Updated September 2026 | Posted by: Grace Kim
From scenic highway drives to photographing vibrant aspen trees, Colorado offers some of the most breathtaking fall colors in the US, and the best places to see them are the San Juan Mountains (Silverton, Ouray and Telluride), Kebler Pass near Crested Butte, and the Maroon Bells. This is my guide to chasing fall foliage in Colorado, updated for 2026 with when the aspens peak by region, a leaf peeping loop route, and my Colorado fall photos from the road.
With endless views of skittles-covered mountains, get ready to chase fall foliage in Colorado and snap hundreds of photos at the lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park and niche towns, like Telluride and Cripple Creek.
Due to high elevation, autumn in Colorado brings some of the first foliage in the US compared to that of other states such as Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
The season change from Summer to Fall is like no other as you’ll start wearing your untouched, winter clothes and drinking endless pumpkin spiced lattes.
From the number of activities to partake in Colorado during the fall, swing by places like Ouray and take photos with the San Juan Mountains as the perfect back drop after a snow fall, or go on a free gondola ride in Telluride!
I took this trip in fall 2021, and I’ve updated the reservations, fees and hours below for 2026.
>>You may also enjoy reading A 5-Day New England Fall Foliage Road Trip
Colorado Fall Colors 2026: Quick Facts
- Peak dates: In 2026, peak color runs roughly September 10 – October 8 depending on the region. It’s earlier than usual because of a hot, dry year (see the table below).
- Rocky Mountain National Park: Timed entry is required through October 19 on Bear Lake Road (5:00 AM – 6:00 PM). For the rest of the park it’s required through October 13 (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM). Book on Recreation.gov ($2 booking fee, plus the park entrance fee).
- Maroon Bells: Reservations are required. The shuttle is $16 per adult and $10 for kids 12 and under and seniors 65+ (through October 18). Parking is $10 per vehicle (through October 31).
- Telluride gondola: Still free! It runs daily from 6:30 AM to midnight until October 25, 2026, then reopens for winter on November 20.
- Crystal Mill: It’s near Marble, about 6 rough miles up County Road 3. The trail down to the water has been closed since 2023, so you view the mill from the road.
- Kebler Pass: About 30 miles of gravel with no gas stations. Fill up in Crested Butte or Paonia.
When’s the best time to see fall colors in Colorado?
Dependent on rainfall and temperature, the best time to see fall colors in Colorado ranges between September 15th – October 15th. However, in some areas, foliage can last up until the last week of October.
But because peak foliage typically lasts for 1-1.5 weeks in certain areas, it’s important to have a flexible itinerary because not every part of Colorado peaks at the same time.
When do the aspens peak in Colorado? 2026 dates by region
Aspens turn first at higher elevations and farther north, then the color moves down the mountains and south. Here’s when each region is expected to peak in 2026:
| Region | Spots in this guide | 2026 peak window |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain National Park & Peak to Peak Highway | Rocky Mountain National Park, Trail Ridge Road | Sept. 13–24 |
| Aspen, Vail & Summit County | Aspen, Maroon Bells, Crystal Mill | Sept. 16–28 |
| Gunnison, Crested Butte, Telluride & Ouray | Crested Butte, Kebler Pass, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, Ophir, Last Dollar Road | Sept. 18–29 |
| Pikes Peak area (west of Colorado Springs) | Not covered here | Sept. 23 – Oct. 3 |
| Southern San Juans (Durango, Pagosa Springs) | End of the loop route below | Sept. 29 – Oct. 8 |
In a typical year, the San Juans start turning mid-September around Silverton and finish in early to mid-October around Durango and Pagosa Springs. In 2026, drought has pushed everything earlier, so for a late trip, head south and to lower elevations.
How to start planning for the best fall foliage trip in Colorado
If you’re running on limited PTO days and have already decided on chasing fall foliage in Colorado, I recommend checking the Fall Foliage Prediction Map starting from the beginning of September. For southwest Colorado, the Forest Service also posts a San Juan National Forest fall colors report during the season. Having a flexible itinerary is key because there’s a good chance you’ll run into bad weather, or that you’ve shown up too early in certain areas.
