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Colorado Fall Colors

Everything you need to plan a Colorado fall colors trip in one place, including when to visit, where to find the best fall colors, scenic drives, real-time color tracking, what to pack, airports, and more.

Peak Fall Colors along the Million Dollar Highway near Red Mountain Pass between Ouray and Silverton
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Plan Your Colorado Fall Colors Trip

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.

The tricky part is timing it. Peak color changes every year based on elevation, location, and weather, which means one part of the state can be completely golden while another is still green, or already past peak.

After more than a decade of chasing fall across Colorado, I've put together everything I know to help you plan your trip. If you're not sure where to start, start with my Ultimate Guide to Colorado Fall Colors. It covers peak timing, where to go based on your dates, scenic drives, mountain towns, road trip planning, festivals, and everything else you need to plan a Colorado fall trip.

Start Here

→ Read the Complete Guide to Colorado Fall Colors

Fall Colors in Colorado: A Complete Guide to Peak Timing, Where to Go, & What to Do
Everything you need to plan a Colorado fall colors trip in one place, including when to visit, where to find the best fall colors, scenic drives, real-time color tracking, what to pack, airports, and a sample Colorado fall road trip.
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Colorado Fall Colors Planning Guides

When to See Fall Colors in Colorado: Peak Timing Guide
Every fall, Colorado’s mountains turn gold—but timing your trip is everything. This guide breaks down peak fall colors across the state, including regional timing, elevation differences, and simple trip planning tips so you don’t miss the best of the season.
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Best Places to See Fall Colors in Colorado
Planning a Colorado fall trip? Here’s where to go for the best fall colors, plus how to time peak foliage so you don’t miss it.
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How to Track Colorado Fall Colors in Real Time
Colorado fall colors shift slightly every year, and the biggest question is always the same: what are the leaves doing right now? Instead of guessing, here’s how I personally track real-time Colorado fall foliage conditions, so you know when and where to go.
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Best Scenic Drives for Fall Colors in Colorado
Find the best scenic drives for fall colors in Colorado with peak timing, road conditions, vehicle tips, and photos from my favorite drives across the state.
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How to Photograph the Maroon Bells in the Fall: 2026 Guide
The Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado are one of the most photographed landscapes in the Rockies. In fall, golden aspens, calm reflections, and dramatic peaks create an iconic scene—but timing, permits, and conditions all play a key role in getting the shot.
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How to Photograph the Maroon Bells in the Fall
The Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado are one of the most photographed landscapes in the Rockies. In fall, golden aspens, calm reflections, and dramatic peaks create an iconic scene—but timing, permits, and conditions all play a key role in getting the shot.
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Colorado Fall Colors Updates for 2026

Maroon Bells No-Show Fee 2026: New $10 Parking Fee
Visiting Maroon Bells in 2026? A new $10 no-show fee applies to trailhead parking reservations. Here’s what to know about the fee, cancellations, and the 48-hour policy.
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Owl Creek Pass Will Be OPEN for Fall Colors 2026
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 USFS GMUG Official Closure Order Updated September 19, 2026: Good news for anyone planning a fall colors trip to the San Juan Mountains! As of September 15, 2026, Owl Creek Pass, Silver Jack Reservoir and several surrounding recreation areas have reopened to the public following closures
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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

Click the map below for all of my exact Colorado fall color locations.

Planning a photography trip to Colorado for fall colors?

If you want exact locations, drives, and photo spots already mapped out (with time of day to shoot them): Check out my Colorado Fall Colors Guide (or click the map above) and be sure to join my Fall Colors Channel on Instagram where I update live color changes on the West Slope.

See you out there!

Mallory

Fall Colors in Colorado

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