Mountain Project Logo

Colorado Fall Colors

Original Post
Kai Huang · · Aurora, CO · Joined May 2008 · Points: 105

It's that time of the year again.

Does anyone have recommendations for where to drive and see the fall colors with hiking and/or climbing within couple hours of front range?

Thanks!

J. Broussard · · CordryCorner · Joined Feb 2011 · Points: 50

I was in Penitente last weekend and the drive down 285 to get there and back was amazing. There's fire in them hills!

germsauce Epstein · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2010 · Points: 55

The Kluttergarden by Redcliff is just about as scenic a bouldering area as I know, set in an aspen forest, big gneiss blocks, i try to head up there for a day during Aspen season every year. It's magical.

Derek Lawrence · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 695

Check out Guanella Pass!

Rob Kepley · · Westminster, CO · Joined Dec 2005 · Points: 1,005

Kai, Marble is considered the epicenter for Fall colors. Also the McClure pass area as well. I'm actually heading that way tomorrow for a few days of photography.

Kai Huang · · Aurora, CO · Joined May 2008 · Points: 105

If only Aspen was closer, Rob.

Derek, Guanella Pass is on my list.

I think this is what I am going to do. Fall Colors Driving Map That would cover Vail to Kluttergarden to Leadville to Breckenridge to Boreas Pass to Kenosha Pass to Guanella Pass. If I don't see any colors, I give up.

Colin Dinsmore · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2011 · Points: 15
Camp Hale 09.16.12.

Camp Hale 09.16.12.

Camp Hale 09.16.12.

Camp Hale (between Minturn and Redcliff) was incredible last Sunday and I was amazed at how much rock is up there. Never climbed there though.
Rob Baumgartner · · Niwot · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 196

Peak-to-peak highway to Estes Park. Climb at Jurassic Park or Lumpy Ridge.

Andy Librande · · Denver, CO · Joined Nov 2005 · Points: 1,880
Kai Huang wrote:If only Aspen was closer, Rob. Derek, Guanella Pass is on my list. I think this is what I am going to do. Fall Colors Driving Map That would cover Vail to Kluttergarden to Leadville to Breckenridge to Boreas Pass to Kenosha Pass to Guanella Pass. If I don't see any colors, I give up.
good route if you are looking for a serious day of driving. I would note that going over Guanella pass puts you back on I-70 and traffic has still been pretty bad on weekend afternoons whereas if you just continue on 285 you will still see a fair amount of aspens through Bailey on down as they were just turning last weekend.

Don't miss Kenosha pass right now as it should just be getting good.

Some previous years of Fall Colors:

This is Kenosha last year (Oct 1st, 2011) in the most insane colors I have ever seen it:


Near Minturn on HWY 24 in 2010 on my way to go bouldering:
View from the road just before getting to the Kluttergarden. Fall is an amazing time to be here. Sept. 19th, 2010.
Scott McMahon · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 1,425

Although a bit farther than you want, Crested Butte has the largest aspen groves.

Vaughn · · Colorado · Joined Mar 2011 · Points: 55

What if trees were always yellow and red and only turned green in the fall? Would people get excited about the leaves turning green?

Scott McMahon · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 1,425
Vaughne wrote:What if trees were always yellow and red and only turned green in the fall? Would people get excited about the leaves turning green?
I'd say not so much...they blend in more when they are green and the colors are so vibrant.

If you were looking for a serious answer to a rhetorical question. :o)
Steve Williams · · The state of confusion · Joined Jul 2005 · Points: 235

Denver Post reported great colors on the Peak to Peak Hwy!

Peter Stokes · · Them Thar Hills · Joined Apr 2009 · Points: 150
Steve Williams wrote:Denver Post reported great colors on the Peak to Peak Hwy!
This is from yesterday (Thursday) along Hwy 72 south of Ward

Fall colors.
Todd Leeson · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 15
Gabe on Equinox.

Devil's Head can be a good option for fall colors. It doesn't involve driving much either. Check it out....
The Good Life Denver · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 5

This thread is awesome; the pics are amazing!

Andy Librande · · Denver, CO · Joined Nov 2005 · Points: 1,880
MTN MIA · · Vail · Joined May 2006 · Points: 405

Hey you all!!!!

It is KLETTERGARDEN not klutter!!!!!!!!!!

And the colors peaked there last weekend

Mike Lane · · AnCapistan · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 880

The wife wants to get out but I was under the weather last weekend. Is Boreas Pass south enough to be peaking this weekend?

half-pad-mini-jug · · crauschville · Joined Apr 2008 · Points: 1,740
Princess Mia wrote:Hey you all!!!! It is KLETTERGARDEN not klutter!!!!!!!!!! And the colors peaked there last weekend
Mountain project is the only resource that calls it the Klettergarden, all other guidebooks call it the Kluttergarden.
Kai Huang · · Aurora, CO · Joined May 2008 · Points: 105

Summit and Eagle counties are probably done now. From Sunday's drive, the best spots are Guanella and Kenosha Passes, but I am not sure if the cold/wet weather these couple days would make a difference or not.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Colorado
Post a Reply to "Colorado Fall Colors"

Log In to Reply

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.