If you're someone who loves scenic drives - especially leaf-peeping focused drives in the fall season - then you're going to love this spot! Fall foliage on Boreas Pass in Colorado is absolutely spectacular and the colors you see up there are going to blow you away. The drive is on a bumpy dirt road - although it's improved a bit in recent years - and you'll reach 11,493' of elevation when you reach the top. When you get to the peak, you'll be above the tree line, but you'll love seeing all the colorful aspens on the way up and on the way back down. You can start in Breckenridge and end in Como - or vice versa.
I've driven over most of the mountain passes in Colorado, and Boreas Pass remains one of my very favorites at any time of the year.
In fall, though, it's truly next level. The aspens on both ends of the pass road erupt in spectacular displays of color during the autumn season.
You can start off Route 285 in Como, or you can approach the pass from the town of Breckenridge. Either direction is fantastic. You'll see beautiful views from either angle.
I love this pass in part because it's a dirt road all the way. Somehow, that helps to make me feel even more connected to the nature all around me.
The road can be a bit bumpy, but that's all part of the fun.
The last (or first) few miles near Breckenridge have huge drop-offs, which create really excellent views and photo opportunities.
And the colors - oh my! The colors are amazing.
If you time it right, you'll be able to see the full spectrum of aspen coloration. Yellows, oranges, and reds are everywhere - sometimes even all on one tree!
Boreas Pass is, without a doubt, one of the best places in Colorado for fall colors. The full loop, from Denver, will take about four hours from Denver to the pass and back to Denver again if you don't stop at all.
Chances are, though, you're going to want to stop and take it all in!
Seeing the fall foliage on Boreas Pass in Colorado is exactly what you need this fall! Start out early so you can stop often and take lots of pictures. Breathe in the crisp, autumn air, and reflect on all the amazing things that you love most about Colorado. Have a great drive!
Don't have a car of your own? Sign up for this Continental Divide Tour from Viator and traverse Boreas Pass and more with a guide!
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