There's Still Time To Catch Fall Foliage in Colorado

The Fall Foliage is blooming in Colliers Hill, a new construction community in Erie, Colo. Photo Credit: Amy Puchaty

I'm always looking for an excuse to get outside and enjoy nature, and autumn in Colorado makes it so easy! The fall foliage could not be more beautiful. Just yesterday it was a sunny 62-degrees and my husband and I got out to walk a few neighborhoods we are eyeing after grabbing a bowl of Shoyu Ramen from Niwot Market - a best kept secret for yummy breakfast dishes, and homemade Asian cuisine - perhaps that merits another post, but I digress.

Now, although the Aspens typically bloom between mid to late September, there's still time to catch a variety of breathtaking fall foliage across Colorado. Here, I highlight the Best Fall Color Drives - many of which I have taken - courtesy of Colorado.com

Photo by Johan Arthursson

Trail Ridge Road is one of my favorite fall color drives! It is the highest continuous paved road in North America and winds through Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. From mid-September through October, you can typically find great fall color, plus there are great hiking trails and plenty of places to stop off for a bite to eat. I love going for an early morning drive, then hike, or walk around Estes with a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate. 

Gunnison is another big draw, and known as a photographer's favorite. It's home to Kebler Pass, which boasts the largest aspen grove in North America and is one of renowned photographer John Fielder's favorite places. 

The iconic Maroon Bells, is often what people travel far and wide to see. Towering 14,000-feet, the mountains nestled in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness are the most photographed peaks in North America! Located in the 2.3-million-acre White River National Forest, they tower over an abundance of hiking trails boasting unbelievable views of gilded Aspen trees.

205 Basque Blvd Lot 94 Telluride, Colo. is listed for $1.995 million by Telluride Sotheby's International Realty. Photo Credit: Sotheby's International Realty.

If you are looking to catch the views and want to get out of the car, but not in the mood for a hike, Telluride's Free Gondola Ride is one of the most popular ways to experience fall foliage. Check out the incredible views from the 9-acre land parcel above soon to be covered on SecondShelters.com. This pristine lot for building your Colorado dream home is tucked away in Telluride's exclusive Aldasoro Ranch community and puts you minutes from the best fall hikes and ski slopes. 

31 Tarnwood Court in Breckenridge is listed for $4.950 million by Jeff Paffrath of Paffrath & Thomas Real Estate. Photo Credit: Trulia.

Another excellent fall day trip or weekend getaway is Breckenridge, which never seems to disappoint. There are incredible shops, idyllic eateries, breweries, fall hikes, leaves and more. Plus the short 1.5-hour drive from Denver is a breeze and filled with beautiful mountain scenery.

Looking for more fall drives closer to home? Check out a comprehensive list here.
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Editor's Note: ALWAYS check for road closures and weather updates anytime you decide to travel in Colorado. The weather changes frequently and what looks nice in one area can change drastically in another. Also remember to bundle up! Layering is key.

Happy Fall,

AP

Amy Puchaty is a luxury real estate writer and communications specialist whose marketing campaigns and copywriting work has appeared in numerous print and digital publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Denver Post, and Dallas Business Journal. Why Amy Puchaty? Because it’s selling season. Follow Amy at www.amypuchaty.com #AtHomeWithAmy #AmyPuchaty #LuxuryRealEstateWriter