Roundup of the Best Places to See Fall Colors in Colorado Springs and Beyond

Best Places to See the Fall Colors in Colorado Springs and Beyond

The start of fall in Colorado Springs is marked by the mountainsides bursting forth in vibrant yellows, oranges and reds as the leaves change color.  Often beginning in early September, the trees continue to change until mid-October before most drop their leaves.  We’ve scoured the insights of local experts to bring you some of the best places to see fall colors in Colorado Springs and beyond.  So make some time to take a short trip and enjoy the beauty of fall.

Our personal favorite place to experience the changing fall colors is Crags Trail on the backside of Pikes Peak.  Bob Falcone of the Colorado Springs Independent shares details about this great hike:

Crags Trail (Trail 664): Just past Mueller State Park, the Crags trail offers a variable landscape with rocky cliffs and large boulders to work as a background for fall colors. The wide, expansive view from the crags at the end of the trail also make for good photos. The moderate out-and-back trail is a little under 6 miles round trip.

To get there: Follow the directions above for Mueller State Park, then pass the park entrance and look for Forest Service Road 383 going over a creek on the left. Take 383 for about 3.5 miles, passing a Mennonite Camp along the way, to the Crags trail parking lot.

Click here to read Falcone’s other tips on where to find fall colors.

Looking for more places to find those gorgeous fall colors?

Here is a roundup with a little something for everyone, whether you are lacing up your boots and hitting the trail or loading up the car and driving our mountain roads.  Let us know your favorite spot to admire the changing of the leaves… enjoy!

Dena Rosenberry, OutThere Colorado:

Pancake Rocks: This 5.5-mile in-and-out hike on the west side of Pikes Peak runs through aspen groves, and the reward is Pancake Rocks, an overlook with splendid views of the autumn colors of Teller County.
From Colorado Springs, take U.S. 24 west to Divide and turn south on Colorado 67. After you pass the closed Little Ike Tunnel, look for a parking area on your left. The trail begins at the parking area. Turn right at an intersection .75 miles in to take the trail to Pancake Rocks (head straight to reach Horsethief Falls).

Read more tips from Rosenberry here: Guide: Experiencing Colorado’s fall colors

Marty Coniglio, 9news.com:

Divide to Cripple Creek – On Colorado Highway 67, then take Teller County 1 to Florissant. Good for midseason color and a chance to see some of Colorado’s mining history. The Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is on the way and worth a stop.

Read more tips from Coniglio here: 9 best drives to see the fall colors in Colorado

Looking for more adventure?  VisitCOS.com has you covered:

Cycle Down Pikes Peak Highway – You can see the changing leaves as you descend America’s famous mountain on two wheels. Pass through five different life zones, each with different climate, vegetation and wildlife. Keep your eyes open for eagles, deer, elk and bighorn sheep.

Find more adventurous tips from VisitCOS.com here: 5 Thrilling Ways to View Colorado’s Fall Colors

Will C. Holden, FOX 31, kdvr.com:

Catamount Open Space – Just 25 miles northwest of Colorado Springs with a trail network that provides moderate and easy hikes, this area not only provide great views on foot, but equally-great views on the drive up Edlowe Road.

Read more tips from Holden here: Colorado fall color guide: Best hikes, drives and events

Pleasant drives to see the fall colors from OutThere Colorado:

FOR PASSENGER CARS
+ Old Stage Road to Gold Camp Road, Colorado Springs to Victor
To start: From downtown Colorado Springs, take Nevada Avenue south; turn west on Lake Avenue. At The Broadmoor, turn right and take the roundabout to circle around behind the main resort buildings. On El Pomar Road, turn south. At Penrose Boulevard, bear left and continue south. Turn right and head uphill on Old Stage Road. The road merges with Gold Camp Road in 7 miles.
Features: Views of the eastern plains and the city, thick stands of aspen, rock formations.

Read more driving tips from OutThere Colorado here: Ditch the asphalt to see Colorado’s best fall colors

Lance Benzel, Colorado Springs Gazette:

Find another great drive on Mt. Herman Road in Monument. Take Interstate 25 north to exit 161. Go west and follow Second Street through town. Head south on Mitchell Road and take a right onto Mt. Herman Road at Dirty Woman Park. Take the well-maintained dirt road to the top of Mt. Herman.

Read more tips from local expert, Lance Benzel here: 10 scenic drives to check out Colorado’s gold rush of aspens

Enjoy the crisp fall weather and the stunning mountain views with your family and friends!

Jason & Monica Daye – The Daye Team – EXIT Realty Pikes Peak – 719.377.7708

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