Fall is a fleeting masterpiece in Colorado. For a few magical weeks between August, September and October, the mountains and foothills erupt in gold, orange, and crimson. And while there are plenty of hikes to enjoy the show on foot, nothing beats a classic Colorado fall foliage road trip.
There’s something about driving under a canopy of golden aspen trees that feels cinematic, especially when paired with a thermos of coffee, your favorite sweater, and a mountain view around every corner. Whether you’re squeezing in a quick weekend adventure or plotting a long scenic loop, this guide has something for everyone, and a little trivia about the best time to plan your excursion based on how leaves change colors based on elevation.
When Do the Leaves Change in Colorado?
Fall colors in Colorado generally peak between mid-September and mid-October, but it depends on elevation. The higher up you go, the earlier the leaves change. Mountain passes like Guanella (~11,670 feet elevation) and Independence (~12,095 feet elevation) start turning in early to mid-September, while lower elevations — like the town of Golden (~5,675 feet elevation) and Boulder (5,430 feet elevation) — peak closer to early October.
If you’re wondering when to plan your trip, start with the higher elevations early in the season, then follow the colors as they cascade down into the foothills.
From short drives close to Denver to full-on alpine adventures, we’ve rounded up the best drives to see the fall colors in Colorado — complete with drive time, peak dates, and can’t-miss stops.
Let’s hit the road.
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The Best Colorado Fall Drives Within 1 Hour of Denver
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway (Nederland to Estes Park)
Estes Park to Nederland
- Distance from Denver: 1 hour to Nederland
- Best Time: Mid-September
While the byway is a total of 55 miles, we recommend taking in the colorful fall views from Nederland to Estes Park for some of the best fall colors Colorado has to offer. Think gold-dusted valleys, aspen groves, and distant peaks sparkled with fiery red leaves. Start in Nederland and wind north through Ward, Hidden Lake, Allenspark, and into Estes Park. Pull off for coffee in quirky mountain towns or bring a picnic to enjoy the views of Longs Peak. This is peak fall color beauty in Colorado with minimal effort. Keep in mind that the drive itself will take about 57 minutes, and once you reach Estes Park from Nederland, it will take you about 1 hour and 25 minutes to make it back to Denver via Route 36.
Guanella Pass Scenic Byway
Georgetown
- Distance from Denver: 47 minutes to Georgetown
- Best Time: Late September
This 22-mile mountain pass connects the historic towns of Georgetown and Grant via switchbacks and sweeping valleys, all while showcasing Colorado’s peak fall colors. The aspens are especially vibrant at the summit (elevation 11,669 feet), so bring a camera and layer up to prepare for the cold. Once you reach Georgetown, the total drive on the byway is about 1 hour and will land you in Grant, CO. If you’re feeling like you need to stretch your legs along Guanella Pass, the trailheads for Silver Dollar Lake and Mount Bierstadt are along the way about 25-30 minutes into the drive. Once you reach Grant, plan about an hour and 4 minutes for your drive home.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park Loop
Golden
- Distance from Denver: 43 minutes
- Best Time: Late September to early October
For a quick fall escape, this loop west of Golden is a hidden gem. Drive Golden Gate Canyon Road west to the state park, then loop up north through Mountain Base Road on the way to join Gap Road. Just as you turn right onto Gap Road from Mountain Base Road, stop at Panorama Point for stunning mountain views and some of the best leaf peeping you can get in Colorado.
Lariat Loop Scenic Byway
Golden
- Distance from Denver: 24 minutes
- Best Time: Late September to early October
This 40-mile loop connects you to nature, fun mountain towns, and all the fall Colorado colors. Begin in Golden, take Lookout Mountain Road for panoramic views, and make your way through Evergreen’s forested hills before heading back via Morrison. It’s a perfect half-day trip for anyone wanting fall color in Colorado without a long drive. Stop by Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Buffalo Bill’s Grave, or Evergreen Lake along the way.
Mestaa’ėhehe Pass
Evergreen
- Distance from Denver: 44 minutes
- Best Time: Late September to early October
This drive starts in Evergreen and travels to Echo Lake for 102 miles, about 2 and a half hours. Along the way, the winding road will take you through golden aspens, evergreens, and jaw-dropping overlooks. You’ll feel a world away from the city and may spot elk or bighorn sheep if you’re lucky.
The Best Fall Drives in Colorado Within 2-3 Hours of Denver
Kenosha Pass via US-285
Jefferson
- Distance from Denver: 1 hour and 14 minutes
- Best Time: Late September
Kenosha Pass might be the most Instagrammed fall color spot in Colorado — and for good reason. A short drive west on US-285 brings you to views lined with aspen forests and sweeping meadows. This area can get super busy during peak fall season when the leaves begin to change colors, so bring your patience, a good audiobook, some tunes, and snacks to accompany your drive.
