There’s no denying this is one of the most magical and vibrant autumn seasons the Front Range has seen in years, and I’m imploring you to get out there and glimpse it before it’s gone! There’s something new and unexpected around every turn, and remarkable bursts of reds and oranges are nestled amidst the ever-so golden aspens, quaking as if they’ve gobbled up the sun. Our Rocky Mountain fall may be brief, but cruising through the mountain passes and strolling along meandering trails under a canopy of trees just fills you with a certain kind of warmth that lasts. The leaves are fading fast so make haste and take this fall foliage road trip outside of Denver today!
Get ready for the ride of your life with this jaw-dropping fall foliage extravaganza that travels through multiple state and national parks, over three mountain passes, and a handful of charming mountain towns. Click here for a detailed Google Map.
Your first official leaf-peeping locale will be Kenosha Pass off Highway 285 between Grant and Jefferson. Begin your journey by traveling along the lovely US-285 South from Denver for roughly an hour, until you reach the breathtaking beauty of Kenosha Pass at 10,000 feet.
You can expect to see many cars parked along the road and fellow peepers strolling down the trails, but don't let it deter you because there is plenty to go around, then around again.
You can drive through Kenosha Pass off the east side of the highway, but I strongly suggest getting out and tromping around a while, because there are miles and miles of trails through aspen groves and a plethora of picturesque spots to snap photos.
Kenosha Pass is one of the most well-traveled portions of the 500-mile Colorado Trail, and you can hike for as little or as long as you like, as it's essentially unending. The average day-hiker goes about 3 miles until reaching a stunning 270-degree view of the aspen-covered mountains and beyond.
Just before you reach the charming town of Como, you'll see a sign for Boreas Pass, where you'll take a right and travel a short distance before being mesmerized by the spectacular vibrancy of the trees in this magical valley of the Pike National Forest.
Photo by Reid Phillips
The road quickly narrows and affords stunning vistas...
Photo by Reid Phillips
...and quaking aspens in a variety of stunning colors.
The road climbs to the summit of Boreas Pass at the Continental Divide, which is a prime spot for loafing around at 11,482 feet at the intersection of the Pike and White River National Forests.
The Pass continues to gradually descend down the mountain through lush meadows, sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, and gobs and gobs of aspen canopies.
Photo by Reid Phillips
As soon as you spot Goose Pasture Tarn, the majestic Ten Mile Range, and the beautiful Blue River Valley, you've reached the end of the Pass and will continue to descend down Boreas Pass Road into the town of Breckenridge.
If you'd like to get out and stretch your legs, grab a bite, sip a beer (if you're not driving!), or do a little shopping, Breckenridge has an easily walkable Main Street with an abundance of restaurants, shops, and watering holes.
Continue your road trip on CO-9 North a short distance to (or through) Frisco, which is also another great spot to stop and peruse the main drag, grab a coffee for fuel, take in the surrounding mountains and reservoir, and continue on your merry way, following signs for I-70 East.
Now that Guanella Pass is paved it makes for a very enjoyable (and popular) drive filled with many spectacular aspen groves and plenty of magical mountain scenery.
At the top of the Pass at nearly 12,000', you'll be wowed by the majesty of the surrounding peaks, including Square Top Mountain (13,794'), Mt. Bierstadt (14,065'), and Mt. Evans (14,265'). Breathe it all in then wind your way down the mountain back to US-285 and head north to return to Denver.
