Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Aspen, Colorado

Scenic drives, brisk hikes, crunchy leaves underfoot, and yellow aspens – the fall is finally here. There’s nothing more mesmerizing than bright yellow aspens swaying in the crisp fall breeze. And there’s no place better to see these fabulous trees on fall display than Aspen, Colorado, the eponymous town named for these very dramatic trees. The fall foliage in Aspen, Colorado, sees oaks, Aspen trees, and cottonwoods shed their resplendent hues all across the great fields, valleys, and mountains as far as the eye can see. Usually, Aspen’s peak leaf colors are between mid-September and mid-October. If that wasn’t enough, Aspen is constantly ranked as one of the country’s best places to see the fall colors. So, for your next fall foliage getaway, America’s Canary City seems like a great place to head to, doesn’t it? Check out our autumn guide to Aspen, Colorado.

Independence Pass

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Best overall. One of the best spots to experience autumn foliage in Aspen is Independence Pass. This is the last great place to see fall foliage in the region as it shuts in the winter. It’s also one of the most strikingly beautiful drives in Colorado. Head west on I-70 with lots of fun stops along the way to capture photographs of the landscape awash in colorful fall foliage.

After passing Frisco and the historic mining town of Leadville, you arrive at the gorgeous little town of Twin Lakes, which boasts a wonderful pair of alpine lakes. There’s even a very easy scenic hike along the Interlaken Trail to a historic luxury resort, where you could even explore some restored buildings. Moreover, the valley views are incredible, with tons of scenic overlooks. However, the grand finale is when you cross the “Continental Divide,” where the winds are crazy, but the views are absolutely beautiful.

Where to Stay: Since Independence Pass is just 20 mi (32 km) from Aspen, the Gant is one of the best places to stay. It’s one of the most luxurious hotels around and also one of the best hotels in Aspen, Colorado. It’s big on amenities, featuring two outdoor heated pools with jacuzzis, five tennis courts, and an onsite restaurant. They even have spacious condos with kitchens, private balconies, and wood-burning fireplaces.

Snowmass Village

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Best town. Less than 15 minutes from Aspen sits the picture-perfect Snowmass Village, which even CNN rated as one of the country’s top ten places for “leaf peeping.” And it’s easy to see why. The village is home to three stunning trails, the Tom Blake Trail, the Rim Trail, and the Ditch Trail. Not only are these moderate biking/hiking trails, but they all offer amazing leaf-peeping opportunities in autumn. Aside from the gorgeous yellow Aspen trees, Snowmass hillsides also see scrub oak lit up in a breathtaking fiery red in the fall. There’s also the Government Trail, which spans the entirety of the Snowmass Ski Area, all the way over to Buttermilk. But no matter which section you choose, these trails are a great way to see the leaf-lined paths turn from green to gold.

Where to Stay: If luxury is what you’re looking for, then there’s no place better than Viceroy Snowmass. This luxury resort is a peaceful sanctuary in the middle of all the mountain thrill. Besides a slew of on-site restaurants, the resort also has a luxurious outdoor pool and a terrace and even a 7000 sq. ft-huge full-service spa.

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Castle Creek Road

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Best scenic route. Aspen’s Castle Creek Road, known as Country Road 15 (CR 15), is a relatively traffic-free route that’s perfect for a scenic drive to check out the beautiful colors of fall in Aspen, CO. This paved road also sees bikers getting in their bit of exercise while checking the Aspen fall foliage. While there are plenty of places for making pitstops and checking out the gorgeous valley views, we’d highly recommend you stop at Ashcroft. It’s a fascinating little former-silver-mining-now-ghost town. It costs 5 USD to enter, but culture and history buffs like us will love seeing the historic homesteads and ruins. There’s even a short hike along the river past the homesteads that opens onto a beautiful lovely valley view. And in the fall, everything is bathed in a golden yellow that’s hard to take your eyes off of.

This road also takes you to other popular hiking destinations, including Conundrum Hot Springs, American Lake, and Cathedral Lake. And since it’s very popular with road bikers, start early before it becomes too crowded.

Where to Stay: Encompassing 40 acres of snowy space, Aspen Meadows Resort is anything but a kitschy ski lodge. Rather, it’s all about modern and bright decor in all the rooms, along with private balconies with amazing views of the Rockies. You can also see the Rockies Mountains from the poolside lounge chairs beside the outdoor pool and even the patio of the restaurant.

