It’s here, the most colorful time of the year in Estes Park! Every fall, visitors head to Colorado to see the gorgeous golden aspens take over the mountain landscape. So, grab your camera and discover where to see fall colors in Rocky Mountain National Park.
When to visit
Dependent on the weather, the fall foliage season in Colorado can vary year to year; though we typically see the change begin in early September and last as late as mid-October.
The color change begins at higher elevations and moves down to lower elevations as the season continues, with elevations above 9,000 feet seeing colors change as early as the first week of September.
Fall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
Taking a hike is a great way to see the fall colors in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Bear Lake
No matter what the season, a hike around Bear Lake is always beautiful. This is a quick and easy loop around the lake that provides mountain views and colorful aspens reflecting off the lake. The trail is accessed from Bear Lake Road, which is a spectacular drive in the fall as well.
Alberta Falls
Found in one of the most scenic areas of the park, Alberta Falls is the ultimate in Colorado fall beauty. Begin at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead and follow the trail (signs) leading up to Alberta Falls. Hike amongst thick aspen groves, alongside a rushing creek with scenic mountain peaks, all of which lead to the cascading waterfall. This easy 2.8-mile trail is located just south of Bear Lake.
Wild Basin Trail
The Wild Basin Trail is the perfect fall escape with colorful aspens and a magnificent collection of waterfalls along the way including Calypso Cascades, Copeland Falls, and Ouzel Falls.
Upper Beaver Meadows
Upper Beaver Meadows is a hike the entire family will enjoy. The flat 5-mile loop guides hikers through the beautiful Beaver Meadows and offers views of the Continental Divide and Longs Peak – the park’s only 14,000+ foot mountain. Elk herds often graze in these meadows, making this one of our favorite places to visit in the fall.
Scenic drives from Estes Park
You don’t have to hike to see fall colors in Rocky Mountain National Park. Take a scenic drive and enjoy the best of fall from your car.
Peak-to-Peak Scenic and Historic Byway
The Peak-to-Peak Scenic and Historic Byway spans 55 miles from Black Hawk to Estes Park and is a great drive to take in the stunning vistas and colors. You’ll pass by or through Rocky Mountain National Park, the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, Eldora Ski Resort, and the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area.
Trail Ridge Road
The most popular scenic drive inside the park, Trail Ridge Road, offers aerial views of the changing colors below you. Be sure to check the park’s website for updated road conditions and possible closures, as the road closes due to snowfall, meaning it could close as early as mid-September.
North Colorado Loop
If you’re in it for the long haul, try the North Colorado Loop! The loop spans 360 miles and connects three scenic byways. Time it right, and you will be able to enjoy amazing views of the fall foliage throughout canyons, along riverbeds, forests, and mountainsides.
Stay at Brynwood on the River
Complete your trip to Estes Park with a stay at Brynwood on the River. Our scenic accommodations feature cozy interiors, mountain views, kitchens with dining areas or kitchenettes, and most with a warming fireplace. And just minutes from the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park and downtown Estes Park, you are in the center of it all when you stay at Brynwood on the River!
