Colorado Fall Colors

Why I Love Fall in Colorado

Fall in Colorado is easily my favorite time of year. There's just something about those few weeks when the mountains turn gold that feels completely magical. No matter how many times I experience it, it never gets old!

Colorado's fall colors typically begin changing in mid-September and continue into October, but peak timing varies by elevation, location, and weather.

After more than a decade of exploring and photographing Colorado's fall colors, I've put together my favorite guides to help you figure out when to visit, where to go, and how to plan your trip.

Complete Guide to Colorado Fall Colors

Not sure where to start? My Complete Guide to Colorado Fall Colors covers everything from peak timing and scenic drives to the best places to visit and planning tips.

Fall Colors in Colorado: The Complete Guide

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.

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Colorado Fall Colors Updates for 2027

Important updates, reservation changes, and other information to know before your 2027 fall trip.

• Maroon Bells 2027: Fees, Reservations & Changes – Planned fee changes, parking reservations, shuttle access, and costs.

When to See Peak Fall Colors in Colorado

Find typical peak dates by region and elevation in my When to See Fall Colors in Colorado guide.

Best Time to See Fall Colors in Colorado | Peak Dates

When is the best time to see fall colors in Colorado? See typical peak dates by region and elevation, plus the most reliable weeks for planning your trip.

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Best Places to See Fall Colors in Colorado

Not sure where to go? Explore my favorite places to see fall colors in Colorado, including the San Juan Mountains, Aspen, Crested Butte, and more.

Best Places to See Fall Colors in Colorado: Where to Go

Looking for the best places to see fall colors in Colorado? Discover the best mountain towns, scenic drives, and destinations for Colorado fall foliage.

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10 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Colorado Fall Colors Trip

From choosing the wrong dates to underestimating mountain driving times, avoid these 10 common Colorado fall colors planning mistakes.

10 Mistakes to Avoid Planning a Colorado Fall Colors Trip

Planning a trip to Colorado to see the fall colors? There's more to it than picking a weekend in September! After years of chasing fall colors across Colorado, I've learned what NOT to do. Here are 10 mistakes to avoid so you don't miss some of the best fall colors!

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Colorado Fall Bucket List: 15 Epic Things to Do During Fall Colors

Looking for more than scenic drives? Here are 15 of my favorite things to do during fall in Colorado, from scenic gondola rides to train rides and unforgettable mountain adventures.

Colorado Fall Bucket List: 15 Epic Things to Do

There’s more to fall in Colorado than driving around looking at aspens! From scenic train rides and mountain gondolas to apple cider slushies, historic ghost towns, and seeing the Maroon Bells, these are 15 experiences worth adding to your Colorado fall bucket list.

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Best Colorado Mountain Towns to Visit in Fall

My favorite mountain towns for fall colors, scenic drives, hikes, and weekend getaways.

Best Things to Do in Telluride in the Fall + Weekend Itinerary →

Telluride in Fall: Best Things to Do + Weekend Itinerary

Planning a fall weekend in Telluride? I'm sharing my favorite hikes, scenic drives, places to eat, and photography stops, plus a Friday through Sunday itinerary to help you make the most of fall in the San Juan Mountains.

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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

Don't rely on historical peak dates alone! Learn how to track Colorado fall colors in real time using webcams, recent photos, and firsthand reports.

Colorado Fall Colors Tracker: Current Conditions & Reports

Colorado fall colors peak at different times 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 Colorado fall colors in real time, so you know when and where to go.

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Best Scenic Drives for Fall Colors in Colorado

Explore my favorite Colorado fall scenic drives, including road conditions, vehicle considerations, and what to expect along each route.

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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Colorado Fall Road Trip Itineraries

Planning a fall road trip? These itineraries will help you connect some of Colorado's most beautiful mountain drives and fall foliage destinations.

Western Colorado Fall Colors Road Trip: 7-Day Itinerary → COMING SOON

Fall Photography Guides

Some of my favorite Colorado fall photography locations, with tips on timing, lighting, and finding the best viewpoints for THE shot.

• 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.

Download My FREE Colorado Fall Colors Guide

Want something you can save to your phone? My free guide includes peak timing, favorite fall color locations, scenic drives, and planning tips.

→ 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.