I also recommend marking places you’d like to visit on Google Maps so it’s easier rerouting if plans change. By the time my group arrived to Colorado, our itinerary changed twice in about 3 days due to rainfall.
Transportation and Accommodations
The best way to experience fall foliage in Colorado is by renting a 4×4 drive. There’s a good chance you’ll be off-roading to get to some hikes. A handful of places, like the Crystal Mill and Last Dollar Road, require a high-clearance 4×4 because of how bumpy and rocky the roads get.
When booking housing accommodations, I recommend booking your stay at least 2 days in advance. It can even get a bit tricky booking a week in advance in case you’ve guessed peak foliage incorrectly. On our trip, hotel rooms cost anywhere between $160-$250 per night. Popular towns like Aspen, Telluride and Estes Park can sell out on peak weekends, so a refundable booking is a good backup.
Download Offline Maps
Although the drives through Colorado are absolutely breathtaking, cell service isn’t the best along these roads. If you get lost staring at the foliage along these scenic drives, I highly advise downloading offline maps prior to your arrival. There have been numerous times where we lost cell service for hours, let alone the amount of construction and road closures along the highways.
Especially when we had to reroute our plans, it was difficult finding a Plan B unless we got pockets of service that lasted for seconds at a time. Downloading offline maps while chasing fall foliage in Colorado will save you loads of time, and prevent you from stressing out trying to look up information on certain hikes, activities and rerouting plans.
Where are the best places to see fall colors in Colorado?
Now, for the fun part. There are so many places to see fall colors in Colorado that it could take you weeks to check everything off your bucket list.
By the time we left Colorado, there were still a ton of places we didn’t have the chance to visit, but there’s always next year!
We did our best visiting as many places as we could during our week long visit, also making sure we caught the aspens in their prime.
Whether you’re planning on visiting Colorado for a long weekend or for a week for fall colors, here’s a list of places with some of the best foliage:
Some links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
1. Crested Butte
If you’re not from Colorado, save yourself from embarrassment and don’t pronounce this as ‘Crested Butt’. I definitely got laughs for my mispronunciation, but Crested Butte has some of Colorado’s most scenic mountains and hills covered in jaw dropping foliage.
Pronunciation: kreh·stuhd byoot
Crested Butte is located north of Gunnison, and its downtown is a National Historic District. It’s surrounded by popular ski mountains and is located on the west side of Slate River.
During the day, check out Elk Ave, swing by the Farmers Market on Sundays (9 AM – 2 PM, through October 11 in 2026), and don’t forget to visit Mochas Coffeehouse & Bakery in Gunnison, voted Gunnison’s best coffee every year since 2003.
- Nearby town: Gunnison
- Where to stay: The Gunnison Inn at Dos Rios, Comfort Inn & Suites Gunnison, The Inn at Tomichi Village
- Food & Drinks: Mochas Coffeehouse & Bakery, Soupcon
2. Silverton
Located in the San Juan Mountains, Silverton offers beautiful views of the mountains. Not only is it in between Red Mountain and Molas Pass, but it’s also close to several of Colorado’s fourteeners.
There are a handful of unique places in Silverton that offer beautiful fall foliage such as the Million Dollar Highway Scenic Byway, Ice Lakes Trail, and the Durango-Silverton Train to name a few.
My favorite activity in Silverton was driving north to Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway. It’s by far one of the most beautiful roads we’ve driven through in Colorado, even though you’ll get dizzy driving through windy roads and sharp curves.
Driving through Silverton was actually the reason why I fell in love with chasing fall foliage in Colorado! This was the first time I’ve witnessed full peak with snow capped mountains. I’ve never seen anything like this before and for that reason, I already know that I’ll be back next year during the fall.
- Where to stay: Triangle Motel, Villa Dallavalle Inn
- Food & Drinks: Kendall Mountain Cafe
3. Ouray
From relaxing in hot springs to hiking through canyons, Ouray has the perfect mixture of outdoor activities and breweries to partake in. While driving through Downtown Ouray, you’ll quickly realize why it’s called the “Switzerland of America”. The town is surrounded by the beautiful San Juan Mountains, as you’ll most likely want to snap some photos in the middle of the streets. Trust me, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about once you get there!
