A scenic fall drive in Colorado is all about the journey through the golden aspen leaves shimmering on the hillsides, mountains powdered with snow, reflective lakes, and picturesque towns on the way. The state of Colorado has about 26 scenic byways and mountain passes and with the arrival of fall colors, the whole state just sparkles (https://www.codot.gov/travel/scenic-byways ).
I had the opportunity to visit Colorado twice both times in the fall season, and it was one of the best road trips that we did. So all being said, these are my 7 best picks for an unforgettable fall foliage road trip throughout the state. The best time to visit, I would say mid to end of September, as colors are at their peak.
1. Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
This scenic stretch of 55 miles will entice you with its grand mountain views, historic sites, small towns, and plenty of places to stop to admire the beauty of nature. The area is filled with aspen trees dazzling with a quilt of gold, yellow, and orange. In addition to the high mountain scenery, there are beautiful lakes along the way that are worth the stop.
Moreover, this scenic byway is also an alternative route to Rockey Mountain National Park(RMNP), and sure it’s a long and time-consuming route but believe me, you won’t regret it.
On the way to RMNP, we also had a quick stop at Long Peak and Lily Lake. The Lake itself is majestic, what caught our eye was a trail near the parking lot just opposite the main road. Beautiful aspen trees all over the place, you can take a short walk and photograph the aspens.
2.Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park(RMNP)
Estes Park is quite a charming town and also the base for RMNP with plenty of food, lodging, and shopping options. There is a river walk along the Big Thomson River and Fall River that winds through the heart of Estes Park downtown. Rocky Mountain National Park can be explored all year round but fall colors make this park more vibrant and enjoyable.
Bear Lake Road is a scenic fall drive in RMNP. There is also a free shuttle service to this road. This is a high-traffic area during peak fall time and on weekends with limited parking space at various hikes along this route. The road to Bear Lake is gorgeous with yellow, orange, and red fall colors. There are various hikes from easy to difficult ones. At the end of the road, there is a round loop hike to Bear Lake with a few aspen trees around the Lake.
As you finish your hike around Bear Lake, you will come to the trailhead for Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes. If you like to hike and don’t mind the elevation gain, they are worth the trip. All three lakes are evergreen lakes so they are not classic aspen locations, but they are still worth the hike. There are some nice aspen views along the trail to the lakes. Another easy and gorgeous hike is Alberta Falls, the trail is full of colorful aspen groves.
3. Guanella Pass Scenic Byway
Guanella Pass is mesmerizing, the pass winding roads begin at Georgetown and the first bend high above it gives a great view of Georgetown and its lake. Continue on and you will not be disappointed as there are plenty of stops to make to capture the beauty of small lakes and valleys wrapped up in golden aspen trees all over the mountains at lower elevations.
At the peak in the road, 11,670 feet, you can see the several mountains around you over 14,000 feet. Parking and restrooms are available at the summit. Continue on and you’ll drive along CO 285 South from Grant to reach Kenosha Pass also known as Colorado Trails.
4. Kenosha Pass
If you are a hiker, camper, or photographer, this is your paradise. This pass has unending trails on both sides of the highway. There are millions of colorful strands of aspens around and the hikes are easy with not much elevation gain. Hike at your own pace and see the stunning strands of golden leaves everywhere. Parking spaces and restrooms are available.
5. Independence Pass
Originally known as Hunter Pass, it is at an elevation of 12,095 ft. The pass is midway between Aspen and Twin Lakes and is usually open in summer and fall. It is one of the best fall drives in Colorado as it glows with golden aspen at lower elevations and snow-covered mountains at the peak. It also has excellent views of Mount Elbert, the highest peak in Colorado.
6. Maroon Bells in Aspen
A crystal clear lake with two giant snow-striped mountain tops, named Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak magnifies its beauty. Maroon Bells are the most picturesque landscape and probably the most photographed Icon. However, there is restricted access to Maroon Bells and parking is limited in the area.
During summer and fall seasons, before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m., you can drive all the way to Maroon Lake for a $10 vehicle fee, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. mid-June through early October, you can park your car by paying parking fees and take a bus. Bus tickets are available for purchase at the base of the Aspen Highland Ski Area at Four Mountain Sports Shop. The brochure and hiking information are available at the kiosk.
Usually, there are frequent buses running up and down and it’s a 20-minute interesting bus ride with a little of history along the ride plus the gorgeous colorful aspen trees all the way to Maroon Bells. We took the bus as we had only a few hours but you can easily spend a day as there are many hiking and photo opportunities in the area.
7. San Juan Skyway & Million Dollar Highway
San Juan Skyway (Durango-Silverton-Ouray) is a 126-mile stretch of total bliss amidst the mountains. From Durango get on to US 550 North to Silverton and you will travel to Coal Bank Pass and Molas Pass. Stop at the summit of Molas Pass for a spectacular view of the surrounding San Juan mountains, after that, you descent to the town of Silverton. Silverton is a small town, known for its rich mining history which can be seen from its historic old buildings.
From Silverton, continue on US 550 North to Ouray. This stretch of 25 miles from Silverton to Ouray is known as the ” Million Dollar Highway”. While there is no known history behind the name of this Highway, the most certainly would be because of the million-dollar views that you can experience.
In conclusion, here are my best picks for leaf-peepers visiting Colorado in the Fall and seeking the best fall drives. Have you been to Colorado in the Fall? Do share your fall foliage story with us.
