Colorado is a state of stunning landscapes, diverse climates, and a mix of urban and rural experiences. Fall is one of the best times to visit, as the state transforms into a breathtaking canvas of vibrant colors. If you’re planning a trip, here are 15+ must-see places in Colorado this fall, each offering something unique and memorable.
1. Aspen
Aspen is synonymous with fall foliage in Colorado. The town, famous for its ski resorts, transforms into a vibrant display of yellow, orange, and red as the aspen trees that give the town its name reach their peak colors. The Maroon Bells, two towering peaks in the Elk Mountains, are a must-see. The reflection of these peaks in Maroon Lake, surrounded by golden aspens, is one of the most photographed scenes in the state. Hiking trails like the Crater Lake Trail offer stunning views and a chance to immerse yourself in nature’s autumn display.
2. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is a quintessential fall destination. The park’s expansive wilderness offers breathtaking views of the changing colors across its diverse landscapes. Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest paved roads in North America, provides a stunning scenic drive with views of vast alpine tundra and vibrant valleys below. Hiking in the Bear Lake area, especially to Dream Lake or Emerald Lake, allows you to see the golden aspens against the backdrop of the towering Rockies. Don’t miss the elk rut season, where you can witness and hear the eerie bugling calls of elk.
3. Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park is a unique place to visit in the fall. The cooler weather makes exploring the massive dunes more comfortable, and the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains are ablaze with fall colors. The contrast between the golden aspens and the sandy dunes creates an unusual and beautiful landscape. Medano Creek may have a small flow in the fall, offering a chance to cool your feet after a day of sandboarding or hiking. The park is also an International Dark Sky Park, making it a perfect spot for stargazing.
4. Telluride
Telluride is a small mountain town with a big reputation for beauty, especially in the fall. The town is surrounded by steep, forested mountainsides that turn golden as the aspens change. The Telluride Gondola offers a free ride with panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains and the vibrant fall foliage. Hiking the Bear Creek Trail or driving the Last Dollar Road will immerse you in the fall colors. The town itself is charming, with historic buildings, boutique shops, and cozy restaurants, making it a perfect fall getaway.
5. Crested Butte
Crested Butte is often called the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” but it’s equally stunning in the fall. The town is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains that burst into color as the aspen trees turn. Kebler Pass, a scenic drive just outside of town, is home to one of the largest aspen groves in North America and is a must-see in the fall. The hike to Judd Falls offers breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys ablaze with fall colors. The town itself has a laid-back, welcoming vibe with plenty of dining and shopping options.
6. Durango and the San Juan Skyway
Durango is the starting point for one of the most scenic drives in Colorado, the San Juan Skyway. This 236-mile loop takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the state, including the historic mining towns of Silverton and Ouray, and the high-altitude scenery of the Million Dollar Highway. In the fall, the route is lined with golden aspens and offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains. Durango itself is a lively town with a rich history, and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers a scenic train ride through the fall foliage.
7. Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is known for its hot springs and ski slopes, but it’s also a fantastic fall destination. The surrounding mountains and valleys are covered in aspen trees that turn vibrant shades of yellow and orange. Fish Creek Falls is a popular hiking spot with stunning views of the falls surrounded by fall colors. The Yampa River Core Trail offers a scenic walk or bike ride through the heart of town, with views of the river and the changing leaves. After a day of exploring, relax in one of the town’s famous hot springs.
8. Breckenridge
Breckenridge is a charming mountain town that comes alive in the fall. The town’s historic buildings are surrounded by mountains covered in golden aspens. The Boreas Pass Road is a popular scenic drive that offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding mountains. The hike to Mohawk Lakes is another must-do, with stunning views of alpine lakes and fall foliage. Breckenridge is also known for its lively events, such as the Breckenridge Oktoberfest, which celebrates the season with beer, food, and live music.
9. Buena Vista and Cottonwood Pass
Buena Vista, located in the Arkansas River Valley, is a gateway to some of Colorado’s most beautiful fall landscapes. The town is surrounded by the Collegiate Peaks, a group of towering 14,000-foot mountains that are especially stunning in the fall. Cottonwood Pass, which connects Buena Vista to Crested Butte, is a scenic drive that offers breathtaking views of the fall colors. The hike to Ptarmigan Lake is a popular choice for those looking to explore the area on foot. After a day of hiking, soak in the natural hot springs at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort.
10. Vail
Vail is famous for its world-class ski resorts, but it’s also a spectacular place to visit in the fall. The town is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains covered in aspens that turn brilliant shades of yellow and gold. The Vail Scenic Gondola offers panoramic views of the fall foliage, and the Booth Falls Trail is a popular hike that takes you through aspen groves to a stunning waterfall. The town itself is modeled after a European village, with cobblestone streets, high-end shops, and gourmet restaurants, making it a perfect spot for a fall vacation.
11. Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs is known for its hot springs, but it’s also a great fall destination. The town is located at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers, surrounded by mountains that turn vibrant shades of orange and yellow in the fall. The Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park offers thrilling rides and cave tours with stunning views of the fall colors. The Hanging Lake Trail is a must-do hike that takes you to a stunning turquoise lake surrounded by golden aspens. After a day of exploring, relax in the town’s famous hot springs.
12. Gunnison
Gunnison is a small town with big natural beauty, especially in the fall. The town is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and forests that come alive with color in the fall. The Ohio Pass, a scenic drive just outside of town, offers stunning views of the West Elk Mountains and the vibrant fall foliage. The Hartman Rocks Recreation Area is a popular spot for mountain biking and hiking, with trails that wind through a landscape of colorful rock formations and golden aspens. The Gunnison River is also a great spot for fishing and rafting in the fall.
13. Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park offers a unique fall experience, with its ancient cliff dwellings set against a backdrop of colorful fall foliage. The park is home to some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan ruins in the country, including the famous Cliff Palace. The park’s higher elevation means cooler temperatures and vibrant fall colors, making it a great time to explore the many hiking trails that wind through the park. The Far View Lodge, located within the park, offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the changing leaves.
14. Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park in Cañon City is a spectacular place to visit that’s distinct from the more commonly known spots. This attraction features one of the highest suspension bridges in the world, spanning the breathtaking Royal Gorge over the Arkansas River. The park offers a variety of activities, including an aerial gondola ride with stunning views, a thrilling zip line, and scenic overlooks. In the fall, the surrounding landscape transforms with autumn colors, making it a picturesque destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
15. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a dramatic landscape that is even more stunning in the fall. The park is known for its steep, narrow canyon walls that drop dramatically to the Gunnison River below. The contrast between the dark canyon walls and the vibrant fall colors is breathtaking. The South Rim Drive offers several overlooks with stunning views of the canyon and the fall foliage. The hike to the bottom of the canyon is challenging but offers a unique perspective on this incredible landscape.
16. Golden
Golden is a small town with a big history, located just west of Denver. The town is surrounded by mountains that turn golden in the fall, making it a perfect spot for leaf-peeping. The Lariat Loop Scenic Byway offers a beautiful drive with views of the fall foliage and historic sites like Buffalo Bill’s Grave. The Clear Creek Trail, which runs through the heart of town, is a great place for a leisurely walk or bike ride with views of the changing leaves. Golden is also home to the Coors Brewery, where you can take a tour and sample some beer after a day of exploring.