Whether you’re chasing the colors on a scenic byway, hiking through national parks, or strolling in mountain towns, fall is one of the best times to explore the Centennial State.
Here are 16 of the best places to visit in Colorado this fall that promise breathtaking views, cozy vibes, and unforgettable adventures.
Table of Contents
Fall Hotspots for Nature Lovers
Aspen – The Crown Jewel of Fall in Colorado
When it comes to fall in Colorado, Aspen is the name everyone knows.
The town is surrounded by endless groves of quaking aspens that turn into a sea of gold.
Add in chic boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafes, and you get the perfect mix of nature and luxury.
- Nearby Attractions: Snowmass and Ashcroft ghost town.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Aspen Center for Environmental Studies nature programs.
- Suggested Trip Duration: 2–3 days.
Pro Tip: Take a stroll around the John Denver Sanctuary — a peaceful park in town.
Maroon Bells – Colorado’s Most Photographed Peaks
The Maroon Bells are arguably the most photographed mountains in North America, and once you see them in fall, you’ll know why.
- Nearby Attractions: Castle Creek Road and Ashcroft ghost town.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Easy lake loop hikes suitable for kids.
- Suggested Trip Duration: Half-day to one full day.
Crested Butte – Wildflowers Turned Golden Slopes
Known as the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” Crested Butte transforms into a golden paradise in the fall.
The town is charming with its colorful Victorian buildings, while the surrounding trails offer jaw-dropping views of aspen-covered hillsides.
- Nearby Attractions: Gunnison and Kebler Pass.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum and easy town trails.
- Suggested Trip Duration: 2–3 days.
Don’t Miss: Kebler Pass near Crested Butte (more on this later) — it’s home to one of the largest aspen groves in the world.
Telluride – Gondola Rides Above a Sea of Gold
In fall, this box canyon town is framed by rugged peaks glowing in shades of yellow and orange.
The free gondola ride that connects Telluride to Mountain Village is one of the best ways to see the fall colors from above.
- Nearby Attractions: Mountain Village and Ridgway.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Scenic gondola rides and kid-friendly hikes.
- Local Events: Telluride Horror Show Film Festival in October.
- Suggested Trip Duration: 2–3 days.
Pro Tip: Time your visit with Telluride’s fall festivals for a unique cultural experience alongside the scenery.
Scenic Drives & Byways
Kebler Pass – An Ocean of Aspens
If you want to see the biggest display of aspens in the state, Kebler Pass is your go-to.
Stretching between Crested Butte and Paonia, this drive offers rolling hills blanketed in trees as far as the eye can see.
- Nearby Attractions: Paonia wineries and Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Scenic roadside picnics.
- Local Events: Harvest festivals in Paonia during fall.
- Suggested Trip Duration: Half-day to full day.
Insider Tip: Go in late September for peak colors, but check road conditions since parts of the pass are unpaved.
San Juan Skyway – The Legendary Million Dollar Highway
The San Juan Skyway loops through some of Colorado’s most dramatic landscapes.
The stretch between Ouray and Silverton, famously called the Million Dollar Highway.
- Nearby Attractions: Durango, Mesa Verde National Park.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Train rides on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
- Local Events: Durango Autumn Arts Festival.
- Suggested Trip Duration: 2–3 days to explore fully.
Pro Tip: Stop in small towns like Durango and Ridgway along the way.
Guanella Pass – High-Altitude Foliage Adventure
Just an hour from Denver, Guanella Pass is a quick escape into alpine beauty.
The winding road climbs above 11,000 feet, with sweeping views of valleys and snow-dusted peaks.
- Nearby Attractions: Georgetown and Mount Bierstadt.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Short hikes near the pass, roadside picnics.
- Local Events: Oktoberfest celebrations in Georgetown.
- Suggested Trip Duration: Half-day.
Trail Ridge Road – Above the Clouds in Rocky Mountain NP
As the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park takes you quite literally above the clouds.
- Nearby Attractions: Estes Park and Grand Lake.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Wildlife viewing and easy alpine overlooks.
- Suggested Trip Duration: Full day.
Insider Tip: Start early, as the road often closes by mid-October due to snow.
Independence Pass – Connecting Aspen and Twin Lakes
At over 12,000 feet, Independence Pass is not for the faint of heart — but the views are unforgettable.
This twisting road connects Aspen to Twin Lakes and offers sweeping panoramas of mountains blanketed in color.
- Nearby Attractions: Twin Lakes and Leadville.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Short trails and picnic stops.
- Suggested Trip Duration: Half-day.
Pro Tip: Visit in early fall before snow makes the drive risky. The overlook at the summit is a must-stop.
Kenosha Pass – A Photographer’s Dream
Kenosha Pass is a favorite among photographers and leaf-peepers alike.
- Nearby Attractions: South Park City Museum in Fairplay.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Short loop trails perfect for kids.
- Suggested Trip Duration: Half-day.
Buffalo Pass – Off-the-Beaten-Path Beauty
If you’re looking for a quieter spot, Buffalo Pass near Steamboat Springs delivers.
The unpaved road leads to high-country meadows and aspen groves without the heavy crowds.
- Nearby Attractions: Steamboat Springs hot springs.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Nature walks and easy roadside stops.
- Suggested Trip Duration: Half-day.
National & State Parks
Rocky Mountain National Park – Wildlife and Colors Everywhere
Fall is one of the best times to visit Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Nearby Attractions: Estes Park and Grand Lake.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Junior Ranger programs and easy lakeside hikes.
- Suggested Trip Duration: 2–3 days to explore different sections.
Pro Tip: Head to Moraine Park in the early morning for both wildlife sightings and stunning fall scenery.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park – Close to Denver, Big on Colors
Only 45 minutes from Denver, Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a local favorite for fall hikes.
Its aspen groves and overlooks like Panorama Point offer sweeping views of the Rockies bathed in autumn colors.
- Nearby Attractions: Boulder and Nederland.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Picnic areas and kid-friendly trails.
- Suggested Trip Duration: Half-day to full day.
Mountain Towns & Hidden Charms
Ouray – The Switzerland of America
Nestled in a narrow valley and surrounded by towering peaks, Ouray feels like a storybook town.
In fall, waterfalls, hot springs, and golden mountainsides combine for a picture-perfect getaway.
- Nearby Attractions: Ridgway and Silverton.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Ouray Hot Springs Pool and Box Canyon Falls.
- Suggested Trip Duration: 2–3 days.
Pro Tip: Take a dip in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool while surrounded by fall foliage.
Grand Lake – A Lakeside Autumn Escape
Grand Lake is the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and a peaceful place to soak in the season.
- Nearby Attractions: Shadow Mountain Lake and RMNP west entrance.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Lakeside picnics, boat rentals.
- Suggested Trip Duration: 1–2 days.
Vail – Alpine Elegance in Fall
Vail is famous for skiing, but in autumn it transforms into a festival hub.
Oktoberfest celebrations, farmers’ markets, and scenic hikes make this luxury town a fall favorite.
The Bavarian-style village paired with mountainsides feels almost European.
- Nearby Attractions: Minturn and Beaver Creek.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Nature hikes, family festivals, and Vail Nature Center.
- Suggested Trip Duration: 2–3 days.
Insider Tip: Try the Berry Picker Trail for one of the most beautiful hikes right from Vail Village.
Final Thoughts
From legendary drives like the San Juan Skyway to cozy alpine towns like Ouray, every corner of the state offers something unique.
Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a week-long road trip, these 16 spots will make you fall in love with Colorado all over again.
Read More: 20 Exciting Things to Do in Colorado in October
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