Fall Colors Near Denver: 11 Of The Best Spots Recommended By A Local

Colorado’s fall foliage is a spectacular sight which draws many to the state. 

Aspens are the star of the show here, which grow in large clusters and turn bright yellow during fall. 

I’ve lived in Denver most of my life, and love seeing the fall colors each year. 

Wondering where to see the best fall colors near Denver? It will require a bit of a drive, but there are some great options not too far away.

Everything on this list is located within two hours of Denver. 

Read on for the best fall colors near Denver!

When Are Peak Fall Colors In Colorado?

Most of Colorado sees peak colors mid to late September or very early October. Weather will affect when the leaves turn, as well as location. 

Different mountain regions turn at different times, and we’re able to easily access a few of those regions from Denver.

The local news stations are usually a great resource for fall color predictions by region. 

Check out this year’s peak color predictions at Fall Foliage Prediction Map Colorado.

How Long Do Fall Colors Last In Colorado?

If conditions are unfavorable, it’s possible for the leaves to fall seemingly as quick as they turn. An early storm or heavy wind can easily wipe out the fall colors. 

During these years, it’ll require some luck to see fall colors in peak. However, other years the leaves hold on much longer, sometimes even for weeks.

Weather In The Mountains During Fall

Below is just a quick note regarding weather before we get into the best places to see fall colors near Denver.

Be sure to check weather forecasts before heading out, the mountains are often about 10° – 20° cooler than Denver. Snow is possible at this time of year, especially at high elevations.

Those interested in driving the mountain passes listed below, know these will close during inclement weather. 

Keep an eye on CDOT for up to date road conditions.

Best Places To See Fall Colors Near Denver

Guanella Pass

Distance from Denver: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Guanella Pass is one of the most famous spots for fall colors near Denver.

The pass has great views of yellow aspen trees from late September into early October. The scenic byway is paved, and for the most part, easy to drive. It stretches for about 22 miles, connecting the towns of Georgetown and Grant, and offers ample opportunities to pull over and take in the views.

This pass is a great way to enjoy the fall colors from the comfort of your car.

Since this is one of the most loved spots for fall foliage near Denver, it can get very crowded. Watch for the no parking signs otherwise you’ll be returning to Denver with a ticket, or worse – your car is towed!

If possible, plan to drive this on a week day. If the weekend is your only option, arrive very early. 

Georgetown Loop Railroad

Distance from Denver: 55 minutes

The Georgetown Loop Railroad is a historic and scenic railway offering a unique and charming experience during the fall season. 

The historic narrow-gauge railroad is known for its stunning views, especially when the aspen trees turn. The scenic railroad is short, only 4.5 miles, so the ride requires just 1 hour, 15 minutes.

I recommend booking one of their early time slots for fewer crowds, check pricing and availability at Georgetown Loop Railroad.

Tip: Argentine Central Railroad Grade near Silver Plume is a great hiking trail which roughly follows the train. This allows you similar views, but from a trail instead. 

If you’re up for a longer drive, the Leadville Railroad is also a fantastic option in fall. The 2.5 hour route cuts directly through an aspen grove. Leadville is about 2 hours from Denver.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Distance from Denver: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Rocky Mountain National Park is another much-loved fall destination near Denver. The park’s ample aspens display bright pops of yellow against the dark green pines. 

Plan to hike Sprague Lake or go for a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road or Old Fall River Road.

Just remember, the park’s higher elevations do not have deciduous trees, you’re best sticking to lower elevations.

In addition to great fall foliage, you’ll also be visiting during the elk rut. This is a very popular time of year in RMNP and Estes Park. The season is characterized by large congregations of elk, the sounds of their bugling, and male bulls fighting (literally) for the females. 

Head over to Fall In Rocky Mountain National Park: Things To Do for lots more information.

Staunton State Park

Distance from Denver: 50 minutes

Staunton State Park is a wonderful place to experience the beauty of fall near Denver.

It’s a great option for those seeking hiking trails with fall colors, thanks to the park’s network of trails which are perfect for exploring the fall foliage up close.

Maxwell Falls Trail is always a popular hike come fall.

Kenosha Pass 

Distance from Denver: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Kenosha Pass is a much-loved mountain pass well known for its fall colors. The area’s large aspen groves make this a prime destination for leaf peeping. 

Best of all, fall colors are visible from the road, which is great for those who wish to enjoy the aspens from the car. 

Additionally, you can opt for the Kenosha Pass hike. This trek follows a portion of the famed Colorado Trail, and offers fall colors right up close.

About 1 mile from the trailhead is a beautiful aspen grove, a majority of visitors will stop here. If able, I encourage you to go a bit further. There are more aspen groves along this trail, each less crowded than the first.

This is probably my favorite spot for fall foliage near Denver, and many consider this one of the best hikes for fall colors near Denver.

