5 Great Spots to See Fall Colors

It is officially fall in Colorado! That means it is time to jump in the car and go find the beautiful fall colors our state has to offer. Colorado is known for its aspen trees and the beautiful reds, oranges, and golds that cover our state in the fall.  All over Colorado you can experience the changing of the leaves. That means you don’t have to go far from home to experience the magic of Fall in Colorado! We have compiled a list of places under 2 hours away from Parker and Castle Rock that offer beautiful views and scenic drives perfect for a fall day.

Guanella Pass 

This Beautiful Byway is about 22 miles of beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains. Not only will you take in breathtaking views of the aspen trees that line the pass, but you may also see wildlife throughout this drive. It is about an hour and a half from the town of Parker but you can make this a fun day trip by also visiting the historic town of Georgetown. If you’re looking to get in a scenic hike while you’re there, the Threemile Trail head is located on the south side of the pass, and is dog-friendly.

Lake Dillion 

Another great place to see the fall colors is visiting the many aspen groves that surround the area of Lake Dillon. Just an hour and a half drive from Castle Rock, you can enjoy the paved bike path that surrounds the lake or the many hikes in the area. No matter where you are on the lake you are guaranteed to see beautiful views of the mountains and the aspen trees changing. Lake Dillon is right next to Frisco and Silverthorne, which are two quaint mountain towns with stunning views and great places to grab a bite.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

This gorgeous state park is about an hour away from the South Metro and offers 12 different hiking trails. Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Rocky Mountains all year round. In the fall, the many aspen groves in this area bring the already-amazing view up a notch. With beautiful golds and orange throughout this park you are sure to be amazed by the beauty of the Colorado fall. Make sure to bring the whole family including the dogs (on-leash) when you head out on a hike to experience Gold Gate Canyon State Park. 

Maxwell Falls  

Maxwell falls is a perfect family-friendly hike that is only an hour away from Parker! Whether you’re looking for a short hike or a longer one to experience Colorado’s fall colors this is the place for you! With three different trails ranging from 1 to 4 miles you can tailor your trip to the length you want. Not only does this trail offer a stunning waterfall but is another great way to immerse yourself in the fall colors that the state is known for.

Squaw Pass 

Squaw Pass is a scenic mountain road an hour away from the town of Castle Rock. Lined with Bristol Pines and Aspen trees it is another perfect drive to see the different colors that Colorado fall has to offer. This road passes by Echo Lake and Mount Evans Byway, which offer some other great views of the mountains and the changing fall colors. Stop for some shopping or a bite to eat in Evergreen or Idaho Springs to make this scenic drive a day trip! 

Have another favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Photo Credits:

Lake Dillon 1 | Guanella State Park | Golden Gate Canyon | Guanella Pass | Lake Dillon 2 | Canyon State Park | Maxwell Falls | Squaw Pass