Trail Ridge Road (Estes Park to Grand Lake)
Estes Park
- Distance from Denver: ~2 hours
- Best Time: Mid-September (before snow closures)
This is the highest continuous paved road in North America, reaching an elevation of 12,183 feet, with some of the most scenic views — especially for seeing peak fall colors. Winding through Rocky Mountain National Park, Trail Ridge Road showcases the best fall colors in Colorado with greens, yellows, reds, oranges, and every color on that spectrum in between. Once in Estes Park, the drive itself is 1 hour and 32 minutes to Grand Lake. Then, it will take you about 2 hours to head back to Denver from Grand Lake.
This road often closes for the season by early October, so check out road conditions before heading this way. Average winter closure dates are around Oct. 23.
Cache la Poudre North Park Scenic and Historic Byway
Fort Collins
- Distance from Denver: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Best Time: Late September
This drive through the Poudre Canyon is a northern Colorado gem. Start in Fort Collins and head west on Highway 14 along the Poudre River. Cottonwoods, rocky cliffs, and vibrant aspens in high-elevation pockets will surround you. It’s quiet, rugged, and a great detour from I-70 traffic. You can pull off the road and enjoy the sounds of the river and the sights of the colorful fall foliage. The colors will remind you of a scene straight out of a postcard. The glistening water reflects off the colorful leaves, making it a scenic fall drive to remember. It’s also a perfect day trip if you’re traveling from Denver, as you can stop around Fort Collins for lunch and enjoy the fall colors while you drive along Horsetooth Reservoir, as well.
Bucket List Drives for the Best Fall Colors in Colorado
Aspen to Maroon Bells Scenic Area
Aspen
- Distance from Denver: 3 hours and 15 minutes
- Best Time: Mid- to late September
You can’t talk about fall colors in Colorado without mentioning Aspen — and the Maroon Bells are the crown jewel. The Maroon Bells are two stunning peaks (14,000 feet elevation) located in the Elk Mountains of Colorado just outside Aspen. They have a reputation for being the most photographed mountains in North America due to their breathtaking beauty, which only gets more stunning in the fall. To reduce traffic, private vehicle access is limited, so book a shuttle or go early. But it’s worth the extra effort. In autumn, the surrounding aspen groves turn a brilliant gold, arguably one of the best Colorado fall colors, making it one of the best places in the country for fall drives.
Independence Pass
Buena Vista
- Distance from Denver: 2 hours and 35 minutes
- Best Time: Mid-September
This seasonal pass (Highway 82) connects Twin Lakes and Aspen through some of the highest and most dramatic terrain in the state. It’s one of the top answers to “Where are the best fall colors in Colorado?” The drive features gold-speckled valleys, alpine tundra, and views that’ll make you pull over every 5 minutes.
Dallas Divide
Telluride
- Distance from Denver: ~6 hours
- Best Time: Late September to early October
If you’re up for a longer road trip, the best fall colors in Colorado might just be here. The San Juan Mountains burst into color against rugged backdrops and red cliffs. Dallas Divide, just west of Ridgway on Highway 62, includes a must-stop overlook with views of Mount Sneffels wrapped in gold. Greens against deep reds, bright yellows, and neon oranges will make you wonder why you would ever travel outside of Colorado.
Tips for Catching Peak Fall Colors in Colorado
- Start early in the day to beat the traffic. Weekends get crowded fast, especially in spots like Kenosha Pass and Maroon Bells.
- Pack snacks, layers, and a camera. Elevation means fast-changing weather, and mountain passes can drop 20 degrees from temperatures in the city.
- Check road conditions. Many scenic byways, including Trail Ridge Road and Independence Pass, close seasonally for snow or ice.
- Make reservations early for hotels or campsites if you’re planning on turning your drive into an overnight trip, especially near popular destinations like Aspen.
- Respect nature by staying on designated roads and trails. Always abide by the Leave No Trace mentality.
- Fill your gas tank before you leave. As you venture into more remote locations, gas stations can be hard to come by.
Where to See Fall Colors in Colorado This Season
So, where are the best fall colors in Colorado? Truthfully, they’re everywhere, from shaded canyons just outside the Denver area to alpine valleys tucked behind winding mountain passes. Whether you stick close to Denver or chase color deep into the Rockies, one thing’s for sure: Colorado shows off in the fall.
From golden aspens in Kenosha Pass to crimson-tinted cottonwoods, these routes prove that peak season is well worth the trip. Even if you only have an afternoon, a short scenic drive can turn into one of those “remember when?” moments.
So gas up, bring a playlist, stop for a coffee, and set out to explore the best drives to see the fall colors in Colorado.