Where and When to See Colorado Fall Foliage
Leaves are shimmering like sequins as a gentle breeze passes among a grove of Aspens changing from vibrant greens to golden yellows, fiery oranges, and deep reds. The rainbow hues contrast the deep evergreens and mountain landscape spanning the horizon. ‘Tis the season for a Colorado fall foliage road trip.
Based on recent weather patterns, spectacular fall foliage is expected throughout the state this year. And the best way to enjoy the striking scenery is with comfort by traveling in an Escape Camper Van! With many leaf-peeping destinations within a one to five-hour drive of Escape Camper Vans Denver pick-up location, it’s time to hop on the road and start exploring!
2024 Colorado Fall Foliage Prediction Map
Season: Mid-September – Early October
Distance from Denver: 3.5 hours
As if its name doesn’t say enough, Aspen, Colorado is known for its abundance of Aspen trees making it an exceptional spot to enjoy the Colorado fall foliage. From the Maroon Bells to Independence Pass there is plenty to explore and the town of Aspen itself is known for its luxury shopping and world-class dining sitting among the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
Best Places to Enjoy Fall Foliage near Aspen
The Maroon Bells are two of the most iconic Colorado Rocky Mountain peaks located in the Elk Mountains. Rising above 14,000 feet tall, the Maroon Bells offer a striking background for the changing Aspen trees at lower elevations.
Enjoy the fall foliage from Maroon Bells Scenic Area with reflections in Maroon Lake. Or hike up to Crater Lake. It’s a 3.5-mile out-and-back trail offering stunning views as you wind through the Aspen grove.
**Parking at Maroon Bells Scenic Area is limited. From May 15 to October 31 you must reserve a parking permit or shuttle in advance. Parking and shuttle information can be found online.
A 40-minute drive from downtown Aspen is Independence Pass rising 12,095 feet on the Continental Divide. Along the drive, you’ll pass through dense forests of evergreens and Aspens which are especially striking to enjoy in the fall.
Nearby Attractions
From chic boutiques to high-end restaurants there is plenty to explore as you stroll the Victorian building-lined streets of downtown Aspen. Explore contemporary art at the Aspen Art Museum, relax at a park, attend a live music event, or enjoy a performance at the historic Wheeler Opera House, built in 1889.
The Silver Queen Gondola takes you to the summit of Aspen Mountain. The ride up takes about 15 minutes and brings you to 11,212 feet. As you rise you’ll look down on the valley filled with colorful leaves. The Silver Queen Gondola is only open on weekends in September and closes for the season in October.
Camping near Aspen
Located just outside Aspen, Colorado in White River National Forest is the 47-site Difficult Campground along Highway 82. Difficult Campground sits close to many hiking trails and fishing sites. It has water, trash cans, and vault toilets.
Weller Campground is an 11-site campground, first-come, first-served forest service campground near Aspen, Colorado. It has vault toilets, picnic tables, fire grates, trash bins, and seasonal potable water. Sites are limited to a 5-day stay and are claimed quickly so arrive early for a chance to snag a spot.
Lost Man Campground is another first-come, first-serve campground about 30 minutes from Aspen. It’s less popular than Difficult and Weller Campground. Sitting at 10,500 feet above sea level it’s much colder at Lost Man Campground even during the summer. The 10 campsites and vault toilets.
2. Estes Park / Rocky Mountain National Park
Season: Mid-September – Early October
Distance from Denver: 1.5 hours
Estes Park is a lively town and the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. With the high Rocky Mountain peaks, dense forests, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife you won’t be disappointed enjoying the Colorado fall foliage here. And it’s only a short drive from Denver!
Best Places to Enjoy Fall Foliage in Estes Park & Rock Mountain National Park
Trail Ridge Road is a 48-mile drive along US Highway 34 from Estes Park through Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s one of the best ways to see the area’s majestic mountains, vast landscapes, and flora and fauna. It’s also the perfect spot to take in sites of the stunning gold Aspens as the leaves change throughout the fall.
Also starting from Estes Park but ending in Black Hawk is the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway along the Continental Divide. It’s another spot to enjoy the bountiful Aspens in colors of gold, yellow, orange, and brown. The road is 55 miles long and takes about 80 minutes to drive, but surely you’ll spend longer taking it all in!
