When the cool, crisp air of fall hits, the mountains of Colorado call. Colorado Fall Colors are spectacular to view but there's a few things you should know before you head on out to see them in all their glory. These orange, red, yellow, explosions of color you can see all around the Colorado Rockies are shouted out from the gorgeous Aspen Trees. Read on to learn more about how you can make the most of the time you and and see all the best of Colorado's Fall Colors.
This was a beautiful morning in front of Mount Wilson as the sky exploded with color. The aspen forest filled with multiple falls colors made this entire scene come together! This would make a perfect image for your home or office.
Check out 'Wilson Vibes' in Joe Garza's full collection of Colorado Fall Colors!
Best Time to View
The changes in the colors from green to shades of gold, orange, and red can happen almost overnight. The color changes when the leaves stop photosynthesis which fades the green chlorophyll and allows you to see all the other colors that have been hidden until this time.
Colorado's peak colors start about September 15th for the northern Colorado mountains and for the southern mountains peak will hit about the first week of October.
A magical moment in the San Juan mountains in Colorado. Autumn is a incredible time in this area. The changing of multiple colors from the aspen trees fill the forest with color and beauty. In this scene was one of those amazing moments.
Best Drives to See Colorado Fall Colors
The best way to see the most fall colors is to hit the road. Drives all over Colorado will bring you to spectacular sites. Here's a few of the best and some of my favorites.
Trail Ridge Road
In northern Colorado, Trail Ridge Road winds through Rocky Mountain National Park for about 48 miles. You'll gain about 4,000 feet in a matter of minutes and notice the views and the temperature change rapidly. Definitely a ride to enjoy in many ways.
This is the grand view of the San Juan mountain range with Mount Sneffels in view. One of the most beautiful landscape views I have seen with fall colors. Colorado has many gems but this view takes the cake with Mount Sneffels. Mount Sneffels is the highest summit of the Sneffels Range in the Rocky Mountains of North America. I hiked this 14er as part of my training for my Mount Everest trip. This image is for sale and is a stunning image for your home or office.
Independence Pass
In Central Colorado check out Independence Pass. This 36 mile route is near camping and will take you up to 12,095 feet. Cutting near Aspen means a must stop at Maroon Bells. Maroon Bells are two peaks in the Elk Mountains with an elevation of 14,163 feet.
Other drives in Central Colorado include Kebler Pass and the Grand Mesa Byway.
Maroon Bells in Aspen Colorado under a full moon peeking thru the clouds made a very dramatic setting on this night. The fall colors reflected in maroon lake under the moon with passing clouds. The light reminded me of high beams from a car. This will be a night I won't forget. If you love Colorado and the Aspen area this is a must for your home or office.
Highway of Legends
In southern Colorado you don't want to miss the Highway of Legends. Take Highway 12 to LaVeta where you can a ride on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, and land in Alamosa. Nothing to do but sit back on the train and catch colors you wouldn't be able to see by car!
Last Dollar Road
This narrow, bumpy dirt road is the perfect road for the adventurer. Last Dollar Road runs between Telluride and Ridgeway. Don't miss the Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgeway. There's plenty of camping on this drive so no worries about finding a place to park for the night, if needed.
Check out Joe Garza's full collection of Colorado Fall Colors!
The famous swurvy curvy aspen trees are very special because it showcases a unique aspen grove located on the Uncompahgre National Forest. The locals say these trees are bent and twisted because of avalanches and snowfall over the years.
Million Dollar Highway
For the ultimate Fall Color Drive in Colorado, you take the 236 mile drive on the San Juan Skyway that winds through Durango, Delores, Telluride, Ridgeway, Ouray, and Silverton. It's a spectacular drive through the San Juan Mountains that's well worth it if you have the time. If you don't have time for the whole drive, just hit the Million Dollar Highway for the absolute best views of Colorado's Fall Colors. This climbs up Coal Bank Pass, Molas Pass, and Red Mountain Pass and most of this road has no guardrails, shoulders so take your bubble gum and caffeine to make sure you stay awake and alert!
One of the most stunning fall color scenes I have ever seen. This mixture of aspen, pine trees and more stopped me in my tracks when I saw it. Colorado has some of my stunning fall color landscape I have ever seen. Obstacle Course is a must for any fall color lover.
Of course, you can always enjoy the stunning colors of Colorado's fall colors from your home by putting one of Joe Garza's amazing images up in your home or business!
Don't miss Joe Garza's full collection of Colorado Fall Colors!