John Denver Sanctuary

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Did you know that internationally acclaimed songwriter John Denver called Aspen home for a major part of his life? In fact, his deep love for the Rocky Mountains is said to have been the inspiration for many of his songs – Rocky Mountain High indeed! That’s why you should visit the gorgeous John Denver Sanctuary, which sits right in the very heart of Aspen, nestled next to Rio Grand Park. Everywhere you go, you’ll find lyrics from John Denver’s songs engraved all along the walking path on the huge boulders. What’s more, access to the park is free to the public, whether it is the walking path or the cycling one. During the fall, the picnic tables are an ideal spot for a picnic, which is what most locals and tourists do.

Where to Stay: The historic Hotel Jerome in downtown Aspen, a stone’s throw from the park, is a true-blue 19th-century classic après-ski spot. Spacious luxury suites aside, the hotel also has a lobby bar, the jaunty J-Bar out front, and an upscale American bistro.

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Maroon Bells Scenic Area

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The two bell-shaped peaks of Maroon Bells, North Maroon Peak, and Maroon Peak, lie in the Elk Mountains of the White River National Forest, just a few miles outside of Aspen. They’re popularly known as “fourteeners,” as they’re 14,000 feet high. What’s more, they make for a fabulous backdrop for fall foliage, with the golden Colorado aspens surrounding the azure waters of Maroon Lake. It’s no wonder that they’re amongst the most photographed mountain peaks in all of North America! In fact, Maroon Creek Road, a.k.a. CR 13 (the road to the Bells), is an absolute treat, winding up the spectacular Aspen tree-lined valley. Not only that but also there are hiking trails that offer unparalleled views of the lovely aspen trees.

Where to Stay: One of the hotels closest to the entrance of the Maroon Bells scenic area is the ultra-luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Aspen Highlands. It has an outdoor swimming pool with views of the mountains and the scenery. Plus, it even has a wellness area and access to hiking and skiing activities nearby. Even the units are upscale, with mountain-view patios, spa baths, and indulgences like coffee machines, slippers, and bathrobes. If you’re here to unwind, do not miss looking at the hotel’s wellness packages.

Rio Grande Trail

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Are you a cycling aficionado? Do not miss the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, then! You can rent e-bikes and regular bikes right in the town and head out along this stunning 42-mi (67.6 km) paved multi-use trail between Aspen and Glenwood Springs. Not only is the trail gorgeous in autumn but also it has no cars at all. between Aspen and Glenwood Springs with no cars. The trailhead lies near the Woody Creek Tavern in the little town of Woody Creek, past all the “no parking” signs, where you’ll find lots of legal cycle parking spots. This trail, which is fairly flat, meanders past sweeping meadows with grazing horses, with the Rio Grande River right beside and lovely mountains as the backdrop. This area is full of blazing aspens in autumn that make for a very pretty picture when the time is right.

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Where to Stay: The Inn at Aspen is one of the best hotels closest to Woody Creek, and which sits right outside the town of Aspen. The outdoor swimming pool and hot tub overlook the sweeping region around, which is ablaze with golden and red leaves and trees in autumn. It’s a great way to unwind right on the property and soak in the fall foliage in Aspen, Colorado views. Besides a fitness center, a bar, and a restaurant, this hotel also has superb rooms with all mod-cons for comfort.

 Smuggler Mountain Overlook

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Smuggler Mountain is lovingly called “Aspen’s backyard,” and it’s easy to see why. It sits right in the middle of the town, overlooking the scenic vistas of Aspen. It has lots of trail options for leaf peeping to take in all the changing fall colors in this gorgeous region. One of the most popular trails is the BTS (Behind The Sign) Trail, which allows you to visit the Park Regent and Bushwacker Mines. The leaves here usually change colors in late September, around the beginning of the last week. But what’s really amazing is that the round-trip hike to the overlook is just 3 mi (4.8 km), with superb views at the top.

Where to Stay: Sitting right in the heart of the town is the Aspen Square Condominium Hotel, which is just a minute’s walk from Aspen Mountain’s Silver Queen Gondola. Choose from a host of apartments, all of which come with balconies and fully-equipped kitchens. There are also two hot tubs, an outdoor swimming pool, and a seating area with a wood-burning, exposed stone fireplace.

Aspen Mountain

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The top of Aspen Mountain enjoys one of the best bird’s eye views of the scenery around. The region might be one of the top skiing destinations, but its beauty in the fall shouldn’t be overlooked, either. If the hike up the Aspen Mountain Trail is very arduous, you could even take the Silver Queen Gondola on the way up or back down. You’ll also find a ton of things at the top, including an observation deck from where you can see the entire region’s fall colors.