As activities differ per season in Ouray, you’ll be in awe of the fall foliage all around town. And during your visit, consider trails like the Ouray Perimeter Trail, that outlines the city.
- Where to stay: Hot Springs Inn, Timber Ridge Lodge Ouray, Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs
- Food & Drinks: Thai Chili Restaurant, Ouray Brewery, Mi Mexico Family, Mojo’s Coffee Chai & Teas
4. Telluride
Busy during the fall and winter for their infamous ski resort, Telluride is known to be the most popular town in San Miguel County. One of the best times to visit Telluride is during the fall, attracting photographers snapping away photos of the San Juan Mountains and going on free gondola rides! Yes, there is a free gondola ride, linking Telluride to Mountain Village.
Gondola Hours of Operation (2026)
Daily from 6:30 AM to midnight
(Summer season ends October 25, 2026; the gondola reopens for winter on November 20. Source: Town of Mountain Village)
Note that if you’re planning on staying in Telluride for a couple of days, that it is pretty expensive. Telluride attracts some of the wealthiest people during the fall, golfing season, and winter. Did you know Telluride Ski Resort has been voted the #1 ski resort in North America multiple times by Condé Nast Traveler readers?
- Where to stay: Mountain Lodge Telluride, The Hotel Telluride
- Food & Drinks: Brown Dog Pizza, Smuggler-Union Brewery & Restaurant
5. Kebler Pass
Also known as Gunnison County Road 12, Kebler Pass runs about 30 miles between Crested Butte and State Highway 133 near Paonia. It’s home to one of the largest aspen groves in the U.S. Providing some of the best views of West Beckwith Mountain, this road is full of Colorado’s most scenic aspens and foliage. Kebler Pass is the destination to view leaf peeping colors, so don’t worry if you’re not ready for a strenuous outdoor adventure because you won’t need to hike anywhere to witness these gorgeous views.
In the summer, you’ll start seeing the wildflowers bloom, most likely making you not want to leave Colorado. These eye-candy, skittles-like landscapes are one of a kind that before you know it, you’ll have extended your Colorado stay for fall colors.
Before entering Kebler Pass, note that there aren’t any gas stations along the pass, so it’s important to fill up your gas tank prior to your arrival. I recommend filling up in Crested Butte if you’re coming from the east, or in Paonia if you’re coming from Highway 133. The road is gravel but passable for most cars when it’s dry, and it closes in the winter.
- Nearby town: Gunnison
- Where to stay: The Gunnison Inn at Dos Rios, Comfort Inn & Suites Gunnison, The Inn at Tomichi Village
- Food & Drinks: Butte Bagels, Sherpa Cafe
6. Ophir: Where to Find the Curved Aspen Trees
Ever seen twisty trees before? From all the aspen trees you’ll come across on your autumn drives, you’ll even find curved aspen trees in the San Juan Mountains, near Ophir. Most likely caused by an avalanche, these trees got their shapes when they were younger, creating their unique, curvy s-shapes.
Photographing these twisty, aspen trees have become extremely popular over the last few years that it’s been asked by the locals not to share the exact location. But if you’re on a mission to find these trees, I recommend doing some research the night before and spend a few hours the next day searching for them in broad daylight. These trees are truly one of a kind, as you’ll find singular ones laying around south of Telluride.
7. Crystal Mill
Known as one of Colorado’s most photographed destinations, visiting Crystal Mill while chasing fall foliage in Colorado is a must. During the fall, the mill is surrounded by vibrant aspens along with a small body of water right underneath it. The mill was built back in 1892 as a powerhouse for the Sheep Mountain Tunnel mine.
Update for 2026: The mill sits on private property near Marble, about 6 miles up County Road 3. In 2023, the owner closed the trail down to the water (where the old $10 entrance fee was collected) because of trash and trespassing. Now you view and photograph the mill from the road. Please respect the signs!
