DENVER — If you’re wondering when the best time will be to load up the car and head to the mountains for prime leaf peeping, then you’ve come to the right place!
When it comes to peak peeping season, Colorado’s highest elevations typically lead the way, with colors changing in late September to early October.
The Foothills turn in early October, before the lower elevations put on their colorful show in the latter part of the month.
Denver7 Meteorologist Stacey Donaldson said moderate color is expected around Aspen and Telluride over the next seven days.
However, the color wheel is expected to go all the way up to 11 in the following weeks, particularly in and around Crested Butte, Aspen, Fairplay, and the southwest area of Yampa.
Donaldson said that Aspen will see temperatures in the 60s and 70s in the next 10 days, making it an ideal time for leaf-peeping trips.
🍁 Watch Stacey Donaldson's full fall foliage forecast in the player below
Closer to the Denver metro area, moderate-to-high colors are possible next weekend in Rocky Mountain National Park and the Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forests, according to Explorefall.com.
By the last week of September, Explorefall.com’s forecast indicates the yellows and golds should be vibrant across a large chunk of the high country, with few areas of colors past their peak.
While many weather variables could change the forecast, it doesn’t look like fall colors will begin to show in Denver until the first week of October, lasting through at least the last whole weekend of the month.
🍁 Leaf it to Colorado 🍁 Fall foliage frenzy sparks Guanella Pass crackdown
If you've gone leaf peeping on Guanella Pass in prior years, you know just how bad traffic can get.
The Park County Sheriff's Office reports that it observed approximately 10,000 vehicles on Guanella Pass Road within three hours last year.
“This is a narrow two-lane mountain pass, and it's not capable of handling that type of traffic volume,” said Park County Undersheriff Steve Spodyak.
It's why Clear Creek and Park County officials are asking the public to "PEEP" responsibly by doing the following:
- Parking in designated parking areas only. This includes parking lots, places with green “Parking” signs, or in pull-offs that are not marked “No Parking.” Parking is NOT allowed on the side of the roadway within 1/2 mile of the summit. Parking is also not allowed on the roadway itself. Vehicles parked in a pull-off must be completely off the roadway. No part of the vehicle can be on or in the roadway when parked.
- Expecting heavy traffic. Know Before You Go by checking cotrip.org for traffic delays on I-70 (Hwy 285). Cell phone map apps should also show traffic delays along routes to Guanella Pass.
- Exercising patience. Heavy traffic and delays can cause frustration, impatience, and aggression. Take a break by visiting a nearby park, shopping in town, or dining at a local restaurant.
- Planning ahead. Consider visiting on a weekday (Monday – Thursday). Weekends have about 2.5x more visitors than weekdays. In the event of heavy traffic, bring plenty of water, food, and other necessary supplies.
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