Ahhh the leaves. So many wonderful things about the fall season, but one of the best has to be the changing leaves from green to gold in Colorado. Check out the list of our top three locations to peep those golden aspen leaves!
#1 Golden Gate State Park
We have been to so many locations in Colorado for Aspen leaf-peeping and this one comes as a favorite we end up re-visiting every year. Located in Golden, CO, it is an accessible drive from Denver, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs – really anywhere on the Front Range. You can honestly see the changing leaves right from the parking lot (check out Panorama Point with the Gazebo); but the Raccoon Trail loop trail has some of the best views. You do need a Colorado State Parks pass to gain entry to this park!
#2 Telluride, CO
The San Juans have to be some of the most stunning mountain peaks in the entire world. This part of the states is filled with Aspens from Ridgway to Ouray to Telluride to Silverton to Durango. You really can’t go wrong. Three of the best viewing spots in our opinion include the free Gondola from the Town of Telluride to Mountain Village, Last Dollar Road from Ridgway to Telluride, and Bear Creek Trail that leaves from the Town of Telluride.
#3 Rocky Mountain National Park
Okay this one might be kind of a given, but who can go wrong visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the fall? From Trail Ridge Road to the Alpine Visitors Center, the road to Bear Lake (and many of the hikes that stem from there), to pairing your leaf adventure with some bugling elk in Moraine Park (please keep in mind they close this meadow to people during the rut, please respect the rules). There are reservations in place to get into the park from May – October so please keep that in mind when planning your trip!
MC Exploring 