Wondering when the fall leaves will peak in Colorado and where the best spots are for leaf peeping? Look no further! We've got the fall foliage map and the details on where to go with your family in Colorado for a colorful fall adventure during the 2024 fall leaf season.
When Will Fall Foliage Peak in Colorado?
Generally speaking, the best time to view the fall colors in Colorado is elevation dependent. The best time in mid to late September is across the northern mountains. If you are heading to the central mountains, you'll want to go in late September. Wait until late September through early/mid-October to hit the southern mountains.
Thanks to SmokyMountains.com's interactive 2024 Fall Foliage Prediction Map, you can now easily accurately track when leaves will peak in Colorado. This map uses advanced data like temperature, precipitation, and tree types to predict when fall colors will be at their best. Plus, with real-time user reports, you’ll know exactly when and where to take your kids for the most vibrant fall foliage.
The interactive Fall Leaf Map has become a go-to resource for families planning fall adventures. Whether you’re looking for the perfect day to go leaf peeping in Colorado or planning a family fall weekend getaway, this map will help you time it just right.
Want to know when the leaves will peak in Colorado?
Check out the 2024 Fall Foliage Map from SmokyMountains.com and plan your family adventure today!
You can slide the slider to the right to see the predicted progression of fall.
Where to See the Best Fall Colors in Douglas County
Address: 2910 Plaza Drive, Highlands Ranch
A small fishing pond is surrounded by large trees showering leaves all over the park.
2. Glendale Farm Open Space and Trail
Address: 12300 S. Havana St., Castle Rock
Glendale Farm Open Space and Trail is a fun 1.6-mile loop that gently winds up and around the oaks to the high prairie and caprock overlooks. The Front Range views make the sky look like it never ends. Don’t forget to leash your dog on the Glendale Farm Trail.
3. Lincoln Mountain Open Space
Address: 7333 Jones Road, Larkspur
There is a 4-mile loop along the bottom of the mountain that goes through a lot of trees and caprock, and there’s a 4-mile loop on the top of the mountain where you can see the leaves changing all the way from Pikes Peak to Longs Peak. The climb is slightly challenging but the views and the descent make it well worth the effort.
Where to See the Best Fall Colors throughout Colorado
Looking for the top places to enjoy peak fall foliage in Colorado? Here are our favorite scenic spots for a day of autumn exploration with kids and your family:
1. Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway
Address: Central City / Black Hawk
Established in 1918, the Peak to Peak scenic and historic byway is Colorado's oldest. The byway offers about 60 miles of unmatched views of the dramatic fall colors of the Continental Divide, from Central City / Black Hawk to Estes.
Stop off in one of the byway's many leaf peeping areas:
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park
- Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests
- Indian Peaks Wilderness Area
2. The Telluride Free Gondola
Address: The gondola has three primary stations where you can board and unload:
- Station Telluride (Oak Street) – access in Telluride.
- Station St. Sophia (mid-mountain stop) – access to Allred’s Restaurant & Bar, The Ridge Club and ski resort trails and runs.
- Station Mountain Village – access in Mountain Village.
- Just across from Station Mountain Village, a shorter gondola stretch connects to Station Village Parking, where the free parking garage, Town Hall and the Mountain Market are located.
The Telluride Free Gondola might just be our favorite way to view amazing fall colors in Colorado. You'll get an aerial view of the town of Telluride, plus its canyon and valleys lined with colorful aspens and evergreens.
3. Grand Mesa scenic and Historic Byway
Address: CO-65, Cedaredge, CO 81413
In Colorado’s Western Slope, you'll find the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain, Colorado wine country, and some of the most stunning fall foliage in the state of Colorado. Brightly colored oaks in Powderhorn Mountain Resort contrast with golden aspens along Grand Mesa scenic and historic byway for a memorable view.
4. Maroon Bells
Address: South of Aspen Snowmass
The most photographed peaks in North America are Colorado's iconic Maroon Bells. The two towering 14,000-foot mountains are nestled in the massive White River National Forest, where numerous hiking trails offer unbeatable views of golden aspen trees. Not a hiker? Take the shuttle to the scenic area.
Reservations for parking and/or the shuttle are required and it is highly recommended to make them well in advance!
5. Trail Ridge Road
Address: Estes Park
Winding through Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west, the highest continuous paved road in North America offers over 8 miles of spectacular fall foliage above 11,000 feet (with a maximum elevation of 12,183 feet). Trail Ridge Road is a favorite spot for photographers and leaf peepers alike.
Reservations are required to visit Rocky Mountain National Park.
Also Worth Checking Out
Colorado is full of amazing leaf peeping opportunities, so it is difficult to pick just five. Here are some other awesome places to check out!
A breathtaking 236-mile loop through the San Juan Mountains that includes a 70-mile stretch known simply as the Million Dollar Highway.
Close enough to the Denver Metro to take a quick trip is US 285 from Conifer to Fairplay over Kenosha Pass.
Take Exit 238 from I-70 to St. Mary’s Glacier for a moderate but short hike to Colorado's hidden gem.
Colorado 14 through Poudre Canyon
Head west of Fort Collins to the top of Cameron Pass where you'll find fantastic views, wildlife, and great photo opps!
Plan Your Family’s Fall Adventures in Douglas County Now!
With so many family-friendly fall activities in Douglas County now is the perfect time to plan your family's local fall fun. Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly hikes, free seasonal events, or the best spots to see peak fall foliage, Douglas County has something for everyone. Be sure to check the 2024 Fall Foliage Map to ensure you catch the best colors of the season and our Macaroni KID Highlands Ranch-Parker-Castle Rock-Lone Tree website for all the local fall events and fun your family won't want to miss!