Explore along Bear Lake Road for wonderful sites of autumn leaves. The Bear Lake area is one of the most stunning Colorado fall foliage sites in Rocky Mountain National Park. A 9.2-mile paved road gains over 1,000 feet as it climbs high into the alpine up to Bear Lake. From there hop on a hiking trail up to a pristine alpine lake.
Timed entry permits in Rocky Mountain National Park and Bear Lake Road are required in advance.
Nearby Attractions & Events
Elk Fest is a free family-friendly festival the last weekend in September right in Estes Park. The festival celebrates the resident elk population. Enjoy live music, performances, vendors, food trucks, and more! And with a backdrop lined with fall foliage, what more could you want?!
The Stanley Hotel is a historic hotel built in 1909. Today it’s known as one of the most haunted hotels in the US and it’s the inspiration of Stephen King’s novel and film The Shining. Join a tour to learn more about the unique history and paranormal activity of the hotel.
Camping in Estes Park / Rocky Mountain National Park
Aspenglen Campground is a 52-site campground on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park just past the Fall River entrance. It’s open year-round by reservation only. Aspenglen Campground has flushing toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, and potable water seasonally.
Timber Creek Campground is located on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The 98-site campground is open year-round and has flushing toilets, picnic tables, fire grates, and seasonal potable water.
Hermit Park Open Space is a Larimer County Campground located just outside Estes Park. Reservations are highly recommended during the busy season from March 1 to October 31. Any unclaimed spots are first-come, first-served. Sites have drinking water, toilets, and access to many hiking trails.
3. San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway
Season: Mid-September – Mid-October
Distance from Denver: 5.5 hours
The San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway is a 236-mile loop through some of the most scenic mountains of Southwest Colorado. While it’s possible to spend 6 – 7 hours driving the loop, give yourself a few days to explore the many highlights along this route which offers spectacular sites for Colorado fall foliage.
The higher passes will see the fall foliage change earlier such as late September while lower elevations along the route will likely see fall colors into mid-October.
Best Stops Along San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway
The Million Dollar Highway is a scenic stretch along the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. Spanning 25 miles from Ouray to Silverton the route is known for its winding turns, steep grades, avalanche risk in the winter, and very few guardrails to provide comfort.
Red Mountain Pass, the highest point along this stretch, reaches over 11,000 feet. It’s a scenic spot where you’re sure to enjoy the fall leaves.
The Telluride Mountain Village Gondola is a spectacular way to enjoy the Colorado fall foliage sweeping the landscape. The 12-minute ride up the gondola is free and provides nice access to many popular hiking and mountain biking trails.
The gondola is open until October 20th when it closes until the winter ski season begins in late November.
San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway Camping
There are a variety of established forest service and BLM campgrounds located along the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway and if you do your research you’ll find plenty of dispersed camping areas too!
Located right next to the town of Ouray, Amphitheater Campground is the perfect spot to spend the night with easy access to hiking trails and close proximity to downtown. The 35-site campground is open from late May to early October. It has vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and fire grates.
Target Tree Campground is a 28-site campground between Durango and Mancos, Colorado, right along the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. The campground is open from May to September and reservations are required through mid-September. Target Tree Campground has potable water, vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire grates.
Mary E Campground is a first-come, first-served 20-site campground about 15 minutes from Telluride. Sites have fire rings and a picnic table. There are portable toilets but no drinking water. The campground is open seasonally from early July to early October depending on the weather.
Caddis Flats is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campground located along the scenic byway near Placerville. It’s a small campground with three developed sites and a few parking areas. Caddis Flats is a basic campground with a pit toilet but no drinking water.
4. Breckenridge
Season: Early – Late September
Distance from Denver: 1.5 hours
Most people know Breckenridge as an iconic ski destination but it offers much more than that. The vibrant town comes to life, especially in the fall. The city is known for its outdoor recreation including hiking and cycling and for its lively events downtown. It’s the perfect destination to hang out this fall and enjoy some Colorado fall foliage.
Best Places to Enjoy Fall Foliage near Breckenridge
Boreas Pass is another high mountain pass presenting wonderful sites of the Colorado fall foliage. Just a 30-minute drive from Breckenridge and reaching almost 11,500 feet in elevation you’ll pass through the dense Aspen groves shimmering bright on your way up.
Avoid the windy drive up to Boreas Pass and hop on the free city bus to the top of the pass where hiking and mountain biking trails begin.
