Temperatures are dropping throughout the Centennial State, which means beautiful autumn leaves are soon to follow. Entire meadows, hillsides, and mountains will transform into yellow, gold, and orange. We’ve compiled some of the top routes for drives and hikes, so you can enjoy the natural beauty that our state offers during the fall.
Denver
Colorado’s Front Range has beautiful options for driving or hiking to take in the autumn colors without venturing too far from the city, including a drive on the Lariat Loop Scenic Byway. This 40-mile route treks through the towns of Evergreen, Golden, and Morrison while offering views of Denver and surrounding foothills and mountains. With ample restaurants, coffee shops, and iconic landmarks such as Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre along the way, this is an ideal way to enjoy the scenery without venturing too far from the city.
Boulder
The Flatirons Vista Scenic Drive is an ideal option for lovely views close to Boulder, by enjoying a route from Highway 93 to Highway 128 to the Boulder Turnpike. Enjoy the majestic Flatirons from a unique perspective as well as rolling hills and meadows, all framed by golden aspens.
Chautauqua Park, located on the southwestern edge of Boulder, offers a myriad of hikes that are easily accessed. The Royal Arch Trail is a 3.4-mile out-and-back trail that begins near the ranger cottage at the Chautauqua Park Trailhead, with a landscape that ranges from meadows to forest to the namesake rock formation, all while taking in views of golden leaves and the nearby Flatirons.
Colorado Springs
Located just 5 miles from downtown Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center offers lovely scenery with red rock outcroppings and the added beauty of changing leaves during autumn months. If you prefer to see the sight from the comfort of a vehicle, local outfitters offer guided tours via Jeep or trolley on an hourly basis, or you can drive through the Park at your own pace.
In neighboring Manitou Springs, the extremely challenging Manitou Incline offers hikers stunning views after ascending 2,744 steps and 2,000 vertical feet. This strenuous hike is accessible from 6:00am-6:00pm daily, and reservations are required. Hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of surrounding hills from the top, and a 3-mile descent via Barr Trail. Note that this is a very strenuous hike and should only be attempted by hikers in excellent condition.
Crested Butte
As many seasoned leaf peepers know, Crested Butte is one of Colorado’s top destinations for foliage. Kebler Pass, which is the unpaved route between Paonia to Crested Butte, allows you to travel through one of the largest aspen groves in the world, resulting in spectacular views. This road closes after the first significant snowfall each fall, so make sure to enjoy the drive during mild fall weather.
Hikers can soak up the majestic colors on the storied West Maroon Trail which is part of the expansive Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, connecting Crested Butte to Aspen via a hiking trail for hikers who are in search of a challenging backcountry journey. Make sure to check trail and weather conditions before beginning this challenging hike.
Evergreen & Foothills
In the Foothills community of Evergreen, Echo Lake Loop Drive offers a
peaceful drive on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Morning hours typically provide still waters, making the views of the leaves reflected in the lake and photographs even more stunning.
Hikers can lace up their boots for a moderately challenging route on Maxwell Falls Lower Trail, and the result is a waterfall framed by vibrant foliage. Leashed dogs are allowed on this 4.1-mile trail which winds through the Arapaho National Forest.
Grand County
For a gorgeous drive in Grand County, venture north of Winter Park on County Road 80, also called Corona Pass Road. This route offers a dazzling display of aspens on both sides of the highway that hang over the road in many locations. This drive continues to the top of the Continental Divide and Rollins Pass for unforgettable views
Adams Falls Trail provides hikers with the photo opportunity of a waterfall in addition to the golden leaves. It’s a relatively easy hike of less than a mile and only about 100 feet of elevation gain. Note that dogs are not allowed on this route, so leave the four-legged friends at home.
Summit County
The Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway winds 55 miles through some of the highest mountain passes in Colorado. Between mid-to-late September and early October, drivers can marvel at the yellows, oranges, and reds of leaves against the contrast of snow-dusted mountains.
For a moderate hike, the 3.3-mile, out-and-back route at Lily Pad Lake Trail provides lovely lake views set against a background of golden leaves, easily accessed from the towns of Silverthorne and Frisco.
Vail Valley
With towering peaks and aspen-lined roads, the Vail Valley has a plethora of drives to enjoy autumn colors. Interstate 70 climbs up Vail Pass from Summit County heading westbound, making it a wonderful route to enjoy the aspens framing the road. Further down Vail Pass approaching the eastern edge of Vail, Booth Falls Trail serves up quaking aspens along the hike and a spectacular waterfall to round out a day in the mountains.
Telluride
In southwestern Colorado, the San Juan Scenic and Historic Skyway is a gorgeous drive that stretches 236 miles through Telluride, Durango, Silverton, and Ouray. For a shorter journey, drive the section near the historic mining town of Telluride and enjoy vibrant colors along with Victorian homes and buildings. A great option for hiking is Bear Creek Falls Trail, where you can savor views of a show-stopping waterfall along with the vibrant foliage.
Regardless of where you choose to explore this autumn, Colorado offers a bevy of beautiful locales for driving or hiking through the fall foliage.