Best Leaf Peeping in Colorado 2025 — Scenic Route Guide For Fall Colors
Some of the best leaf peeping outside the Northeast can be found right here in Colorado. Each fall, the Rockies transform into a patchwork of gold, orange, and red as aspen groves light up the mountainsides. Colorado’s leaf-peeping season typically peaks from mid-September to early October, depending on elevation. Whether you’re cruising a scenic byway or taking the road less traveled, here are the best places for leaf peeping in Colorado in 2025.
Peak to Peak Highway – Colorado’s Oldest Scenic Byway
Close to Denver, the Peak to Peak Highway heads north from Blackhawk/Central City and leads all the way to Estes Park.
For the area north of Nederland, and south of Ward some of the best views and largest groves can be visible. Aspen trees are mixed with Evergreen trees.
From Estes Park to I-70, the Peak to Peak Highway is a 3-hour drive with stops along the way.
Peak to Peak Highway is Colorado’s oldest scenic byway, passing interesting sites and places along the way. It makes for a great day trip from Estes Park or Denver.
Gravel roads crossing the main highway lead to ghost towns at Hesse and Apex. Some side roads lead to high country lakes. There are also many mines around, as well as areas where you can let kids do some gold-panning!
The best thing to do is stop for some elk watching in Estes Park and grab a dinner in beautiful downtown of Estes Park.
Cottonwood Pass & Taylor Reservoir – High Alpine Leaf Peeping
The now-paved road from Buena Vista to Taylor Reservoir is absolutely covered in large groves of Aspen trees easily viewable from the roadway and multiple turnouts.
Cottonwood Pass rises to the west out of Buena Vista, heading over the Continental Divide. It’s a beautiful mountain pass to see colorful fall aspen groves.
The road reaches 12,126 feet, and it is doable in a normal 2WD car. Cottonwood Pass is the highest paved mountain pass over the Continental Divide.
Make sure to visit the town of Almont, where rustic cabins still dot the landscape.
Silver Thread Scenic Byway – Southwest Colorado’s Hidden Gem
This classic southwest Colorado destination features small towns, with longer scenic drives between them. Look for camping spots in the multiple campgrounds near the highway, or post up in a small classic wood cabin available in many locations between Creede and Lake City.
The historic Silver Thread Byway takes you on a 117-mile journey from the town of South Fork, through Creede and Lake City and ends at Blue Mesa Reservoir.
The original road was footpath and led to colorful old mining camps with plenty of history.
Combine the visit with North Clear Creek Falls Loop and Slumgullion Earthflow.
Slumgullion is a national Natural Landmark is a rare example of an earthflow – called mass wasting – composed of partially decomposed volcanic rock that slid down the mountain and blocked the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. The earthflow is about 4 miles long and covers over 1,000 acres.
Steamboat Springs – Rabbit Ears Pass & Buffalo Pass
From the top of Rabbit Ear’s pass all the way into town, you will be greeted by yellows, golds, oranges and reds from the large groves off the pass. Stay in town or camp in the nearby Stagecoach Reservoir State Park.
Buffalo Pass starts winding through on its way up to 10,400 feet at Summit Lake.
It is a 2WD dirt road that goes up all the way to Walden, you can definitely go with a normal SUV. If you are already in Steamboat, don’t forget to visit Strawberry Park hot springs or do Fish Creek hike.
Native Jeeps offers guided YOU-Drive off-road tours that take leaf peeping to the next level. Instead of sticking to crowded highways, you’ll drive your own Jeep on remote trails, surrounded by golden aspens far from the traffic. No fighting for parking spots, no dodging cars — just pure fall adventure. Whether you’re exploring near Denver, Idaho Springs, or Vail, our guides know the trails that deliver unforgettable color and excitement.
Interesting fact about Aspen trees
Leaf peeping in Colorado is one of the most magical experiences of the year. From classic byways like Peak to Peak and Cottonwood Pass to adventurous Jeep trails with Native Jeeps, there’s no shortage of ways to experience golden aspens this fall. Plan your trip for fall 2025 and see why Colorado is one of the best leaf-peeping destinations in the country.
