Plan Your 2022 Fall Foliage Tour

It hasn’t exactly felt like fall, but you know that the season can change instantly this time of year. One of the best things about fall in Colorado is the foliage. Whether you’re driving through The Meadows, downtown Castle Rock, or taking a hike on the trails of Ridgeline or Philip S. Miller, we certainly have our fair share of colors around town. If you want to drive to capture all the colors this year, here’s a quick breakdown of when you can find peak colors throughout the state.

Head High in September

Beginning in mid-September, you can drive west up to 9500 feet to get your first glimpse of the Aspens turning. A few good sites to add to your list are Guanella Pass which is just an hour from Denver. You can also drive north to Rocky Mountain National Park, check out the aspens around Bear Lake, or drive the Peak-to-Peak Byway for more great views in mid-September and early October.

Railroad colors 2021Late September – Mid October

You can capture your pictures between 7,000 – 9,000 ft in late September. Head to Georgetown, Silver Plume, Dillon, Silverthorne, and Frisco, just off I-70.

The Month of October

Throughout October, you can visit anywhere between 6,000 and 8,000 ft. for lush groves of aspen trees and many other colors changing. Head to Central City, Idaho Springs, Evergreen, or Golden Gate State Park, for the best colors.

Late October through November

The colors hit close to home in late October and November. You can enjoy an afternoon hike or bike ride along miles of trails throughout the Denver Metro Area. Take a tour and your camera along the Cherry Creek Bike Trail or the South Platte Bike Trail. Or, if you’re looking to spend a relaxing afternoon outside, check out Washington Park, Sloans Lake, or City Park are great for colors in the late fall. Let’s not forget the miles of beautiful trails right here in Castle Rock.

As we move through September, it’s time to start making your fall plans. So whether you stay local or head to the mountains, grab your camera and capture the entire season of fall colors.