Don’t Miss Out On Peak Colorado Fall Colors! Ultimate Guide to When + Where to See Fall Colors in 2024
Wondering when and where to see peak Colorado fall colors in 2024? Look no further than this up-to-date guide on when and where to see Colorado’s aspen leaves turn golden yellow in 2024. The most important thing to consider when planning a leaf-peeping trip to see Colorado fall colors is TIMING! Because peak fall colors occur at different times throughout the state, and vary slightly from year to year, it can be tricky to plan your trip to be in the right place at the right time for the most vibrant yellow aspens.
This guide to when and where to see Colorado fall colors will ensure you plan your trip for peak fall colors no matter what part of the Rocky Mountains you visit.
Please Respect Our Aspen Trees – Do Not Carve On Them!
While hiking in Colorado, you will likely notice many trees that have been carved into by other visitors. Please do not do this, as it permanently scars the tree and creates irreparable damage. Finding un-scarred aspen trees is getting more difficult as increased visitation leads to increased misbehavior. Keep these Colorado fall hikes pristine for years to come!
>>> Learn more about responsible outdoor adventuring at Leave No Trace.
Check out our guide to Hiking Etiquette 101 here.
Peak Colorado Fall Colors Map 2024
This map is based on meteorological reports for the fall 2024 peak color season. The ovals are intended to show the general region that will hit peak fall colors at a certain time. The time windows are all forecasts, meaning they are subject to change with actual weather conditions. Lastly, these dates are for the peak time frame. You can expect to see plenty of color in the days leading up to and shortly after peak, as well.
2024 Peak Colorado Fall Colors Foliage Calendar – When to See Yellow Aspens This Autumn
Below is the 2024 peak Colorado fall colors forecast for various regions throughout the state. Please note that these are forecasts, meaning they are not going to be 100% perfect. Additionally, these date ranges are for the “peak” period of color, which means the days before and after will also likely be colorful, even if not the MOST colorful.
- Sept 15 – 29: Front Range, Steamboat & Flat Tops, Rocky Mountain National Park
- Sept 22 – Oct 5: Vail & Summit County, Aspen, Sawatch, Gunnison, Grand Mesa
- Sept 30 – Oct 18: San Juan Mountains, Sangre de Cristo
When to See Peak Colorado Fall Colors in 2024
1. Steamboat Springs and the Northern Rocky Mountains
Peak Fall Foliage Dates: September 15-29, 2024
Where to See Fall Colors in Steamboat Springs
- Ride the gondola from downtown
- Hike Mad Creek Trail to a historic barn
- Hike the family-friendly Spring Creek Trail
- Soak at Strawberry Park Hot Springs
- Drive Buffalo Pass scenic drive
- Drive Rabbit Ears Pass scenic drive
- Hike Fish Creek Falls
2. Summit County and the I-70 Corridor (Frisco, Breckenridge)
Peak Fall Foliage Dates: September 22 – October 5, 2024
Where to See Fall Colors in Summit County
- Hike Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes
- Hike Rainbow Lake Trail
- Hike BB to Reiling Dredge to Minnie Mine
- Hike the Ptarmigan Trail
- Drive Boreas Pass, one of the most scenic Colorado fall drives
- Visit the Sapphire Point Overlook
3. Aspen
Peak Fall Foliage Dates: September 22 – October 5, 2024
Where to See Fall Colors in Aspen
- Visit the iconic Maroon Bells, one of the best Colorado fall hikes
- Hike or take the 4×4 road to Crystal Mill
- Walk the Hunter Creek Trail
- Visit Snowmass Village
- Drive Independence Pass
4. Front Range (Denver, Boulder, Golden, Colorado Springs)
Peak Fall Foliage Dates: September 15-29, 2024
Where to See Fall Colors in the Front Range
- Hike to Royal Arch
- Hike at Golden Gate Canyon State Park
- Visit Cherry Creek State Park
- Ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway
- Visit Cripple Creek
5. San Juan Mountains (Ouray, Telluride)
Peak Fall Foliage Dates: September 30 – October 18, 2024
Where to See Fall Colors in the San Juan Mountains
- Hike the Ouray Perimeter Trail
- Visit a ghost town on the Million Dollar Highway
- Drive Last Dollar Road (4×4 only)
- Hike Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride
6. Pueblo and Trinidad
Peak Fall Foliage Dates: September 25 to October 10, 2024
Where to See Fall Colors in Pueblo and Trinidad
- Hike the Rainbow Trail
- Explore Pueblo Mountain Park and the Carhart Trail
- Pueblo River Trail System
- Visit Trinidad Lake State Park
- Drive the Highway Legends Scenic Byway
7. Southern Colorado (Pagosa Springs, Durango)
Peak Fall Foliage Dates: September 30 – October 18, 2024
Where to See Fall Colors in Southern Colorado
- Take a ride on the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
- Soak in hot springs in Pagosa Springs
- Hike to Opal Lake near Pagosa Springs
- Visit Treasure Falls
- Hike or Bike the Aspen Loop Trail in Durango
- Ride the Purgatory Resort chairlift
Final Thoughts on When and Where to See Colorado Fall Colors in 2024
The key to having a successful leaf-peeping trip to Colorado fall colors is timing your visit so that you are at the right location at the right time. This guide to when and where to see the golden yellow aspens throughout the state will ensure you plan your trip for peak fall colors. The good news is that with thousands of feet of variation in altitude throughout the state, peak fall color occurs at different times from mid-September through mid-October, blessing us foliage enthusiasts with a wide window in which to enjoy the leaves!
While you’re here, check out these epic Colorado fall hikes and Colorado fall drives to help you make the most of your autumn aspen leaf-peeping trip!
>> Read all of our Colorado fall guides here.
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