There’s even an 18-hole golf course, which is the world’s highest disc golf course! That said, the 1.1-mi long (1.77 km) Aspen Mountain Nature Trail to the summit is an easy, flat one. Also, word is that if you hike to the top, you’ll even earn a free gondola ride back down (but do check it first!).

Where to Stay: The Little Nell sits right beside the gondola and might seem completely unassuming, but the hotel is truly something else. The lobby has a gas fireplace in the cozy lounge, complete with views of the pool and a wall garden scene that changes with seasons! The rooms and suites have a hygge modern mountain vibe. The hotel itself is an après ski hot spot and one of the town’s hottest people-watching spots at the bar and celebrated restaurant, which is one of Aspen’s finest.

Sunnyside Trail

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Best trail. The Sunnyside Trail just north of Aspen is one of the most favorite trails with both mountain bikers and hikers. It not only features one of the largest groves in the valley but also makes for a gorgeous landscape in the fall. The aptly named trail receives some of the last light in the valley, making for a fantastic afternoon hike. It offers views of not just all four Aspen Snowmass mountains but also the surrounding fourteeners. The trailhead lies just 10 minutes north of Downtown Aspen on the McLain Flats Road. The ascent becomes fairly and quickly steep to start with but soon mellows down to a sustained pitch.

Around five miles in, you’ll arrive at the Four Corners junction, which is the spot where you need to take the turn back. Take a break to savor the views of the wonderful fall foliage before continuing to spot swathes of gold on the way down.

Where to Stay: Annabelle Inn, which sits on the main street, is one of the most charming accommodations you’ll find in the town. This 1948-founded family-owned inn has 35 rooms and suites with cable TVs, plush beds, and free Wi-Fi, but the real treat is the amenities. There’s not only a complimentary buffet breakfast, but the staff treats guests to freshly baked cookies at the courtyard firepit or the lobby fireplace. Plus, the free shuttle to Aspen’s four mountains is right outside the hotel.

Crater Lake

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Crater Lake is stunning to see throughout the year, but it’s particularly majestic in the fall. Drive up to the Maroon Bells, from where you can hike up 1.8 mi (2.9 km) to the majestic Crater Lake, which is surrounded by the 14ers. Since road access is limited in winter, the Crater Lake trail is heavily trafficked out and back, but it’s absolutely worth it. The ascent is about 500 feet along rocky terrain to reach the shores, and the lake is the driest in October, but the autumnal colors are nothing short of vibrant. Not only can you backpack, but also you can hike and camp at designated campsites up there.

Where to Stay: Aspen Mountain Lodge, which sits right in the heart of the town and yet is just 20 minutes from the trailhead at Crater Lake, is a wonderful place to stay. This aparthotel has just a few units, so staying here is a very intimate experience. What’s more, all units come with private bathrooms and TVs, and some even have patios and balconies with mountain views. The lovely garden with Aspen Mountain views is another highlight, as are the amenities like a hot tub and the outdoor swimming pool.

Basalt

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Located just 20 minutes from Aspen, the small Colorado town of Basalt is known for its two rivers and its wonderful fall foliage. In autumn, the aspen trees here turn bright gold, with reds, oranges, and yellows peeking out from among the foliage. Some of the best places to check out the spectacular fall colors in Basalt are CR 14, Ruedi Trail, CR 6 (West Sopris Creek Road), and the fairly secluded Dinkle Lake. The Frying Pan Road (CR 14) takes you up the eponymous valley, while Dinkle Lake is an amazing quiet picnic spot to check out fall hues. For mountain bikers, there’s the Hay Park Trail which makes an excellent autumn ride winding through the golden aspen groves.

Where to Stay: Sitting right in the heart of the town of Basalt, Element Basalt-Aspen is one of the best hotels to stay in the Basalt-Aspen region. This hotel has amenities like a snack bar, a fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and even an indoor swimming pool to cool off after a long day of exploring. The rooms are excellent, with flatscreen TVs, luxe bathrooms, and bespoke bath products.

Our Verdict!

Here are the best places to help you select the best places to check out in Aspen in the fall.

• Best overall: Independence Pass
• Best town: Snowmass Village
• Best scenic route: Castle Creek Road
• Best trail: Sunnyside Trail

What is the best time to see fall colors in Aspen, Colorado?

Peak foliage season usually happens during the third and fourth weeks of September.

How long does fall foliage last in Aspen?

The peak color only lasts for about a week, but the shoulder weeks are a great way to see the colors go from greens to golds, oranges, and reds.

Where can I see the fall colors in Aspen?

The top three scenic places for seeing the ultimate fall foliage colors include Independence Pass, Castle Creek Road, and the Maroon Bells.