Eight Great Car Trips to Enjoy Fall Colors
Whether it’s a spectacular walk under an umbrella of aspen trees along the Colorado River, or viewing brilliant shrubs and scrub oak at Roxborough, Colorado’s state parks offer you the best way to experience fall in Colorado. Check the
Park Finder for current conditions. Many state parks are located along some of the most scenic drives in Colorado, providing the perfect landscape for a weekend getaway to enjoy Colorado’s fall splendor.
More Outdoor Recreation Information
Autumn in the Canyons
Located near the Denver metro area,
Golden Gate Canyon State Park and Eldorado Canyon State Park each provide a spectacular display of the annual fall gold rush. The two parks are about 30 miles apart, allowing fall color fans to visit both parks in the same day.
The Forests of Northern Colorado
Experience the beauty of Colorado’s timberland beginning just 75 miles west of Fort Collins.
State Forest,
Steamboat Lake and
Pearl Lake state parks beckon visitors to take a weekend away from the city. Find fall in the forest amid quiet paths covered in pine needles.
Up the I-70 Corridor
During the fall months, the drive up the I-70 corridor from Denver to Glenwood Springs is an unparalleled trip through the heart of the Rockies. Golden aspens paint the landscape on your way to
Sylvan Lake,
Rife Falls,
Rifle Gap and Harvey Gap state parks.
Pikes Peak to River Country
Come see nature’s canvas in the Pikes Peak region of Colorado. Golds, reds and oranges guide your tour from Colorado Springs to Buena Vista. Along the way, stop to enjoy the incredible views at
Cheyenne Mountain State Park,
Mueller State Park,
Eleven Mile State Park and
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. Spend the afternoon meandering along the twists and turns of the mighty Arkansas River, as you discover Colorado’s river country.
The Western Slope via the Vineyards
Pack up the car and spend a week on the road. Visit the Western Slope wine country this fall. Rush to the gold at the
Colorado River State Park and Highline Lake State Park near Grand Junction. Then journey south to
Ridgway State Park where you can experience the grandeur and ruggedness of the San Juan Mountains.
Fall in the Four Corners
Southwest Colorado brings a new and different flavor to fall color viewing. Desert mountains, buttes and mesas are highlighted by pockets of colorful brilliance. Two reservoirs,
Navajo and
Mancos state parks, offer a multitude of opportunities for you. Escape the crowded cities and rejuvenate in historic southern Colorado.
Legendary Colors
Wind your way through the extreme southern portion of Colorado on the Highway of Legends. This extraordinary drive ties together
Trinidad Lake State Park and
Lathrop State Park, with the Purgatoire Valley, the Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Cuchara Valley in between. Several 14,000-foot peaks and dozens of aspen groves are speckled throughout the drive. Make a weekend seeing crisp fall colors and historic attractions in southern Colorado.
Grand Mesa Trip
Fall brings crimson splashes and splatters of saffron to the valleys and mountains of Grand Mesa. The mild climate encourages a variety of wildlife to wander in the dense forests of the area. Come explore
Vega,
Paonia and
Crawford state parks while touring the fall colors of the Western Slope.
