A Guide to Seeing Fall Colors in Colorado (October 2025)

When to Go in October

• Late September to early October (just finishing now): Vail, Breckenridge, and the central mountains — if you can get out this week, you’ll still find glowing groves.

• October 1–10: Steamboat Springs, Grand Lake, and mid-elevation areas like the Flat Tops.

• October 5–15: Front Range foothills, Boulder, Golden, Evergreen, and Colorado Springs.

• October 10–20: Denver metro parks and lower foothills.

Even if you missed the high country peak, October still brings plenty of golden days.

Best October Spots for Fall Colors

1. Steamboat Springs

Peak: October 1–7
The Yampa Valley shines with cottonwoods along the river and aspen groves on Rabbit Ears Pass. Don’t miss Fish Creek Falls for a short, colorful hike.

2. Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

Peak: October 5–12
This route runs from Estes Park to Black Hawk, with plenty of roadside pull-offs for photos. It’s a great day trip from Denver or Boulder.

3. Boulder & Golden Foothills

Peak: October 5–15
Hike the Mesa Trail in Boulder or visit Golden Gate Canyon State Park for wide aspen meadows. Close to the city but still feels like a mountain escape.

4. Colorado Springs & Pikes Peak Region

Peak: October 8–15
Drive up Pikes Peak Highway or explore North Cheyenne Cañon. The colors mix beautifully with red rock formations like those at Garden of the Gods.

5. Denver Metro Parks

Peak: October 10–20
Even within city limits, you’ll find cottonwoods and maples lighting up. Washington Park, City Park, and Sloan’s Lake are local favorites for a fall stroll.

Scenic October Drives

• Guanella Pass (until snow closes it): Georgetown to Grant, gorgeous in early October.

• Peak to Peak Scenic Byway: Accessible from Denver and Boulder, with peak color in mid-October.

• Gold Camp Road (Colorado Springs): A historic drive through tunnels and golden aspens.

Tips for Fall Color Chasers

• Check conditions before you go: Peaks shift depending on weather — local tourism boards and Instagram updates help.

• Weekdays are quieter: If you can visit midweek, you’ll avoid the crowds.

• Go early in the day: Morning light makes the colors pop, and parking is easier at trailheads.

• Pack layers: October mornings can be frosty while afternoons are warm.

Final Thoughts

October may be the last call for fall colors in Colorado, but it’s far from too late. From Steamboat to the Front Range foothills, there are still weeks of golden aspen and fiery cottonwoods ahead. Whether you want a quick afternoon hike near Denver or a weekend trip to the mountains, now’s the time to get outside and enjoy one of Colorado’s best seasons.



Jessica Northrop, founding partner of Compass Denver, is a top 0.5% real estate agent with over $950M in lifetime sales. Recognized as a leading Denver luxury real estate agent, Jessica specializes in custom homes, new construction, and homes with mountain views across the Denver metro, Highlands Ranch, and Backcountry. Discover why Jessica Northrop is consistently ranked among the top Denver real estate agents for buyers and sellers of luxury homes in Colorado.