Colorado Fall Colors
Explore all of my Colorado fall color guides, including peak timing, best places, scenic drives, current conditions, and trip-planning resources.
Why I Love Fall in Colorado
Fall in Colorado is easily my favorite time of year. There is just something about those few weeks when the mountains turn gold that feels completely magical, and no matter how many times I experience it, it never gets old. It's honestly one of those things that's hard to describe until you've experienced it for yourself.
Colorado fall colors typically begin changing in the mountains around mid-September and continue into October, but there is no single peak week for the entire state. Elevation, location, weather, and even individual aspen groves can make a huge difference in when the leaves change.
After more than a decade of chasing fall colors across Colorado, I've put together everything I know to help you figure out when to visit, where to go, what the colors look like right now, and how to plan your trip.
Want My Exact Colorado Fall Color Locations?
This map includes 150+ locations I’ve personally scouted across Colorado, with exact locations, scenic drives, photography spots, and detailed planning information to help you plan your fall trip. Use code ROAM15 to always save 15%.
Complete Guide to Colorado Fall Colors
Not sure where to start? My Complete Guide to Colorado Fall Colors covers peak timing, where to go based on your travel dates, scenic drives, mountain towns, fall events, and everything else you need to plan your trip.
Roaming the Southwest
Plan Your Colorado Fall Colors Trip
Whether you're trying to figure out when to visit, where to go, or which scenic drives to take, these guides will help you plan your Colorado fall colors trip.
When to See Fall Colors in Colorado
Colorado's fall colors don't peak at the same time across the state. My When to See Fall Colors in Colorado guide breaks down typical peak dates by region and elevation so you can plan your trip around your travel dates.
Best Places to See Fall Colors in Colorado
Trying to decide where to go? My Best Places to See Fall Colors in Colorado guide compares my favorite regions, including the San Juan Mountains, Aspen, Crested Butte, and more, to help you choose based on your travel dates and interests.
Best Colorado Mountain Towns to Visit in Fall
These guides cover my favorite things to do in Colorado mountain towns during fall, including scenic drives, hikes, local attractions, and other ways to make the most of your visit.
Best Things to Do in Telluride in the Fall + Weekend Itinerary → COMING SOON
Best Things to Do in Crested Butte in the Fall + Weekend Itinerary → COMING SOON
Best Things to Do in Aspen in the Fall + Weekend Itinerary → COMING SOON
Best Things to Do in Ouray in the Fall + Weekend Itinerary → COMING SOON
Track Colorado Fall Colors in Real Time
Peak dates are helpful, but fall colors don't follow a calendar perfectly. Every fall, I use webcams, recent photos, weather, elevation, and firsthand reports to track how the colors are progressing.
Learn how to do the same in my How to Track Colorado Fall Colors in Real Time guide.
Best Scenic Drives for Fall Colors in Colorado
Some of Colorado's best fall colors don't require a long hike at all. Explore my Best Scenic Drives for Fall Colors in Colorado, including road conditions, vehicle considerations, and what to expect along each route.
Colorado Fall Road Trip Itineraries
After more than a decade of chasing fall colors across Colorado, I've learned that planning your route matters just as much as choosing your dates. These itineraries are based on my favorite drives and stops, with routes designed to help you spend more time enjoying the fall colors and less time in the car.
Western Colorado Fall Colors Road Trip: 7-Day Itinerary → COMING SOON
Fall Photography Guides
I've spent more than a decade photographing Colorado's fall colors. These guides cover some of my favorite locations, along with tips on timing, lighting, and getting the shots you're hoping for.
- San Juan Mountains Fall Colors: Peak Timing & Best Places – My local guide to peak timing, scenic drives, and the best places to see fall colors throughout the San Juans.
- Molas Pass Cabin: Location & Fall Photography Guide – Exact parking and photography locations, the best lighting, and tips for capturing this iconic cabin.
- Maroon Bells in Fall: Photography Guide + Permit Information – Photography locations, fall color timing, reflections, and important reservation information.
Colorado Fall Colors Updates for 2027
Planning to see Colorado's fall colors in 2027? I'll be updating this section with important reservation changes, road closures, access restrictions, and other information you should know before your trip.
- Maroon Bells 2027: Fees, Reservations & Changes – What to know about planned fee changes, parking reservations, shuttle access, and costs before visiting.
Download My FREE Colorado Fall Colors Guide
Want a copy of my FREE Colorado Fall Colors Guide with everything you need to get started? I've put together a downloadable guide with peak timing, some of my favorite places to see fall colors, scenic drives, planning tips and more. Save it to your phone so you can reference it while planning your trip or chasing colors across Colorado.
→ Download your FREE 2026 Colorado Fall Colors Guide here!
My Exact Colorado Fall Color Locations
Want the exact locations I shoot? My Colorado Fall Colors Guide includes 150+ locations I've personally scouted across Colorado, with exact photography spots, scenic drives, and tips on when to visit for the best light and color.
Use code ROAM15 to save 15%.
And be sure to join my Fall Colors Channel on Instagram, where I share live fall color updates from across the West Slope throughout the season.