However, note that it’s not the easiest getting to the Crystal Mill. Unless you’re open to hiking around 10 miles, a 4×4 drive is needed. Ensure your safety as you’ll be driving through extremely rocky and dirt roads, gaining over 1,000 feet of elevation.
Unfortunately, there have been instances where people’s cars have fallen off the side of the road because they didn’t have the right car. Always consider safety first and be prepared for a bumpy drive!
But if you’re traveling solo and are uncomfortable driving to the Crystal Mill by yourself, there are guided Jeep tours you can find here.
- Nearby towns: Marble, Carbondale
- Food & Drinks: Slow Groovin BBQ (in Marble)
8. Aspen
Experiencing fall foliage in Aspen is a must, as you’ll be able to partake in activities, such as biking through scenic roads and riding a gondola up to Snowmass Mountain. (In 2026, the Aspen and Snowmass gondolas run weekends only from mid-September and close for the season on October 4.) The best time to experience peak foliage in Aspen is at end of September, as the colors of the aspen groves change quickly due to high elevation.
Downtown Aspen also has pockets of places to leaf peep, along with having a ton of trails and roads just miles outside the town, offering some of the best fall foliage in Colorado. To name a few, some outdoor activities include visiting: Maroon Bells, Castle Creek, Independence Pass. (Independence Pass usually closes for the winter in late October or early November, so check CDOT before you go.)
- Where to stay: Aspen Mountain Lodge, Mountain Chalet Aspen, Viceroy Snowmass
- Food & Drinks: White House Tavern, Betula Aspen, Matsuhisa
9. Maroon Bells
Located in the Elk Mountains, Maroon Bells are two peaks bordered between Pitkin and Gunnison County. These Peaks, Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak, are also fourteeners, located in the Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness. They’re serious, technical climbs, so unless you’re an experienced mountaineer, stick to the lake trails. You’ll be in awe of the foliage all throughout your hike!
Let alone fall, Maroon Bells is another one of Colorado’s most visited photographed destinations; so note that it will probably be extremely busy during your visit. Plan ahead of time because you will need to make reservations to enter the Maroon Bells Scenic Area via car or RFTA Shuttle.
For 2026, the shuttle is $16 per adult and $10 for kids 12 and under and seniors 65+ (it runs through October 18). If you’re planning on entering with your own vehicle, a parking reservation is $10/vehicle, but while the shuttle runs, cars can only drive in before 8:00 AM or after 5:00 PM. That’s perfect for sunrise! You can book both at Visit Maroon Bells.
If you want to spend a couple of days in Maroon Bells, note that there are 14 sites at the campground. And with the number of hikes available, dogs are also welcomed too, but they must be kept on a leash.
Maroon Bell Hikes: Maroon Lake Scenic Trail, Maroon Creek Trail, Crater Lake Trail
Maroon Bells Camping: Silver Bell Campground
- Nearby towns: Aspen, Snowmass Village
- Where to stay: Aspen Mountain Lodge, Mountain Chalet Aspen, Viceroy Snowmass
- Food & Drinks: High Alpine Restaurant
10. Rocky Mountain National Park
Discover some of the best fall colors at Rocky Mountain National Park‘s infamous lakes and scenic, autumn drives. Between the months of September and October, swing by the park to witness the beautiful aspen trees change into their vibrant yellows. You’ll also find shades of reds and orange trees, as the aspen trees make up most of the park’s fall colors.
Due to its popularity, timed entry reservations are needed to enter the park. In 2026, you need one for Bear Lake Road (where Dream Lake is) from 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM through October 19. For the rest of the park, you need one from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM through October 13. When we first got to Colorado, we had no idea that reservations were needed and were asked to turn our car around. So if you’re trying to make it in time for sunrise and couldn’t get a reservation in time, consider entering the park before reservation hours. Just don’t sleep in the parking lots, since overnight camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds and backcountry sites.
