News

Colorado’s fall colors are on display now. Here’s where and when you can spot autumn leaves

KUNC | By Nikole Robinson Carroll

Published September 22, 2026 at 6:00 AM MDT

Aspen trees change colors on a sunny day in a mountainous area. They're visible in both the foreground and on a mountain slope in the background. A highway curves through the scene and disappears around a hillside. — Colorado provides endless beautiful areas for driving for those who don't want to hike to get their fall colors. Here, a road swerves through the Mount Evans Wilderness decorated with popping leaves.

As fall creeps in, it’s time to step out and see Colorado’s colors. Leaf peeping season is upon us, and there are spots across Northern Colorado where you can enjoy the scenery.

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Here’s a rundown of some popular peeping places:

Crested Butte

Peak window: Sept. 21 - 27

Crested Butte has hit “Prime Time viewing” in more than half of the surrounding valleys, while some areas are playing catch-up. Gothic Valley is farthest along.

You can see Breckenridge’s colors from the historic downtown area and multiple park trails. Through Oct. 3, a free 14-passenger shuttle van is running loops between the Breckenridge Ice Rink and the Wakefield Trailhead.

State Forest State Park

Peak window: Sept. 22 - 28

Over 90 miles of hiking trails and 130 miles of mountain-biking trails. Horse corrals are located at the Bockman Campground and at the end of CR-41 at the Canadian River Trailhead.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Peak window: Sept. 27 - Oct. 3

Leaves on aspen and other plants are beginning to change from shades of bright green to hues of gold, orange, red, and brown. The sound of an elk's bugle during the fall rut carries across the meadows, especially at dawn and dusk.

Sylvan Lake State Park

Peak window: Sept. 28 - Oct. 4

Sylvan offers visitors two trails. There are also popular trails in the surrounding White River National Forest. FYI: There is no cell or internet service in the Sylvan Lake State Park area.

Mueller State Park

Peak window: Sept. 29 - Oct. 5

There will be no car access for the trailheads in the northern part of the park. These trails can be accessed by hiking the road from the camper services building or from lower trailheads.

Ridgway State Park

Peak window: Oct. 8 - 14

Ridgway State Park's location also positions visitors to stop by Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Mesa Verde National Park.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Peak window: Oct. 18 - 24

The park is expected to hit capacity on weekends by 9 a.m. this fall. Officials remind visitors to use designated parking spots only. The Visitor Center Lot will be closed.

Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area

Peak window: Oct. 18 - 24

This area contains and is close to many spots for leaf peeping, including: Horsetooth Reservoir, Fossil Creek Reservoir, the Oval at Colorado State University, Lee Martinez Community Park, Windsor Lake and Eastman Park.

One more tip for Colorado leaf peeping...

You can use the COTREX website or free app to find trail maps all over the state, and find out what colors are visible where at Explore Fall.