There’s something about fall in Colorado that makes you want to get in the car, turn up the music and take the long way home.
As the aspens begin to turn brilliant shades of gold, some of the best views in the state are waiting just beyond the familiar. And because fall color moves through Colorado from higher elevations to lower elevations, timing your scenic drive can make all the difference.
This year, experts are expecting an earlier fall foliage season than usual, so if you're hoping to catch the aspens at their golden best, don't wait too long.
Here are five scenic drives worth putting on your fall calendar.
🍂 Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
Nederland • Allenspark • Estes Park
Best time to go: Late September to early October
If you want classic Colorado fall color without venturing too far from home, start here. The 55-mile Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is Colorado's oldest scenic byway and offers sweeping views of the Continental Divide along the way.
Give yourself more time than the roughly 80-minute drive actually requires. This is a route meant for stopping. Grab coffee in Nederland, stretch your legs along the way or continue on to Estes Park for lunch.
Make a day of it: Pack a picnic, bring your camera and leave some room in the schedule for an unplanned stop or two.
WK tip: Go on a weekday if you can. You'll have a better chance of enjoying those golden views without quite as much weekend traffic.
🌲 Cache la Poudre Scenic Byway
Fort Collins • Cameron Pass • North Park
Best time to go: Late September to early October
This one is for the road-trip enthusiast. The Cache la Poudre Scenic Byway follows the Poudre River through a dramatic canyon before climbing toward Cameron Pass and North Park.
The route is about 101 miles and takes roughly three hours of driving time, making it a great choice when you're looking for a full-day adventure rather than a quick afternoon drive.
Along the way, you'll get river views, mountain scenery and, when the timing is right, brilliant fall color.
Make a day of it: Start in Fort Collins, take your time through the canyon and plan on stopping for lunch or exploring around North Park.
WK tip: Pack layers. Colorado's fall weather can change quickly, especially as you gain elevation.
🍁 Guanella Pass
Georgetown • Guanella Pass • Grant
Best time to go: Mid to late September
If your definition of fall perfection involves golden aspens backed by giant mountain views, put Guanella Pass near the top of your list.
The 22-mile scenic byway takes about an hour to drive and climbs from Georgetown toward high-country terrain before descending toward Grant. Along the way, you'll move through forests of spruce, fir, pine and aspen before reaching scenery above timberline.
Make a day of it: Explore historic Georgetown before or after your drive, or stop for a hike along the way.
WK tip: During peak leaf-peeping season, weekdays are your friend. You'll have a better shot at enjoying the scenery without the heaviest traffic.
🏔️ Kenosha Pass & South Park
Bailey • Kenosha Pass • Fairplay
Best time to go: Late September to early October
Kenosha Pass is one of those places that seems almost designed for fall. Expansive aspen groves cover the hillsides, creating that quintessential Colorado golden landscape.
Then, as you continue toward South Park, the scenery opens up into wide-ranging mountain views and a completely different kind of Colorado landscape.
Make a day of it: Spend some time exploring the trails around Kenosha Pass, then continue toward Fairplay for lunch and a little small-town wandering.
WK tip: This is a popular fall destination, so an early start can make for a much more relaxed experience.
🍃 Independence Pass to Aspen
Twin Lakes • Independence Pass • Aspen
Best time to go: Late September to early October, weather permitting
Save this one for the big road-trip weekend.
Independence Pass takes you high into the Rockies, with dramatic alpine scenery before the road descends toward Aspen. At 12,095 feet, the pass is one of Colorado's highest paved mountain passes, so the weather can be unpredictable even when conditions are beautiful down below.
Make a day of it: Start around Twin Lakes, cross the pass and spend the afternoon or evening exploring Aspen.
WK tip: Check road conditions before you go. Independence Pass typically closes for the winter in early November, but weather can affect conditions much sooner.
So... When Should You Go?
If you're hoping to catch the best of Colorado's golden season, think late September through early October, with higher elevations generally changing first and lower elevations following afterward.
And this year, don't be surprised if the show starts a little earlier. Colorado's drought conditions are expected to push the foliage season forward, with some areas reaching peak color before mid-October.
Our advice?
Don't wait for the perfect weekend.
Pick a Saturday. Grab your favorite road-trip snacks. Make a playlist. Bring a thermos of coffee and take the scenic route.
Because sometimes the best part of living in Colorado is simply getting out there and enjoying it.
Before You Go
Mountain roads can change quickly in the fall, so check current road conditions before heading out. The Colorado Department of Transportation recommends checking COtrip.org before traveling on Colorado's scenic byways.
And remember: the best scenic drive is the one you don't have to rush. Check out more of our favorite routes here!
Take the long way. The leaves won't be golden forever.