New England gets all the hype for "leaf peeping," but Colorado does it better. Our aspens turn whole mountainsides gold, with jagged peaks, high alpine lakes, and bluebird skies. And, sometimes, the fog parts to reveal snowcapped mountains with the gold beneath. Peak fall colors are here for the next two weeks — here's how to chase them.
Driving
Last Dollar Road: The classic Telluride fall drive — a winding dirt road that connects Ridgway to Telluride. Iconic views of Wilson Peak. A 4WD vehicle helps, but you can make it in most cars if it's dry.
Dallas Divide: Drive the highway to Ridgway and you'll go over Dallas Divide. Stop at the top to check out Ralph Lauren's ranch, including his classic old-school fence that runs into the Sneffels Range.
Red Mountain Pass: For a bigger adventure, drive over Red Mountain Pass. The road is narrow and rocky, but the reward is sweeping views of reds, yellows, and oranges spilling across the San Juans. Drop into Silverton on the other side.
Biking
Valley Floor Trail: An easy, flat ride from town with the San Miguel River beside you. The cottonwoods are now joining the aspens in turning gold, doubling the show. Look for elk.
Galloping Goose Trail: Classic fall trail down valley, leaving from Lawson Hill and heading into Ilium. Stay alongside the San Miguel before turning off to extend the ride up into Ilium. Great for gravel bikes and beginning mountain bikers.
Prospect Trail: For a tougher ride on the ski mountain, climb into Mountain Village and take Prospect Trail. The singletrack cuts through thick aspen stands before breaking out into wide-open meadows with panoramic color.
Hiking
Sneffels Highline Loop: The ultimate fall hike. The loop climbs through glowing aspen forests before opening up to alpine basins and 13,000-foot peaks dusted with early snow. It's long (13 miles) but unforgettable. Bring water and snacks and leave early.
Hope Lake: A moderate hike near Trout Lake, short but with a real climb. The trail winds through aspen groves before topping out at Hope Lake, a high alpine lake framed by yellow leaves.
Bear Creek Falls: Right from town, hike into Bear Creek Canyon, where aspens line the trail and cliffs rise dramatically overhead. End at the awesome waterfall (~3 miles roundtrip).