From Colorado's Rocky Mountains to Utah's red rock canyons, autumn color is at its finest in this region of the Southwest USA. Between them, these two states have more acres of native aspen forest than anywhere else in the world, and that means some of the best fall foliage you'll find anywhere.
The best time to see fall color is usually from mid-September onward, but it varies greatly from place to place, depending on elevation and microclimate. Whether you're planning to visit the state capital or more remote regions, you'll find spectacular autumn foliage drives throughout Colorado and Utah, along scenic byways, major highways, and in national parks and monuments.
Best Time to See Fall Foliage in Colorado and Utah
Picking the best time to see fall color – in Colorado, Utah or anywhere – can be tricky. The turning of the leaves to autumn color is unpredictable and varies from year to year depending on the weather, rainfall, when the first frosts come, and other factors. It generally begins in mid-September and runs into mid-October, but can be even earlier or later depending on conditions.
Autumn foliage is also very localized. Fall colors peak at slightly different times in different places, so even though one area might have peaked, another ridge or valley over might peak the following week. It's just as well, for the show is dazzling but brief – normally it only lasts about a week in any one location.
If you must book your trip well in advance before conditions are known, aim for the middle of the season. You're likely to find beautiful fall foliage somewhere in the vicinity and you can choose your exact route when you get there.
Check Fall Color Reports When Planning Autumn Foliage Drives
The best way to plan a fall foliage drive is to check with the local tourist boards. Many operate fall color "hotlines" during the autumn foliage season or post current information online to guide leaf peepers to the most scenic spots.
If you're traveling to southern Utah, check out the Fall Color Report on the Scenic Southern Utah website. From September through October, the page is updated almost daily as the leaves start to change. Volunteers drive and photograph the autumn color trails to let visitors know which locations are peaking and where the best fall colors can currently be found.
The US Forest Service operates a nationwide fall color hotline on 1-800-354-4595. Or check their website for weekly updates on fall color in the Rocky Mountain region.
Autumn Foliage Drives on Utah and Colorado Scenic Byways
Scenic byways are national or state designated roads that offer travelers a picturesque route through an area of outstanding natural beauty. In addition, many scenic byways have historical or cultural attractions, or offer recreational opportunities along the way. These roads are well maintained and can normally be driven in a standard passenger vehicle, though you should always check weather and road conditions locally before starting out.
In southern Utah, other roads are designated as "scenic backways." These are more remote, back-country roads on varying surfaces and terrain, and may require high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Many of the most popular routes for seeing fall color in Utah and Colorado are along these scenic byways. But even the major highways and interstates are lined with stretches of brilliant autumn foliage.
Fall Foliage Drives in Colorado
The Colorado capital is the gateway to the Rocky Mountains, and Denver's best fall foliage drives are some of the easiest ways to enjoy autumn color in daytrips from the city.
No other town is as synonymous with fall color as Aspen. Surrounded by grove after grove of the shimmering trees which gave it its name, the autumn foliage drives from Aspen are among the best.
Fall Foliage Drives in Utah
Utah's capital also has brilliant autumn color on its doorstep. Enjoy these short but spectacular fall foliage drives from Salt Lake City.
The Wasatch Mountains south of Salt Lake City offer more scenic fall color drives in central Utah.
The awesome canyons and amazing rock formations in the south of the state form the backdrop for the magnificent fall foliage drives in southern Utah.
Donna Dailey - Donna Dailey is an award-winning travel writer & photographer. Her work appears in newspapers, magazines, websites and guidebooks ...
