Colorado Leaf-Peeping: 8 Off-Road Trails to Chase Fall Colors

Fall in Colorado is short, but it always steals the show. For just a few weeks each year, the mountains trade their summer greens for glowing shades of yellow, creating a backdrop that feels almost magical. But this change doesn’t happen all at once. Depending on where you are, you may see aspens start turning by mid-September, and then the color gradually works its way down into the valleys through early October.

The best part is you don’t have to crowd onto scenic highways to enjoy it. We have eight off-road trails that put you right in the middle of the show. Some are on the mellow side and wind through aspen tunnels, while others climb into the alpine with views that stretch for miles. If leaf peeping is on your fall list, our mapped trails are the perfect place to start.

Tips for Chasing Fall Colors in Colorado

• Pay attention to timing because the leaves don’t all change at once. Up high, you’ll usually see the first color around mid-September, while the valleys can hold onto their gold into early October.
• Don’t wait too long. The whole season is over in about five weeks. Even if you miss “peak” weekend color, the aspens still look incredible as they fade.
• Go on a weekday if you can; weekends get busy, especially on the more popular passes. A midweek drive usually means fewer crowds and a calmer trip.
• Watch the summer weather, it often sets the stage for fall. Summer conditions can influence the intensity and timing of aspen color change in the fall.
• Bring the basics. A camera is a given, but also throw in water, snacks, and recovery gear. Even on easier trails, it’s nice to be prepared.
• Respect the trails and stay on the marked routes. The more careful we are, the longer these spots will stay beautiful.

Best Off-Road Trails to See Fall Colors in Colorado

Tincup Pass

• Difficulty: Moderate

Tincup Pass crosses the Continental Divide at over 12,000 feet and connects the ghost town of St. Elmo with the small town of Tincup. By late September, the aspens along the route are glowing gold, especially near Mirror Lake. The road is rocky but manageable for most high-clearance 4x4s.

Argentine Pass

• Difficulty: Moderate

Just outside of Denver, Argentine Pass climbs to 13,200 feet with views of Grays and Torreys Peaks. You can find Aspens lining the lower portions of the trail, typically peaking in mid-September. Be aware, by mid to late October, this trail does tend to have snow.

Boreas Pass

• Difficulty: Easy

Once a railroad bed, Boreas Pass is now an easy dirt road between Breckenridge and Como. In late September, it turns into a tunnel of gold as the aspens begin to change color. It’s a popular drive amongst everyone, but the mix of colors and mountain views makes it worth sharing the road.

Last Dollar Road

• Difficulty: Moderate

Last Dollar Road, just outside Telluride, is one of the go-to spots for leaf peeping in the San Juans. The route winds through open meadows and dense aspen groves, with dramatic mountain peaks everywhere you look. Early October is usually the best time to catch the colors, but keep in mind the road can turn muddy after rain.

Halfmoon Creek

• Difficulty: Moderate

Halfmoon Creek offers a mix of forest, water crossings, and history with the old Champion Mill at the end. Fall colors usually peak from late September into early October, standing out against Mount Elbert and Mount Massive. The farther you go, the rougher the trail gets, so just keep that in mind if you are a beginner or have a stock vehicle.

Owl Creek Pass

• Difficulty: Easy

Owl Creek Pass is an easy drive, but the views make it worth the trip. The road winds through big stretches of aspens before topping out near Chimney Rock, which always looks good with the fall colors around it. Late September is usually the best window, but keep in mind that weekends will get a little busy.

Silver Jack Reservoir

• Difficulty: Easy

The drive from Owl Creek Pass down to Silver Jack Reservoir shows off a ton of color starting in September. Aspens line most of the road with spruce and box alder mixed in, and on calm days, you’ll catch the colors reflecting off the water. It’s an easy drive with plenty of camping along the way.

Twin Cone

• Difficulty: Easy

Twin Cone starts at Kenosha Pass and is a shorter trail, but it’s a great option to see fall colors starting in mid to late September. The road winds through aspen tunnels with wide valley views along the way. The upper section has been closed for years, but the open part is still worth the drive, especially when the colors are at their best.

Bonus: Kebler Pass

• Difficulty: Easy

Kebler Pass, part of the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway, is home to one of the largest aspen groves in the country. The 31-mile road connects Crested Butte and Paonia, climbing over 10,000 feet with nonstop views of glowing yellow, orange, and red. It’s an easy, well-maintained drive that any vehicle can handle, but be ready for crowds. This is one of the most popular leaf-peeping spots in Colorado, so expect heavy traffic during peak season. Want to see more of this trail, check out our video above!