If the name itself doesn’t give it away, Aspen Alley is a striking spot to enjoy the golden-colored Aspens during leaf-peeping season. Aspen Alley offers a moderate 2.6-mile out-and-back hike with a 530-foot elevation gain. This trail is popular for hiking, running, and mountain biking.
The B&B Mine Trail off French Gulch Road is a beautiful spot to enjoy the Colorado fall colors. A 2.6-mile loop trail winds you through an evergreen and Aspen forest. The trail gains just under 400 feet and is rated easy.
Nearby Attractions & Events
Breckenridge hosts a variety of fall festivals and events ranging from Oktoberfest and Dia de Los Muertos Celebrations to a film festival and bluegrass music. The city comes to life in the fall so check online to see what events are happening when you’re around.
Shop, dine, sip local beer, or stand up paddle board right in downtown Breckenridge. This beautiful mountain town can’t be missed when passing through the area.
5. Cañon City
Season: Late September – Late October
Distance from Denver: 2 hours
If you’re a bit late to fall foliage exploring then head south to Cañon City. Located at lower elevations, the leaf-peeping season lasts until late October here and the area offers a variety to enjoy from scenic drives to outdoor activities.
Best Places to Enjoy Fall Foliage near Aspen
Gold Belt Tour Scenic & Historic Byway
The Gold Belt Tour is a National Scenic Byway that traces the historic route traveled between Cripple Creek and Victor Mining District. It was one of the largest gold rushes in history and follows rock canyons and rolling mountains offering plenty of opportunities to see the expansive forest as the leaves change.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is a stunning geological site located near Colorado Springs, about an hour from Cañon City. It’s home to many hiking trails taking visitors through jagged orange sandstone rocks rising high above the landscape. The area is surrounded by dense forest that only becomes more magical as the Colorado fall foliage begins to change.
Nearby Attractions
Royal Gorge
Although the Royal Gorge is not covered in trees it’s still well worth a visit when in Cañon City. There are many ways to explore this beautiful site from walking the suspension bridge and rafting on the Arkansas River to via ferrata and zip-lining. It’s a perfect family-friendly road trip destination.
Camping near Cañon City
Sand Gulch Campground is a 31-site BLM campground about 14 miles north of Cañon City. It’s open year-round. It’s a popular spot for rock climbers and hikers and it’s located close to the Royal Gorge. The campground has fire rings, picnic tables, and toilets.
Bank Campground is located just north of San Gulch Campground. It has 33 sites with fire pits and picnic tables. There are toilets but no drinking water. The Bank Campground offers dramatic vistas and easy access to hiking trails and rock climbing.
The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) spans for 152 miles along Highways 24, 50, and 285. Along the highways are many AHRA campgrounds. Camp in designated spots by booking reservations up to six months in advance.
Primitive camping is popular along the Arkansas River. You must carry your own fire container and portable toilet to pack out human waste.
Colorado Fall Foliage Travel Tips
Before you hit the road here are a few tips to help your Colorado fall foliage Escape Camper Van trip run smoothly.
-
- Crowds: Many visitors from across the state, and even country, travel to Colorado to enjoy the shimmering gold Aspen trees. Plan for limited parking. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to visit these hot spots during the weekdays.
- Campground Reservations: Campgrounds book up early, especially on weekends. Many campsites allow reservations as early as 6 months out. Book your sites as early as possible.
- Follow the weather: The optimal time to see the colorful leaves is based on short-term weather trends. Many factors including wind, rain, cold snaps, and elevation can affect the fall foliage in Colorado. Check park and town websites for up-to-date information about the best opportunities to see the fall colors.
- Parking: Be careful where you park. Always park in legal parking spaces. Don’t stop on the side of the road around dangerous turns. It’s tempting to take photos but safety is most important!
- Check Road Conditions: Some popular Colorado leaf-peeping destinations require 4×4 vehicles which are not suitable for Escape Campervans. All the roads listed here are suitable but if you’re interested in other places research road conditions before you head out.
Why Rent an Escape Campervan to Enjoy the Colorado Fall Foliage?
An Escape Campervan is the perfect way to enjoy leaf-peeping season in Colorado. With so many places within a few hours’ drive from Escape Camper Van’s Denver location, why not travel in comfort and style in a cozy van this fall?! Also, with reduced rates from summer, you’re sure to find a great deal on a campervan to explore the wonders of Colorado while in full color!
Share the Post:
Related Posts