However, if you’re like me and drove 2 hours to the Rockies in hopes to catch sunrise and didn’t get a reservation in time, drive up to Trail Ridge Road. The drive is absolutely breathtaking as you’ll also get amazing views at the top. Plan B definitely wasn’t too bad of an option!
Once you’re in the park, you’ll understand why reservations are needed. We got to the Bear Lake parking lot (the trailhead for Dream Lake) before sunrise, and as we were leaving for the hike, the lot was full. And by the time we got to the lake, there were already lines of photographers with their tripods patiently waiting to snap their photos as the sun slowly rose behind the mountains.
Here is a list of lakes to see the best fall colors in Rocky Mountain National Park: Dream Lake, Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, Fern Lake, Odessa Lake, Sky Pond
- Nearby town: Estes Park
- Where to stay: Discovery Lodge, Rocky Mountain Hotel & Conference Center, Blue Door Inn
- Food & Drinks: Notchtop Bakery & Cafe, Big Horn Restaurant, The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern (only dinner)
11. Trail Ridge Road
Whether or not you were able to get into Rocky Mountain National Park, driving up Trail Ridge Road is a great alternative. It’s an extension of U.S. Highway 34 that crosses from Estes Park into the east of Grand Lake. Depending on snowfall, higher elevation and unsafe driving weather, the road is closed during the winter until early summer. (Trail Ridge Road is inside the park, so in 2026 you’ll need the park-wide reservation between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. At sunrise, you don’t.)
Trail Ridge Road offers an amazing, scenic autumn drive as you’ll be surrounded by bursts of red, orange and yellow color from the trees. Along the way, we pulled over to the Rainbow Curve Lookout as the sun was beginning to rise. It was nice to simply enjoy the views; and if you’re up for it, drive even further up the road to be 12,000 feet high in elevation.
- Nearby Town: Estes Park
- Where to stay: Discovery Lodge, Rocky Mountain Hotel & Conference Center, Blue Door Inn
- Food & Drinks: Notchtop Bakery & Cafe, Big Horn Restaurant, The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern (only dinner)
12. Last Dollar Road
Known as a Colorado hidden gem, driving up Last Dollar Road was by far my favorite autumn drive. Not only are the fall colors extremely scenic, but you’ll also find lone-mansions surrounded by colorful trees, leaving you wow’d by the time you get to the top.
Sitting in between Telluride and Ridgway, Last Dollar Road is about 13 miles of dirt road, starting near the Telluride Airport off CO 145, as there are two ways to get to the top. The Forest Service recommends a high-clearance 4×4, and Visit Telluride says you need one. Just hope that it doesn’t rain the night before because parts of the road can get impassable in the mud.
- Nearby towns: Telluride, Ridgway
- Where to stay: Mountain Lodge Telluride, The Hotel Telluride, MTN Lodge Ridgway
- Food & Drinks: Brown Dog Pizza, Smuggler-Union Brewery & Restaurant
Best Fall Drives in Colorado: A Suggested Loop Route
If you want to hit as many of these spots as possible in about a week, here’s a loop that follows the color as it moves from north to south. Drive times are rough and don’t include stops, so check Google Maps and COtrip for closures each day.
- Day 1: Denver to Estes Park (about 1.5 hours). Drive Trail Ridge Road after 2:00 PM, when you don’t need a reservation.
- Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park to Aspen (about 4.5 to 5 hours). Catch sunrise at Dream Lake (drive in before 5:00 AM or book a Bear Lake Road reservation), then drive over Independence Pass into Aspen.
- Day 3: Maroon Bells, Crystal Mill and Kebler Pass. Catch sunrise at the Maroon Bells with a parking reservation, then head to Marble for the Crystal Mill. Cross Kebler Pass to Crested Butte, and fill up on gas first!
- Day 4: Crested Butte to Ouray (about 3 hours). Drive via Gunnison and Montrose, and end the day in the hot springs.
- Day 5: Million Dollar Highway to Silverton, then Telluride. Drive the Million Dollar Highway to Silverton.
- For the full San Juan Skyway, continue through Durango and over Lizard Head Pass, past Ophir, into Telluride.
- For a shorter day, head back through Ouray and Ridgway to Telluride.
