Western Colorado’s Most Colorful Scenic Byways To Drive This Fall

September is one of my favorite times of year to hit the road in Colorado, for a chance to see golden aspens, fiery red oaks, and even a few snow-dusted peaks without leaving the driver’s seat.

Fall color drives in the Centennial State are nothing short of magical, and September is the perfect time to get out and see the foliage. To make the most of it, here are a few of Colorado’s most unforgettable scenic byways that belong on your autumn road trip list.

San Juan Skyway: A 236-mile Loop Through Southwestern Colorado

• Scenic Byway: Southwestern Colorado’s San Juan Skyway is one of the most beautiful byways in America, and the fall colors take it to the next level. A drive down a portion, or all of this byway, is a great way to enjoy dramatic mountain passes loaded with golden aspens in September and early October.
• Must See: If you go, be sure to check out Ouray’s Box Canyon Falls Park. The quartzite canyon is loaded with golden aspens. Near Ridgway, the Dallas Divide overlooks are a stunning fall surprise at sunrise and sunset. Find the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway Map here.

Peak to Peak Scenic Byway: Colorado's Oldest Scenic Byway

• Scenic Byway: Colorado’s Peak to Peak Byway stretches from Estes Park to Black Hawk for some of the best fall color views of the Rocky Mountains. It is a golden corridor of aspens and oaks this time of year, following the Continental Divide along Highways 7, 72, and 119 for about 55 miles.
• Must See: The mountain towns along the byway offer coffee shops, galleries, and lots of Colorado mining history. The route even goes past the ghost town of Apex, as well as hiking trails in the Roosevelt National Forest.

Kebler Pass: A Hidden Gem for Fall Foliage

• Scenic Byway: The Kebler Pass (part of the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway)
  is known as a fall color gem to those on the Western Slope. While the pass is unpaved, it will take you through one of the largest aspen groves on Earth. The pass stretches out over 31 miles and takes an hour to reach Crested Butte.
• Must See: Find postcard-perfect photos at the Lost Lake Campground along the pass, with mirror-like waters reflecting the fiery fall colors (but only for a limited time).

Bonus: Grand Mesa Scenic Byway – A Flat-Topped Fall Wonderland

Read More: Giant Skull and Bone Found in Colorado’s Grand Mesa?

• Scenic Byway: Weekdays in September usually mean less traffic on the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway. This 50-mile route goes from I-70 North of the Mesa to Cedaredge on the southern slopes. Multiple stops along the way that show off shimmering aspen groves and sparkling lakes, but do not wait too long.
• Must See: My own experience is that if you wait until October, you have missed most of the color fun. Along the way, check out Mesa Lakes Recreation Area or the Land’s End Observatory for great color.

Bonus: La Sal Mountain Scenic Loop

• Scenic Byway: Fall colors are on display along the Colorado-Utah state line via the La Sal Mountain Byway. This paved route around Moab and the La Sal Mountains can take a few hours to complete, but you’ll have access to lots of great photo opportunities. Most people start in Moab, traveling east on U.S. 191 to the La Sal Mountain Loop Road. Drive through the mountains before reconnecting with U.S. 128 along the Colorado River back to Moab.
• Must See: Make time to stop at the Warner Lake Recreation Area for a picnic or a short hike, and the Castle Valley Overlook for golden aspens and towering red rock spires.

Get our free mobile app