The Best Places to View Colorado's Fall Colors

Do you feel that crisp morning air? The smell of fireplaces and pumpkin spice lattes? It’s definitely feeling like fall in Fort Collins, and it’s looking like it too! The aspens are presenting their bright yellows and even the brush along the river banks is hinting at a shade of red. 

Leaf peeping in Northern Colorado is usually best from mid-September through October. There are plenty of great places to go to see the fall colors, all within driving distance of Fort Collins. Here are a few of our favorite leaf peeping spots!

Poudre Canyon & Cameron Pass

Driving up the Poudre Canyon is a local favorite. The highway winds along the Cache la Poudre River, and up towards a bounty of beautiful trees in full fall color. You can catch splashes of color on the mountainsides as the aspen, oak and cottonwoods dot the landscape. Colorado Highway 14 takes you from Fort Collins to Walden (an easy day’s drive). Take time to stop along the river and enjoy the scenery. One of the highlights of the trip is topping Cameron Pass. You’ll see breathtaking views of the mountain peaks along with the fall colors!

Red Feather Lakes

For a slower-paced drive, head northwest of Fort Collins on Highway 287 to Livermore, turn left and head just 30 minutes to Red Feather Lakes. This area is surrounded by 612,000 acres of Roosevelt National Forest. West of town, you’ll hit dirt roads and feel a part of nature as trees line both sides of the road. The road is well maintained and leads you up to the top of the area so you can see for miles. Take your binoculars and scan for fall colors.

Rocky Mountain National Park

We’re proud to have this National Park in our backyard. The drive to Estes Park to access the entrance to the Park is a beautiful drive. Once inside the Park, enjoy the drive all the way to the top to Trail Ridge Visitors Center. Be sure to stop at the observation points and definitely at Rainbow Curve, where you can look out across the valley and easily see the colors of the changing trees and bushes along the river.

Local Color

You don’t even have to drive out of town to see vibrant shades of red, gold and orange come alive this fall season. Just keep an eye out for the stunning fall display of colors all throughout town! Walk along the Poudre River on the north edge of downtown or explore Fort Collins in any direction. You’ll see hints of color everywhere.

Welcome to fall in beautiful Northern Colorado!