Peak Fall Color Dates for Colorado!

Mid-September

• High mountains (above 9,500 feet): This is when you'll find the earliest peak colors in the northern mountains.

  • Locations: Steamboat Springs, Rabbit Ears Pass, and Rocky Mountain National Park areas.

• Southwest mountains: The highest elevations of the San Juan Mountains around Silverton begin to peak. 

Late September

• Central mountains: The main Aspen viewing corridor along I-70 experiences its peak.

  • Locations: Aspen, Vail , Summit County, Guanella Pass ,Kenosha Pass, and Kebler Pass.

• Northern foothills: Areas west of the Denver metro area, like Boulder and Golden Gate Canyon State Park, start to see color.

• San Juan Mountains: Areas around Ouray and Telluride reach their peak. 

Early to mid-October

• Southern mountains: Peak colors move to lower elevations in the San Juan and southern Front Range mountains.

  • Locations: Areas around Durango, Pagosa Springs, Telluride, and the Pikes Peak region.

• Foothills and lower elevations: Peak colors hit areas below 9,000 feet.

  • Locations: Boulder, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs. 

Mid to late October

• Denver metro area: Colors in the city and urban corridor typically peak later in the season.

• Western Slope and plains: The lower elevations in this region, including areas around Grand Junction, show their fall colors last. 

Tips for finding peak color

• Follow foliage maps: Websites like explorefall.com and local news stations often publish regularly updated prediction maps during the season.

• Go high first: If you're chasing the first colors of the season, aim for higher elevation spots in the mountains.

• Plan drives: Popular scenic routes like Kebler Pass, Guanella Pass, and the Million Dollar Highway offer some of the best viewing opportunities.

• Check conditions: Keep an eye on local reports, as factors like temperature, moisture, and drought conditions can cause peak dates to shift slightly each year.