Photo by Robert Reyes on Unsplash
Each year, the passing of summer into fall is marked by the changing leaves of Colorado’s aspen trees. It usually takes just a week for the aspens to turn from their soft greens to marigold yellows. Nature lovers have a brief window in which to see these gorgeous trees shake off their summer skin and slip into their fall attire. Generally, leaves start to turn around mid-September and the majority have fallen off trees by mid-October.
There are five major climate zones within two hours of Longmont, meaning that residents along the Front Range have plenty of opportunities to see the aspens change. Mountain aspens turn earlier than trees at lower elevations, so it’s important to keep an eye out and leave plenty of weekends free between 9/15 – 10/15. Here are the best times to see Colorado’s aspen trees change throughout various locations along the Front Range.
Close to Longmont, these high-altitude scenic drives feature dramatically sloping hillsides set ablaze with the aspen’s golden leaves. Travel the Gaunella Pass Scenic and Historic Byway from Georgetown south, to eventually end up at the base of South Park. Or, for a full day of autumn adventures, cruise along Peak-to-Peak into Estes Park and watch the sunset paint the Rocky Mountains pink form the front porch of the Stanley Hotel. Leaves up there are already starting to turn so plan your trip soon.
Take a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road, situated within the National Park, in mid-September to see aspen trees changing against the famous mountain backdrop. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuously paved road in the United States and offers sweeping views of our state’s natural wilderness. However, due to its elevation, leaves up here change much earlier in the season. In just a few weeks, the Rocky Mountain aspens will most likely start turning so head up to Estes Park for a chance to see these fiery beauties.
We city dwellers have already begun to notice the cooling mornings and evenings, so there’s no doubt that higher-elevation aspens have, as well. Golden Gate Canyon is just a short drive and offers picturesque views of the wilderness surrounding the Continental Divide. Visit Golden Gate Canyon mid-to-late September for the chance to spy pockets of aspen groves turning yellow throughout the evergreen forests.
Located just a short way down I-70, Idaho Springs’ charming historic downtown makes the perfect weekend getaway to experience the aspens change. Drive the “Oh My God” road from Idaho Springs into Central City for breathtaking views of aspen groves. These leaves usually begin turning at the end of September and continue through mid-October.
In case you miss the aspens in the mountains, Cherry Creek Trail offers views of changing arbors through the end of October (typically). Take in the scenery on a casual afternoon bike ride or sunset stroll. This bike path spans 40 miles, weaving through downtown Denver all the way to Cherry Creek State Park.
As summer draws to an end and fall quickly closes in, Coloradans celebrate the break from the heat and look forward to the start of ski season. This autumn, celebrate our brief autumn by taking in the beauty of a mountainside peppered with golden aspen groves. VerraWest Apartments puts residents at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, with quick access to the national park, I-70, and I-25. Our apartments also offer quiet solitude in the heart of a bustling city. Call today to schedule a showing.