The best places (and times) to see Fall colors in our beautiful State
We are once again about to witness the arrival of Fall through the spectacular changing of colors in our deciduous trees, with the glorious aspens leading the way from their high elevation mountainsides.
Colors are expected to begin turning earlier this year, so it's good to remember that as elevation increases, trees' leaves rapidly transform and don't hold their vibrancy for long.
Generally speaking, elevations about 8,500 feet see changes beginning now (mid-September), descending from there over the course of three to four weeks, ending in the Front Range communities.
Optimal time to visit the mountains for spectacular Fall color this year will be now through late September/early October.
Colors are expected to begin turning earlier this year, so it's good to remember that as elevation increases, trees' leaves rapidly transform and don't hold their vibrancy for long.
Generally speaking, elevations about 8,500 feet see changes beginning now (mid-September), descending from there over the course of three to four weeks, ending in the Front Range communities.
Optimal time to visit the mountains for spectacular Fall color this year will be now through late September/early October.
- RMNP, Steamboat, Summit County: 915 - 9/29
- Kenosha Pass, Georgetown: 9/18 - 9/26
- Vail, Aspen, Crested Butte, Breckenridge: 9/22 - 10/4
- Telluride, Ouray, Ridgway: 9/29 - 10/3
- Durange, Pagosa Springs: 10/6 - 10/20
- Denver, Colorado Springs: 10/13 - 10/27
- Fruita, Grand Junction: 10/20 - 11/3
The Explore Fall website has an excellent map showing Colorado Fall foliage for 2025 with a color report and a peak timing report. Click here to see the map.