Ahh, Fall – the time of year when you get to hear leaves crunching under your feet, and the beautiful sound of a breeze passing through golden aspens as the leaves flutter. There is only a short window of time when you can see peak fall colors in various locations across Colorado, so I have highlighted some of my favorite locations with information on the best time to go for optimal viewing. Whether you are looking for a hike or scenic drive, there is something on this list for you. Happy exploring! 

Como Boreas Pass
Breckenridge

Boreas Pass (pronounced Bore-ays) offers a stunning scenic drive through patches of aspens with a mixture of high-alpine views. You will also come across the historic mining town of Como. This road could be passable by a low clearance 2-wheel drive, but there are rough sections and I would recommend a vehicle with decent clearance. The entirety of the road is unpaved, but it is a mild dirt road. Boreas Pass is accessed from Breckenridge and ends near Fairplay. If you are driving back to Denver, you can double the fun by taking Hwy 285 and see Kenosha pass on the way. You will want to stop the car at several points to take in the views – give yourself plenty of time to drive through!

Peak viewing time: Late September (18th – 29th)
Distance: 22 miles (by car) one-way
Elevation: 10,306′ – 11,488′ (11,499′ max elevation)
Elevation gain: +1,142
Dogs: On leash

 

Kenosha Pass
Fairplay

I know this is a very popular one – but it’s for a good reason! Aspens paint almost all of the ground you can see in yellow, green and red foliage. This area draws large crowds, but most only get out of their cars to take a few pictures, and then leave. If you are a hiker, this is great news. Most people do not begin hiking along the Colorado Trail. The Colorado Trail is a 500-mile trail from Denver to Durango, and the portion off of Kenosha Pass is one of the most traveled segments. You will find the trail on both sides of 285 and can make your hike as short or as long as you like. The trail has a minimal elevation gain and is mostly flat for the first 5 miles in both directions. You will see the best views along the trail – including some lookout points where you can see the surrounding peaks.

Peak viewing time: Late September (18th – 29th)
Distance: As many miles as you like
Elevation: The beginning of the trail and Kenosha Pass is 10,000′
Elevation gain: varies based on direction, but under 500′ the first few miles of the trail both ways
Dogs: On leash

 

St. Mary’s Falls Hike
Colorado Springs

I have continuously come back to hike this trail in the fall. This place has it all: a trail right along a river, underneath aspens, with areas that open up with a view, and a large waterfall at the end to top it off. This hike becomes more challenging the further you go, but the entire trip is well worth the effort. Get ready to sweat a bit on this one, and be prepared with a jacket for chillier temps near the waterfalls and plenty of water for yourself. I typically do not see many other hikers past the first 2 miles of this trail. The trailhead is at the intersection of High Drive and Gold Camp Road, just above Helen Hunt Falls. The hike begins at an old iron gate blocking off the upper portion of Gold Camp road to vehicles. You will walk along this flat trail all the way to an old tunnel that is blocked off. Continue to the left side and start your ascent up above the tunnel to stay on the trail.

Peak viewing time: Late September – Early October (September 24th – October 7th)
Distance: 6.3 miles
Elevation: 7,500’ – 8,800′
Elevation gain: +1,535
Dogs: On leash

 

Lily Pad Lake Hike
Dillon/Silverthorne

If you are looking for a nice stroll with fall scenery, this is the best pick. This easy hike will walk you through a forest with cascading aspens, and lead you to two lakes with lily pads covering almost the entirety of the waters. The trail is quite flat and easy to follow. If you are seeking a longer hike, you can continue past the lakes on the Meadow Creek Trail for about 2 ½ miles to areas with open views of Dillon Reservoir and other peaks. If you have some time definitely include this portion of the trail! There are several openings that overlook the Dillon Reservoir and Ten-Mile range, and the Aspen forests seem to be denser in color. It is where I have captured some of my favorite fall foliage photos.

Peak viewing time: Mid/Late September (18th – 29th)
Distance: 3.2 miles
Elevation: 9,824′ – 9,928′ (10,009′ max elevation)
Elevation gain: +104 net elevation gain (+409 total roundtrip elevation gain)
Dogs: On leash

 

Mohawk Lakes Hike
Breckenridge

Mohawk Lakes is one of my favorite hikes any time of the year – but in the fall you will find a blue lake with surrounding yellow bushes, shrubbery, and strolls through aspen-laced forests in the beginning half of the hike. This is a great option if you are looking for a day hike within close proximity to Denver (approx. 1 ½ hours). If you want to dive all the way to the trailhead, you will need a 4×4 higher-clearance vehicle for a mild dirt road. Otherwise, you can park 2 miles from the trailhead. There are two lakes you will find – the first is Lower Mohawk Lake at 2.9 miles, and then you can continue on another 0.5 miles to the Upper Mohawk Lake. The short distance between the lakes is the most challenging part of the hike – but also the most rewarding! Upper Mohawk Lake is above treeline so you won’t see as many colors at the 2nd lake – but trust me – the extra effort is well worth it.

Peak viewing time: Mid/Late September (18th – 29th)
Distance: 6.7 miles round-trip (both lakes)
Elevation: 10,390’ – 12,073’
Elevation gain: +1,683 net elevation gain (+1,810 total roundtrip elevation gain)
Dogs: On leash

 

Maroon Bells
Aspen

This spot is THE epitome of fall in Colorado. It’s a popular spot, so plan on going early in the morning to beat the large amounts of crowds! There is a $5 vehicle fee on weekdays and a $10 fee per vehicle on weekends to enter the park. You can park very close to Maroon Lake – this will give you an overlook of two 14ers (Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak – this is referred to as “The Bells”) you may recognize as one of the most heavily photographed areas in the state. If you have some time to hike to Crater Lake, you can take the easily marked trail through aspen forests to a stunning high alpine lake that will give you an even better view of The Bells. This trail is 3.6 miles round trip and well worth the effort.

Peak viewing time: Late September (September 22nd – October 3rd)
Distance: 3.6 miles round-trip (no mileage if only seeing Maroon lake)
Elevation: 9,580′ – 10,076′
Elevation gain: +496′ net elevation gain (+705′ total roundtrip elevation gain)
Dogs: Allowed at Maroon Lake on a 6 ft. leash, and allowed on trails, but not allowed at Crater Lake unless you are “ just passing through”.

 

Fish Creek Falls National Recreation Area
Steamboat Springs

Fish Creek Falls is a stunning 280 ft. waterfall located in Fish Creek Falls National Recreation Area. You can walk ¼ mile to the base of the falls from a parking area, and complete a short walking loop (less than ½ mile) that overlooks the falls above this trail. The base of the falls will give you a great view of the waterfall, and the short overlook will show you more of the surrounding peaks and you will see forests dusted in golden yellow. If you are looking for more adventure, you can also hike along the trail past the bridge at the base of the falls 2.5 miles to a second waterfall, and 5 miles to Long Lake (one way). I have not made it past the 2nd falls, but this hike is stunning as it wanders through the forest with lots of aspens and colors along the way. There is a $5 fee per car (unless you have a National Parks Pass) to enter the Recreation Area.

Peak viewing time: Early September (15th – 25th)
Distance: ¼ mile – 10 miles (depending on which trails you choose!)
Elevation: 7,440’ at parking area, 9,850’ at Long Lake
Elevation gain: +2,410’ if hiking to Long Lake
Dogs: On-Leash