Discovering Colorado's Autumn Splendor: Scenic Drives for Car Collectors
Updated: Oct 5
Aspen and the Western Slope
Aspen didn't earn its name by accident. The Maroon Bells Scenic Byway out of town offers a classic view: fourteeners framed by golden aspen groves reflected in Maroon Lake. This route is short but requires reservations to visit the Maroon Bells Scenic Area in the fall. Separate camping permits and fees apply to parts of the surrounding wilderness, so it's wise to book ahead.
For an actual drive, Independence Pass (Highway 82) is the move. It climbs to 12,095 feet between Aspen and Twin Lakes. The road features tight switchbacks and long sightlines across hillsides adorned with turning aspen. This narrow pass closes for winter soon, making this your last chance to experience it this season.
If you prefer fewer cars and better trees, head north to Kebler Pass. This scenic route runs between Crested Butte and Paonia, past McClure Pass, and cuts through what is considered the largest aspen grove in Colorado. Locals often rate it above Maroon Bells for sheer volume of color, and it sees a fraction of the traffic.
Closer to Denver
Kenosha Pass and Guanella Pass are the two routes everyone knows. Both become crowded on weekends, often leading to hours-long backups. Here are a few alternatives that provide the same scenic experience without the wait:
Golden Gate Canyon Road, out of Golden: This route features tight curves and good pavement. It connects to Highway 119 for a longer loop if desired.
Peak to Peak Highway (119, 72, and 7): Running from Black Hawk through Nederland to Estes Park, this is Colorado's oldest scenic byway. It strings together some of the best aspen stands on the Front Range without funneling everyone through a single canyon.
Boreas Pass, out of Breckenridge: This gravel road in the upper stretches requires knowledge of your vehicle. It is an old railroad grade with sweeping views and thinner crowds than the more famous passes nearby.
Gold Camp Road, from Colorado Springs to Victor: This route connects north through Cripple Creek to Divide. It is a little further south and less crowded.
Lookout Mountain and the Lariat Loop: A short drive close to the city, ideal for an after-work excursion. Less dramatic than a mountain pass, it still delivers vibrant autumn colors.
Mestaa'éhehe Pass (Highway 103 formerly known as Squaw Pass): This road runs from Bergen Park to Echo Lake and feeds into the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway. You can easily turn a quick pass drive into a full day if the byway is open, with several spots to get out and stretch your legs.
If You Have More Time
If you can extend your trip into a longer weekend, two western slope drives are worth the extra miles.
Cottonwood Pass Road runs west of Buena Vista, beneath Mount Princeton and Mount Yale. This route leads into one of the most aspen-dense valleys in the state. The color doesn't turn all at once here, allowing you to catch slopes at different stages on the same drive, with gold on one side and still summer-green on the other.
Dallas Divide, on Highway 62 out of Ridgway, is a shorter but impactful option. This route runs straight toward the Sneffels Range, with aspen groves at the base of the peaks the whole way. Continuing southeast on Highway 145 toward Telluride, you will drive through dense white-bark aspen stands all the way to Lizard Head Pass.
Neither drive is a quick out-and-back, so budget a full day if you plan to add one to your Aspen trip.
Notes for Colorado Fall Color Drives
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is forecasting an earlier, faster peak this year due to drought conditions. They specifically ask drivers to travel midweek if possible. Weekend traffic in the mountain corridors is expected to be heavy. Tuesday through Thursday will allow you to enjoy the same trees with a fraction of the brake-light photography.
Ensure you have a full tank of gas. Mountain gas stations are sparse, and lines can get long during peak color season. Be vigilant for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk. Allow extra following distance on gravel sections. If you're driving a low vehicle or one with performance tires, consider the conditions on Boreas Pass and the upper stretches of some Forest Service roads before committing. You can often get a good feel for current road conditions on All Trails.
The window for enjoying the fall colors is short. Once the wind picks up or the first hard freeze hits, the show is over for the year. If you can, get out this week. Enjoy the drive, stay safe, and embrace the beauty of the season.
Enjoyed the drive? Check out Denver's best garages and the homes they are attached to.
