Best Places To See Fall Colors Around Denver
After living here in Denver for over a year, Zane and I have experienced all four seasons. Hands down, Fall is my favorite here! The weather is perfect, the scenery is breathtaking, and there are so many Fall activities to do. This year, I want to share all my researches on the best places to see the fall leaves changing in/around Denver!
Early last week, we have already seen some Fall colors during one of our hikes. We are planning on hitting all these places soon and capture some fantastic photos to share! I will be sharing everything over on Instagram; be sure to be following me there?. Before going, always check The Weather Chanel for Fall Foliage by using the map!
This schedule guide is from Denver.org -- with addition to my research and experiences
Mid-September to early October
No. 01 Guanella Pass
Credit: Brendan Roche
One of the best scenic byways to drive on; about 22 miles long and takes about an hour to drive through. I highly recommend adding extra time for frequent stops and photos. From the road, you will see spectacular views of Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt (one of Colorado's famous 14ners). If you are heading North from Grant town along US Hwy 285, you will come across a cute little town call Georgetown. I spent my birthday there last year, and you read more about our experience Georgetown and the train ride in this blog post here!
Credit: Alan W Cole / Getty Images
Four-wheel drive required? No; the route is paved.
BywayDistance: 22 miles
Suggested Time on Byway: Allow 1 hour
No. 02 Rocky Mountain National Park
Credit: Wayne Boland / Getty Images
There are also many high aspen groves on the way to the park on the scenic Peak to Peak Byway (Colorado Hwy. 72 and 7) from Black Hawk to Estes Park. I personally love Peak to Peak; the scenery is amazing in all seasons and the roads are not dangerous. With 55 miles, you will come across popular attractions like Rocky Mountain National Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, and Eldora Ski Resort.
Because the Rocky Mountain National Park is so huge, I have pulled the best drives through the park beside the Peak to Peak Byway:
Bear Lake Road
Cache la Poudre National Scenic Byway
Colorado River Headwaters National Scenic Byways
Please keep in mind that Rocky Mountain National Park has an entrance fee.
Credit: Sally Pearce, CDOT
Four-wheel drive required? No; the route is paved.
BywayDistance: 55 miles
Suggested Time on Byway: 80 minutes
Late September to Mid-October
No. 03 Georgetown
Credit: Jasmyne Nguyen
As mentioned above, Zane and I visited Georgetown and rode the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Aspen groves surround Georgetown, and you can see the fall leaves by riding the train. You can read our experience on the train here!
Credit: Georgetown-colorado.org
Four-wheel drive required? No; the route is paved
Distance from Denver: 45 miles
Time of arrival from Denver: 52 minutes
No. 04 Frisco Bike Trail
Credit: SummitCove.com
Just 75 minutes from Denver, Lake Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne are filled with aspen groves. For all my cyclists, there is an 18-mile paved bike path that circles the pretty lake, offering mountain and fall views in every direction (located in Frisco). Zane and I rode our bikes on the path a few weeks ago, and it was just purely breathtaking. (Here is a blog post of our experience there.) We are currently planning a trip there again to see the fall leaves while riding our bikes!
Credit: SummitDaily.com
Bike Trail Distance: 18 miles
Trail surface: Concrete
Distance from Denver: 70 miles
Time of arrival from Denver: 75 minutes
Most of October
No. 05 Central City Cemeteries
Credit: Claud Richmond
This is for all my people who love the scary parts of the fall season, haha! I will not be visiting here only because I am a big baby, and I don't mess with cemeteries. Several old cemeteries near Central City have groves of aspen, and many other trees can be seen on the dirt "Oh My God Road" that runs between Central City and another old mining town, Idaho Springs.
Credit: Claud Richmond
Distance from Denver: 39 miles
Time of arrival from Denver: 50 minutes
NO. 06 Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Credit: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Zane and I have gone here a few times for hikes during the summer! Golden Gate Canyon State Park has many aspen groves at lower elevations. With 42 miles of hiking trails and 27 miles of horse and biking trail!
Credit: eldoralodge.com
Distance from Denver: 30.9 miles
Time of arrival from Denver: 50 minutes
Early October to Mid-November
no 07. Cherry Creek Bike Trail
Credit: Ken Lund
Another excellent bike trail! The Cherry Creek Regional Bike Trail is a picturesque 40-mile route that begins in downtown Denver and connects suburban and rural Arapahoe and Douglas Counties.
Credit: williewilson
Bike Trail Distance: 40 miles
Trail surfaces: Concrete, Gravel
Distance from Denver: 5.7 miles
Time of arrival from Denver: 15 minutes
No. 08 Washington Park
Credit: Denver.org
Enjoy walking around Washington Park with a cup of coffee! With an amazing view of fall leaves, this is a classic. Denver's grand traditional park has two lakes, two flower gardens, and a tree-lined, two-mile gravel running path.
Credit: John Leyba, The Denver Post
Park Loop Distance: 2.6 miles
Distance from Denver: 4.3 miles
Time of arrival from Denver: 13 minutes
Sloan's Lake
Credit: Spates Photography
Like Washington Park, enjoy this unique view of downtown Denver. Denver's largest lake offers city and mountain views and an expansive tree-covered park.
Credit: Parasoleil
Park Loop Distance: 2.6 miles
Distance from Denver: 4.2 miles
Time of arrival from Denver: 15 minutes
Keep in mind that all "distance from Denver" starts at the city of Denver.
I am so excited to continue sharing more fall leaves pictures over on Instagram and all these places! If you have been to any of these or know any that I have missed, please comment below and share it with us! Happy Fall!
