Did you know that fall is usually one of the best times to tour the Rockies?  and in Colorado peak time for fall foliage is usually from mid-September to mid-October. Due to a statewide drought this year we will be able to see fall colors in Colorado a little bit faster than usual. Yayyy!!! I cant be more excited, as this is my favorite time of the year. The colors are expected to peak a week or so ahead of schedule, which means you need to plan your trip to see the golden aspens around September 12th-24th.

I’ve put together a list with  Top 10  of ours favorite scenic drives and hikes for all your fall foliage viewing.

Drives: 

1. Kebler Pass about 33 mi drive  from Paonia to Crested Butte. 
2. Trail Ridge Road is in Rocky Mountain National Park. 
3. Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway this is a 55 mi route from Black Hawk to Boulder. 
4. Guanella Pass this 23mi route from I-70 to US 285, and we usually start at Georgetown, CO.
5. Grant Buffalo Pass starts in downtown Steamboat Springs.
6. Last Dollar Road in Telluride.
7. Boreas Pass about 22mi route that will start in Breckenridge, Colorado.
8. Independence Pass connects  Aspen and Twin Lakes.
9. Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs, Colorado. Hint: you can also stop at the Crystal Creek Reservoir and Devil’s Playground for some extra exploration along your scenic drive.
10. Bachelor Loop this  is a 17-mile drive through the historic mining district above Creede, Colorado

Hikes:

1.  Maroon Bells are the most photographed peaks in Colorado, especcily during fall season. Hint: this year reservation is required. Click Here to check shuttle bus reservations or you can get parking permits here.
2. Golden Gate Canyon State Park, has multiple hiking trails for fall color peeking. Our favorites are: Panorama Point Scenic Overlook, Racoon trail and  Burro Trail to Windy Peak . Since it’s a state park there is a fee to enter.  
3. Cathedral Lake Trail is 5.6 miles RT in Aspen, Colorado. This hike is extremely popular so plan on arriving early.
4. Fern Lake Trail is a 9 mile RT in RMNP. Pls remember reservation is required ot enter the park Click Here. But if you enter the park before 6am or after 5pm then NO RESERVATION NEEDED.
5. Devil’s Head Lookout Trail to Fire Tower is a 2.5 mile RT trail located near Larkspur, Colorado ! CLOSED this year! 
6. Lost Lake via Hessie Trail is a 4.4 mile heavily trafficked RT trail located near Nederland, Colorado
7. Rifle Falls – Rifle, Colorado. This is our favorite spot.
8. Ptarmigan Lake is a 6 mile RT trail located west of Buena Vista, CO on the road to Cottonwood Pass
9. Chicago Lakes Trail is a 11.3 mile RT trail located near Georgetown, Colorado
10. Upper Piney River Falls Trail is a 5.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Vail, Colorado

 

Happy Hiking! Follow us on Instagram, as we will be sharing some other gorgeous fall hikes in Colorado.

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