Leaf-Peepers’ Guide: Where to find the best fall colors

Fall is a special season in Colorado. It’s the time of year when Mother Nature puts on her annual show and changes the green leaves of the aspen trees to a brilliant golden color, and some oak and maple trees to shimmering oranges and reds as well. If you want a front row seat to this annual event, you should start planning now: Most years, the colorful leaves begin to fall off their branches after just a few weeks.

LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, your Colorado expert, wants to make sure you don’t miss this once-a-year treat. Here are some of the best places to observe the changing fall colors across Colorado.

Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park

Just an hour-long drive from Boulder, Trail Ridge Road is a scenic, 48-mile byway that takes travelers through the national park between Estes Park and Grand Lake. Reaching an elevation of 12,183 feet at its peak, Trail Ridge Road offers plenty of places to pull over, take photos, and enjoy the sea of colors that blanket the surrounding hills. Reservations are required for all vehicles entering the park: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm

Golden Gate Canyon in Golden, Colorado

For those in the Denver Metro area looking for a spot to see the trees without traveling too far, Golden Gate Canyon is a great option. Here, you can hike, bike, camp, fish and even ride horses while being surrounded by the bright yellow leaves.

Take a Gondola up Vail Mountain

From picturesque Vail Village, enjoy a scenic ride up Gondola One to Mid-Vail, which offers breathtaking views of shimmering Aspen groves and the majestic Gore Range beyond.

Kebler Pass near Crested Butte

Kebler Pass spans the 30 miles between Crested Butte and Highway 133. This road is one of the most photographed locations in Colorado during the fall. Pack your camera and hit the road to snap some pictures of the beautiful fall foliage.

Aspen Alley in Breckenridge

The name says it all: Aspen Alley is one of the best places to see the leaves change colors in Summit County. Hop on a mountain bike and ride through this rollercoaster of a trail, dipping and curving through the forest of yellow, green, red and orange leaves.

The San Juan Skyway near Telluride

Take in the sights of The San Juan Skyway as you weave through Durango, Silverton, and Telluride. The golden colors of the aspens can be seen throughout the seven-hour drive.

Rocky Mountain National Park from Grand Lake

Get amazing lake views on the start of your drive at Grand Lake. Take some great shots of the aspen changing colors. There is an abundance of picnic areas to hang out and relax