Fall Color Day Trips
When autumn arrives in Northern Colorado, the mountains put on one of the year’s best shows. Golden aspens, yellow cottonwoods and crisp blue skies make fall a perfect time for a scenic drive—and you don’t have to travel far to find colorful views.
Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are natural starting points. From Loveland, the drive through Big Thompson Canyon is beautiful in its own right, and once you reach Estes Park, you can explore the surrounding roads and trails for golden aspen views. The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, which runs along the eastern edge of the Rockies, offers mountain scenery, small communities and plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs. Fall is also elk season in Estes Park, adding another reason to make the trip.
For a quieter outing, head west from Fort Collins into the Poudre Canyon. Highway 14 follows the Cache la Poudre River through the mountains, with stands of aspen and other trees adding splashes of yellow to the canyon walls. Pack a picnic and allow plenty of time for stops along the way.
State Forest State Park, west of Cameron Pass, is another good choice for a full day outdoors. The park combines mountain scenery, forests, lakes and wildlife, with fall color appearing as the season progresses through the higher elevations.
And don’t overlook southern Wyoming. Wyoming absolutely has worthwhile fall foliage, particularly in the mountains. The Snowy Range Scenic Byway, west of Laramie, winds through Medicine Bow National Forest between Laramie and Saratoga. Aspen groves, mountain lakes and dramatic peaks make this one of the region’s most scenic autumn drives. Nearby Tie Hack Trail, outside Encampment, is another spot known for golden aspens.
For Northern Colorado residents, Laramie and the Snowy Range can make a particularly appealing Wyoming day trip because you can combine the drive with lunch, shopping or a stroll through downtown Laramie.
Timing is important. Fall color changes with elevation, so there isn’t one perfect weekend for every location. Higher elevations generally turn first, while lower valleys can retain color later. In Wyoming, the foliage season typically runs from September into mid-October, although weather can shorten the show.
Wherever you go, check weather and road conditions before leaving. A fall day in the mountains can begin with sunshine and end with snow—and that’s part of the adventure.
