Where To See Fall Colors in Colorado 🍂
We’re not called Color-ado for nothin'!
As the weather begins to cool down and pumpkin spice fills the air, you know that can only mean one thing: fall is nearly here in Colorado! And with it, comes the beautiful fall colors.
That's right! The leaf-peeping season is getting closer and closer, and we've put together a guide on when and where you'll see the leaves start changing.
Check it out below, and don't forget your camera!
When You'll See Fall Colors in Colorado: The Farmers' Almanac is predicting that peak fall color will hit Grand Mesa between September 17–October 1.
2021 Colorado Fall Colorado Guide (KDVR)
DAY TRIPPIN’:
Within 1 hour of Grand Junction
Grand Mesa Byway - visitgrandjunction.com
Grand Mesa Byway
You know those nature photographs hanging in galleries, showcasing seemingly endless stretches of golden aspen and crystalline lakes? A good number of them are taken by professional photographers who trek to Grand Mesa in autumn. Here, a dazzling array of reds, yellows and golds will flash past your van’s windows as you drive on the world’s largest flat-topped mountain. Pull over to snap your own pics of aspen-blanketed valleys, panoramas of the distinctive Sneffels Range and lush landscapes dotted by some 300 lakes.
Take a break from the road to admire the views at Land’s End Overlook south of Mesa and Palisade, which sits at the rim of the mesa at a height of 6,000 feet and provides life-affirming views of pristine national forest and the Grand Valley. Or, fish, picnic or canoe on one of 300-plus Grand Mesa lakes, from the peacefully remote Bull Creek Basin (accessed only on foot, horse or ATV) to the RV-park-friendly Ward, Alexander, Hotel Twin and Baron lakes.
To really stretch those legs, rent a bike from Rapid Creek Cycles in Palisade and enjoy sweeping mountain vistas punctuated by bright orchards and the vineyards of wine country. As you bike, stop to sample high-elevation vintages at some of the town's 25-plus wineries.
James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park
Road biking, mountain biking, hiking, and picnicking are just some of the best ways to experience autumn colors in James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park. For hiking and biking, there are paved and hard-packed trails that circle the park’s lakes. The Fruita section of the park is near several great mountain bike trails, including the North Fruita Desert and Kokopelli Trailhead, which connects to Moab, Utah.
Tiara Rado & Redlands Mesa Golf Courses
The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa is a high desert panorama at its best. During the fall, pink, red, and tawny tints of the desert landscape stand in stark contrast to the blanket of golden and scarlet hues on the mountain terrain. Nearby, Tiara Rado Golf Course offers stunning views of the Colorado National Monument. There is also a bird sanctuary within the golf course, providing golfers the chance to see a sampling of bird species and other wildlife—including owls, hawks, herons, quail, and pheasant—frolicking in the local fall foliage.
WEEKEND GETAWAY:
Within 2-3 hours of Grand Junction
Maroon Bells, Aspen - www.cuvee.com
Vail
Aspen
Tennessee Pass
Gunnison
Telluride
Ouray
Silverton
ROAD TRIP WORTHY:
Within 3-4 hours of Grand Junction
San Juan Mountains, Durango - Photo by RandyWayne on 500px.com
Steamboat
Durango
Breckenridge
Hoosier Pass
Buena Vista
Independence Pass
Monarch Pass
Fairplay
Grand Lake
Rocky Mountain National Park
Last year, the freezing temperatures threatened the leaf-peeping season in Colorado. Hopefully, we won't see the same thing happen this year. Are you excited that fall is around the corner? Have any fall color photos you want to share with us? Send your photos to janice@janiceburtis.com.