Timing for Fall Colors in Colorado - START HERE

Looking for the ultimate travel guide to chasing fall foliage in Colorado? Congrats! You've arrived! One of the most common questions I am asked is regarding timing.

📌 When is the best time to visit Colorado for PEAK Fall Colors? These prove true year after year so be sure to save for your next fall visit.

Although exact dates slightly vary year to year, estimations always remain the same. I highly dislike the “exact” predictions the news channels share, as it always sparks chaos and photographers to fret about timing their photos while they’re usually never correct, especially if traveling. While timing is usually around the same time every year, it can differ slightly depending on several factors.

🍂 Once colors START to turn, how long will it take to reach peak?

Once areas start to turn, usually peak follows within about 7-10ish days. Other factors can also affect this, like wind, hard freezes, snow, etc...so they may not last quite that long. In a typical year though, once you start to see an area turning, you can expect peak to follow within 7-10 days.

Average predictions ⬇️

🔸Mid/Late September: Rocky Mountain National Park, Flat Tops, Silverthorne, Breckenridge, Summit County

🔸Mid/Late September to Early October: Vail, Aspen, Crested Butte, Grand Mesa, Steamboat Springs, Buena Vista

🔸Late September to Early/Mid October: Silverton, Telluride, Ouray, Sangre De Cristos, West Kebler Pass

🔸Early/Mid October: Ridgway, Durango, Pagosa

🔸Mid to Late October: Denver, Colorado Springs

🔸Late October to Early November: Fruita, Grand Junction

After photographing Fall for the last decade, these estimations prove true year after year with slight variation based on weather.

🍁 If you’re coming from out of state, visiting either the last week of September or first week of October will guarantee you hit peak colors in the mountains if your location isn’t set in stone. Be flexible and be open to seeing new places. You WILL be able to find color at that time, and these are the weeks I take off work year after year. They’ve held true for me every year, especially if you have plans to visit SW Colorado.

***Check out my Fall Colors Guide for all of the locations you don't want to miss. Here from Instagram? Use code = FALL2025 for a special discount.***