- Day 6: Telluride and Last Dollar Road. Ride the free gondola, then take Last Dollar Road (high-clearance only) to Ridgway. From there, fly home from Montrose or drive back to Denver.
Tips for Taking Colorado Fall Photos
- Wear bright colors and bring accessories. They pop against the foliage in fall portraits (see my packing list below).
- Go at sunrise. You’ll get softer light and beat the crowds at spots like Dream Lake and the Maroon Bells.
- Check the drone rules. Drones aren’t allowed in national parks like Rocky Mountain or in wilderness areas like the Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness.
- Pull over safely. Use pullouts, not the shoulder of a blind curve.
Looking for a travel camera? Here’s my Sony a6400 review.
Overall Fall Road Trip Experience
Whether you’re planning on chasing fall foliage in Colorado for a long weekend or for an entire week, get ready to be blown away from the vibrant aspens to some of the best colorful autumn drives. Remember that because fall doesn’t start at the same time each year, start checking the Fall Foliage Prediction Map in the beginning of September and try to be as flexible as you can during your visit.
From off-roading to get to the Crystal Mill to going on free gondola rides in Telluride, stay hydrated, download offline maps, be cautious of unexpected weather, and be wary of elevation change. And if your skin also reacts terribly to dry weather, bring tubes of lotion. Trust me, the last thing you want is for your skin to break out like mine did!
And while you’re pulling off to the side of the road to snap your photos away, always remember to be safe and enjoy your time chasing fall foliage in Colorful Colorado.
Clothing, Apparel + Accessories
In Colorado, you might find yourself wearing shorts one day but a puffy jacket the following day. The weather can be finicky, so you want to bring extra layers and prepare for cold weather.
Plus, if you’re looking to take fall portraits, it’s key to bring accessories and wear bright colors to pop with the foliage. Listed are recommended items of clothing to bring while chasing fall foliage in Colorado (and here are my minimalist packing tips):
This section contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Colorado Fall Foliage FAQ
When is fall in Colorado?
For leaf peeping, the fall season in Colorado runs from about mid-September to mid-October. In some areas, foliage can last up until the last week of October.
When do the aspens turn in Colorado?
The highest and most northern spots turn first, in early to mid-September. The color then works its way down and south through early October. Peak foliage in one spot typically lasts 1-1.5 weeks.
Where is the best place to see fall colors in Colorado?
My favorites are Silverton and the Million Dollar Highway, Last Dollar Road, Kebler Pass and the Maroon Bells. If you’re coming from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park and Trail Ridge Road are the closest.
Where can you see aspen trees in Colorado?
Kebler Pass has one of the largest aspen groves in the U.S. The San Juan Mountains, the Aspen area and Rocky Mountain National Park are also full of them.
Where are the curved aspen trees in Colorado?
They’re near Ophir, south of Telluride in the San Juan Mountains. Locals have asked people not to share the exact location, so plan to search in broad daylight.
Do you need reservations to see fall colors in Colorado?
For some spots, yes. Rocky Mountain National Park needs timed entry through mid-October, and the Maroon Bells need a shuttle or parking reservation.
Is there a Colorado fall foliage map?
Yes. Check the Fall Foliage Prediction Map, and the San Juan National Forest fall colors report for southwest Colorado.
What’s the weather like in Colorado in the fall?
Finicky! You might be in shorts one day and a puffy jacket the next, and the high passes can get snow as early as September. Bring extra layers.
Pin These When Planning on Chasing Fall Foliage in Colorado!
Other Places to Chase Fall Foliage in the U.S.
Looking to chase fall foliage in other parts of the US? Check out my Full 5-Day Fall Itinerary in New England after chasing foliage in Colorado!
Travel Guide: Fall in New England
What you can expect in this travel guide:
- Top recommended hikes with best views
- Exact itinerary + additional spots
- Exact coordinates on Google Maps
- 30 pages of detailed information
- Interactive packing list
- Recommended camera gear
- Hotel, restaurant + cafe recommendations
- …and so much more!
Leave a Reply