Yellow aspens, crunchy leaves, brisk hikes, scenic drives. Fall is finally here.
After a few years of early fall color changes in Colorado, the trees are turning at a more normal pace this season — and that time is now.
RELATED: Hallelujah, Colorado: The big fall color-change is finally here.
We asked Denver Post readers where they saw the best fall colors last year. And they were generous enough to share their favorite spots with us. So here are five places where you can see some spectacularly vibrant views.
Burning Bear Trail
Want to explore the colors on foot? Laurie Dolian recommends a hike called Burning Bear Trail off of Guanella Pass Road near Grant. Guanella Pass is a popular spot for hikers during the peak of fall colors due to the aspen groves, so go early and be prepared to see others on the trail.
This trail is a 7.5 mile out-and-back that is rated easy by AllTrails. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
French Gulch
Denver Post reader Ellen Mackey captured some great photos from of the colors at the French Gulch near Breckenridge last year. The trees turned a bright orange color in the area in 2021.
Cottonwood Pass scenic drive
Mackey also recommends the Cottonwood Pass drive from Buena Vista to Altmont. The elevation rises above 12,000 feet on the pass, crossing over the Continental Divide. There are numerous hiking trails available at various points throughout the drive for those that want to explore on foot.
Maroon Creek
Denver Post reader John W. Thomas recommended several spots: Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride; Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton; and Maroon Creek between Maroon Bells and Aspen. The latter gives you a valley view that is flooded with vibrant colors.
The Maroon Creek Trail is a 6.9-mile out-and-back hike with 1,161 of elevation gain that is rated as moderate by AllTrails. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
Gunnison County Road 730
Drive north of Gunnison, over Ohio Creek Pass, and into Crested Butte to see groves of yellow aspens. Jeff Sloan, of Pueblo West, recommends the drive because “you get great views of the trees and leaves from a distance, and then actually drive through the aspen groves before and after the pass summit.”
MORE FALL COLORS
We are no stranger to scenic drives. Sometimes you just want to put on some jams and stay in the car while you marvel at the sights. Here’s our list of the best drives to see colorful Colorado.
Want even less work but the same payoff? Try out one of these train trips that allow you to see the yellow, orange and red hues without driving up a mountain pass.
If you’re looking for a weekend leaf peeping trip, there are plenty of small mountain towns that we’d suggest to get the most out of your getaway without being crowded by tourists.
And if you’d rather do it on foot, we’ve rounded up our 20 best hikes to see fall colors just for you.
