain roads, but driving times can be incredibly deceiving.

Winding highways, narrow roads, construction, wildlife, and frequent photo stops can turn a relatively short drive into an all-day adventure.

And trust me, you're going to want to stop CONSTANTLY during peak fall colors.

The Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton is a perfect example. The actual drive isn't particularly long, but there are SO many incredible viewpoints that rushing through it would be a mistake.

The same goes for Independence Pass, Kebler Pass, and the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway.

What to do instead: Build extra time into every scenic drive.

If Google Maps says a route takes two hours, consider allowing three or four if you're planning to stop for photographs, short hikes, and overlooks.

I also wouldn't recommend scheduling multiple major scenic drives in one day unless you've carefully considered the distances.

6. Assuming Every Colorado Mountain Pass Is Suitable for Your Vehicle

Not every scenic drive in Colorado is paved, and some of the most beautiful fall foliage destinations require traveling on dirt or gravel roads.

Many unpaved roads are manageable in a standard passenger vehicle when conditions are dry, but others require high clearance or four-wheel drive.

Kebler Pass, for example, has long stretches of maintained gravel road that are generally manageable for many passenger vehicles in good conditions. Other mountain passes and backcountry roads can be considerably more challenging.

I've included road surfaces, vehicle considerations, and route recommendations in my guide to the best scenic drives for fall colors in Colorado.

And road conditions can change VERY quickly after rain or snow.

What to do instead: Research the entire route before heading out, including road surfaces, seasonal closures, and vehicle requirements.

Don't assume a road is suitable just because Google Maps provides directions.

If you're renting a vehicle, check your rental agreement for restrictions on unpaved roads.

And remember, having four-wheel drive doesn't make you immune to dangerous road conditions!

7. Waiting Too Long to Book Popular Colorado Fall Experiences

Fall is one of the busiest times of year in Colorado's mountain towns, especially during peak aspen season.

Popular accommodations, scenic train rides, and destinations requiring reservations can fill up well in advance.

Maroon Bells is one of the best examples. During its reservation season, visiting the Maroon Bells Scenic Area generally requires an advance shuttle or private vehicle reservation, depending on how and when you're accessing the area. Reservations typically open in June for September and October dates, so plan ahead! I've covered everything you need to know about reservations, visiting, and photographing Maroon Bells in the fall in my guide.

Popular fall train rides, including the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, can also sell out during peak weekends.

What to do instead: Book accommodations and must-do experiences early, especially if you're traveling during the last two weeks of September.

I recommend booking the experiences you absolutely don't want to miss first, then planning the rest of your itinerary around them.

Just don't overschedule yourself! You'll still want flexibility to follow the best fall colors.

8. Not Preparing for Colorado's Unpredictable Fall Weather

Just because you're visiting Colorado in September doesn't mean you're guaranteed warm, sunny weather!

I've experienced everything from beautiful fall afternoons to freezing temperatures and snow during Colorado's fall colors season.

Early snowstorms aren't unusual, mountain passes can become icy or temporarily close, and strong winds can strip leaves from the trees almost overnight.

What to do instead: Pack for multiple seasons, even if the forecast looks perfect.

Bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable hiking shoes, and appropriate cold-weather gear.

And make sure you're checking the forecast for the elevations you'll actually be visiting. Weather in a mountain town can be VERY different from conditions at a nearby mountain pass several thousand feet higher.

I also recommend checking road conditions before heading out each morning, especially after overnight precipitation.

You can check current Colorado highway conditions and closures on COtrip.

9. Only Visiting Colorado's Most Popular Fall Colors Destinations

Maroon Bells, Kebler Pass, and the Million Dollar Highway are popular for a reason. They're absolutely BEAUTIFUL during fall!

But there are SO many incredible places to see fall colors in Colorado beyond the ones you see all over Instagram.

Some of my favorite fall color experiences have happened along quieter roads, in less-visited valleys, and at places I discovered while exploring without a specific destination in mind.

What to do instead: Absolutely visit the popular spots, but don't make them your entire itinerary.

If you're exploring the San Juan Mountains, venture beyond the most popular stops around Ouray, Silverton, and Telluride.

If you're heading to the central mountains, explore some of the scenic routes and smaller communities outside Aspen and Crested Butte.

You might be surprised by how many beautiful places you'll find simply by taking the time to explore.

And if you're visiting a popular destination, try going early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds.

10. Planning a Colorado Fall Colors Itinerary With No Flexibility

If there's one thing more than a decade of exploring Colorado's fall colors has taught me, it's that Mother Nature doesn't care about your itinerary!

You can research historical peak dates, plan every scenic drive, and book the perfect accommodations, but that doesn't mean the aspens are going to cooperate.

Sometimes the area you planned to visit is still green. Other times, a storm moves through and the leaves disappear overnight.

I've changed my plans plenty of times based on current conditions, and some of those last-minute decisions have led to my favorite fall photographs.

What to do instead: Have backup destinations at different elevations within a reasonable driving distance.

If the higher elevations have already peaked, explore lower valleys. If the lower elevations are still green, head higher.

And if the weather isn't cooperating, don't be afraid to change your plans entirely.

Some of my favorite fall color days have happened when I completely threw out my original itinerary!

My Best Advice for Planning a Colorado Fall Colors Trip

After more than 10 years of chasing fall colors across Colorado, my biggest recommendation is to plan around a general peak window rather than a specific date.

The San Juan Mountains are especially close to my heart, and I spend a significant amount of time exploring them each fall. But Colorado has incredible fall scenery well beyond the southwest corner of the state.

Do your research, allow plenty of time for scenic drives, and keep your itinerary flexible.

Most importantly, don't spend your entire trip rushing from one famous photo spot to another. Some of the best parts of fall in Colorado are the unexpected places you discover along the way.

Plan Your Colorado Fall Colors Trip

If you're planning a trip to see Colorado's golden aspens, these guides will help you figure out when to visit, where to go, and what to do once you arrive.

• Fall Colors in Colorado: A Complete Guide to Peak Timing, Where to Go, & What to Do – Start here for an overview of Colorado's fall foliage season and trip planning.
• When to See Fall Colors in Colorado – Find typical peak dates by region and elevation, along with tips for choosing the best travel dates.
• Best Scenic Drives for Fall Colors in Colorado – Explore beautiful mountain roads, including route details, road conditions, and vehicle considerations.
• Colorado Fall Bucket List: 15 Things to Do During Fall Colors – Discover memorable experiences beyond simply driving through the mountains.
• San Juan Mountains Fall Colors Guide – Plan a fall trip around Ouray, Silverton, Telluride, Ridgway, and the surrounding mountains.

Whether you're visiting Colorado for the first time or returning for another fall season, a little planning and a lot of flexibility will go a long way toward making the most of your trip.