Best Leaf Peeping In Colorado

I don’t know about all of you, but fall is my favorite time of the year. The cozy sweaters, nights by the fire, everything pumpkin, and best of all, the leaves changing colors. I know there are many beautiful places to see the changing leaves, but I think Colorado is the best place (maybe I’m biased). The pretty yellows and oranges of the leaves mixed with the golden brown tall grass all backed by snow capped peaks. I mean how can you beat that??

I definitely haven’t been to every place in Colorado where the leaves are beautiful, but I have been to a good handful. So here are my favorite places to leaf peep.

1. Million Dollar Highway

On highway 550 from Durango to Silverton.

Highway 550, also known as The Million Dollar Highway, runs from northern New Mexico all the way through southern Colorado. The part we will be focusing on is just a 70 mile stretch from Durango to Ouray. The highway gets its name from the dramatic views and drop offs along this road, which are in fact priceless. It is also said the name could come from the gold rich ground the highway was paved on. There are so many places along this highway to stop and take pictures, and trust me you will want to. Along this road you will see almost entire mountainsides covered in yellow in orange. Also keep an eye out for wildlife; you might get lucky and see a moose! Although every year is just a little bit different, I would say the best time to see optimal color would be the last couple weeks in September or the first week of October.

2. Ouray

On an off road looking back down the valley toward Ouray.

If you have never been to Ouray I highly recommend it. It is nicknamed the “Switzerland of America,” and for good reason. There are so many dramatic rock faces and steep cliffs, so it kind of does look like the Alps. As far as the little town that is nestled in the valley goes, it feels like you just entered a love story in a Hallmark movie. From town you are definitely able to see some colorful aspen, but I recommend venturing out. There are many offroads in Ouray that can be accessed if you have 4-wheel drive or a side-by-side. If you don’t have either of these vehicles there are a few companies in Ouray that do rent Jeeps and side-by-sides. Depending on what month you are going you might benefit from calling first because some of the companies close for the season. If you aren’t wanting to off road, there is still plenty of color to be seen. There are whole mountainsides that turn shades of yellow and orange that can be seen from simply driving around. The best time to go to see the most color is around the last week of September and the first week of October.

3. Rocky Mountain National Park

Bierstadt Lake trail.

Rocky Mountain National Park is beautiful in every season, but it really likes to show off during the fall. There are several places to leaf peep on both the east and west side of the Park, but I’m focusing on the east side. It was very hard to narrow down to just three places in the Park, but these are truly unmatched. Because of the elevation and how far north the Park is, the best time of year to go would be the last two weeks of September. Sometimes you can get lucky and still see a good amount of color in October, but it’s more rare.

Bierstadt Lake

On the way back down to the Bierstadt Trail Head.

Bierstadt Lake is a very scenic and mild trail. I would recommend starting from the Bear Lake Trail Head because it will mostly be downhill. The distance from Bear Lake to Bierstadt Lake is an easy 2 miles. The trail is mostly in the trees, so it doesn’t provide fantastic views, but it’s great for seeing the changing aspen. Once at Bierstadt Lake, take the trail down to the Bierstadt Trail Head for another easy 1.3 miles all downhill. This is where you will see the spectacular views of aspen peppered throughout the mountains in the distance. This hike comes to a grand total of 3.3 miles round trip and a negative elevation gain. Once you are back to the Trail Head you can take the shuttle to the Bear Lake Trail Head or back to the Shuttle Parking, depending on where you parked in the beginning.

Endo Valley

Endo Valley Road.

Endo Valley is one of my favorite places in Rocky Mountain National Park, and the fall is the peak time to see it. There is a large waterfall called the Alluvial Fan, a lazy winding stream, and so many elk. There are plenty of picnic tables to sit at and enjoy the view, or you could just walk along the road to appreciate all of the changing trees. Since there is a large meadow area elk love to hang out here while they are in rut. Towards the peak of their rut (usually mid-late September) you could witness some quality bull fights. In my opinion, this is a must see. There is truly something for the whole family in this area of the Park.

Bear Lake

Bear Lake

Bear Lake is an iconic place in Rocky Mountain National Park for a reason. Besides the many different trails that can be reached from here, Bear Lake also offers incredible views. The loop trail around Bear Lake is just over half a mile, but there are a couple areas I would recommend climbing up to get better views of the aspen. When starting the trail toward the right, there is a section full of large boulders and tons of aspen (you can’t miss it). If you climb up the boulders you will be completely immersed in the changing colors. The views also get better the higher you get, win win. It also offers you some space away from the rest of the people. Bear Lake is always very busy, but it gets extra busy during this time of the year.

Climbed up above Bear Lake into the aspen (as mentioned above).

4. Guanella Pass

Waterfall along Guanella Pass.

Guanella Pass is located about an hour outside of Denver. Just hop on I-70 West and take the exit headed to Georgetown. Once you have reached the cute, quaint town of Georgetown, there will be signs directing you to Guanella Pass. The winding road has many hairpin turns causing you to climb elevation quickly. The road is only 12 miles from Georgetown to the summit, which sits at 11,669 feet. In those 12 miles you will see a waterfall, a couple different lakes, and many wonderful views. Along the road are several pull offs and places where you are able to climb around. I would suggest going around the last week of September and the first week of October. The season for aspen trees can be so short, and it can be easy to miss.

I hope these recommendations help you this fall season as you go leaf peeping. Colorado is such a gorgeous state, and their are endless places to visit. If you have any other recommendations of places to go to see the changing leaves, please let me know in the comments below. Also, if you have questions about fall in Colorado or anything else, feel free to comment.

-The Mings