25 Colorado Views That’ll Leave You in Awe This Fall

One of my favorite things about fall in Western Colorado is the feeling you get when you guess right and drive the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway during peak fall color week.

The time of year has arrived for weekend drives to enjoy autumn in Colorado. Need a little inspiration to get out and enjoy it? We've got a few photos that might help.

25 Must-See Colorado Landscapes For Fall Leaf Lovers

Colorado doesn’t just do fall—it goes all out. Picture whole mountainsides glowing gold, winding highways lined with fiery color, and towns that feel straight out of a postcard. Let’s dive into the can’t-miss spots for leaf-peeping this season.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

What Shapes Fall Color in Colorado?

Getty Images/ mdesigner125

Colorado’s fall colors cascade from the Northwest corner of the state (Dinosaur) to the southeast corner (Trinidad) from early September to late October. Elevation often determines the timing of the change, while temperature and precipitation influence the intensity of the color.

The type of trees in your area will also decide what kinds of colors you get. Aspen trees usually own the scenery in Colorado with their brilliant yellow. Gambel oak trees and maple trees give us the orange and red colors that show up each fall, and the cottonwoods bring it all together by sharing their golden leaves all the way down to the river corridor.

Top Fall Color Destinations & Scenic Drives

Fall colors are on display now in Colorado, and for the next few weeks, the scenery will be unforgettable. Check out a few fun suggestions for fall color exploration below:
Guanella Pass: Front Range. Mid-September to Early October.
Kebler Pass: West Elk Mountains. Late-September to Early October.
Kenosha Pass: Front Range. Travel West on CO 285 to Kenosha Pass.
Maroon Valley: Elk Mountains. Southwest of Aspen. Permits required.
RMNP: Never Summer Mountains. Try Bierstadt Lake Loop or Alberta Falls.
Grand Mesa Byway: Enjoy Hwy 65 from Mesa to Cedaredge in September.
Million Dollar Highway: San Juan Mountains. Try an October ride from Ouray to Silverton.
Independence Pass: Elk Mountains. The drive from Aspen to Twin Lakes before the pass closes is breathtaking.