Like all spots on this list, weekends get quite crowded.

Cripple Creek

Distance from Denver: 2 hours, 5 minutes

Cripple Creek, southwest of Colorado Springs, is surrounded by aspens which put on quite the show in late September.

The area has lovely scenic drives and hiking trails. Not to mention, a rich mining history with several historic mining sites worth exploring. They also have a historic railroad, casinos, and charming downtown area.

This is a wonderful day trip from Denver during fall, not only is it a great place for fall colors but it’s also a fun town to explore.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Distance from Denver: 45 minutes

Just a short drive from Denver is Golden Gate Canyon State Park.

The park has vibrant displays of autumn colors, which brings in many happy leaf peepers each fall. The park offers scenic drives as well as a miles of hiking trails. Raccoon Trail and Horseshoe Trail are among the most popular hikes for fall colors.

Thanks to the park’s close proximity to Denver metro, expect large crowds here.

While visiting the state park, consider stopping by the city of Golden, there’s many great shops and restaurants in their downtown area.

Devil’s Head Lookout Tower

Distance from Denver: 1 hour, 20 minutes

One of my favorite fall hikes near Denver is Devil’s Head Lookout Tower in Pike National Forest.

The 2.7 mile trail passes through a beautiful aspen grove early on — which will be bright yellow if you time it right. The trail eventually ends at historic Devil’s Lookout, one of the few remaining fire lookout towers in Colorado. The lookout is open when staffed. 

Those who are able to go up will enjoy spectacular, 360-degree views of Pike National Forest and the Colorado Front Range.

Don’t be fooled by the hike’s short distance, there is an 800+ foot elevation change, and the trail is rated moderate.

Like most fall attractions near Denver, this will be crowded. Plan to arrive early to ensure parking.

Vail, Colorado

Distance from Denver: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Vail, Colorado is gorgeous in fall. The popular ski town is nestled into a valley surrounded by aspen groves, so the fall colors here are excellent. 

While here, go for a hike, take the scenic gondola ride, or bike the Gore Creek Path, no matter, you’re sure to have spectacular views.

There’s also lots of great shopping, dining, and cultural attractions to enjoy in between leaf peeping.

For more, check out the Top Things To Do In Vail In Fall.

Peak To Peak Highway

Distance from Denver: 1+ hour

Peak to Peak Highway takes you through some of the state’s most scenic landscapes and offers great views of fall foliage.

The highway runs for 55 miles between Black Hawk and Estes Park, following the Continental Divide.

Along the way, it offers many scenic overlooks, and passes through charming towns.

Several historic areas, including Nederland, Allenspark, and Central City, have great fall colors and make for a fun stop along the drive.

Mestaa’Ėhehe Pass (Squaw Pass)

Distance from Denver: 45 minutes

Mestaa’Ėhehe Pass (formerly Squaw Pass) has long been a popular drive for fall colors near Denver. 

The pass winds through Arapaho National Forest and the Mount Blue Sky Wilderness Area, connecting Evergreen and Idaho Springs.

Along the 30 mile drive, you’ll pass by aspen groves which turn bright yellow in fall.

Thanks to its close proximity to Denver, Mestaa’Ėhehe Pass can get quite crowded. This is another spot that’s great to hit during the week, or very early if visiting over the weekend. 

More Spots To See Fall Foliage In Colorado

If you’ve got a few days, there are some really excellent spots in Colorado to see fall colors.

These destinations are quite a distance from Denver, requiring a road trip. So you’ll need a few days to explore these fall foliage sites.

Some of the best fall foliage in Colorado include:

• Crested Butte & Kebler Pass
• Grand Mesa Byway – Mesa to Cedaredge
• Independence Pass – Twin Lakes to Aspen
• Maroon Bells – Aspen 
• City of Aspen
• City of Telluride
• Cottonwood Pass – Buena Vista to Almont (near Crested Butte)
• Cañon City & Gold Belt Tour
• Steamboat Springs & Buffalo Pass
• Buena Vista & St. Elmo Ghost Town
• Crystal Mill

Fall Foliage In Downtown Denver

Looking for fall foliage in the city?

While Denver doesn’t have the wow fall colors you’ll find in New England and the Midwest, the fall colors here are still pretty good.

Keep in mind, leaves will change later in Denver than the mountains. Expect peak fall colors around mid to late October.

Some of the best spots to see fall colors downtown are:

• City Park
• Washington Park 
• Cheeseman Park
• Capitol Hill
• Denver Botanic Gardens
• Cherry Creek Trail

Nearby Boulder also has some fantastic in-city fall colors, which usually peak early to mid October.

Colorado’s fall colors always put on a good show, and as you can see, there are lots of great spots to see the fall foliage near Denver. I hope you’ve found this helpful in planning your trip, and have the best time!

Any questions or additional ideas? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media.

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Denver and Colorado guides.