If the cooler temperatures lately have got you itching for fall, you’re not alone! Though it may not quite be pumpkin spice season yet, there’s not reason you can’t start planning.  We know one of the best parts of fall is seeing all the leaves change color.  We’ve got a few Western Colorado Leaf Peeping ideas for you.

Grand Mesa Leaf Peeping

There are plenty of dispersed camping areas on the Grand Mesa that allow for excellent leaf peeping! If you’ve got a truck camper Flowing Park reservoir makes a nice spot for hiking and leaf peeping in the fall. Of course there are plenty of other camping spots, from Jumbo to Ward Lake, but if you can head down a forest service road and find some solitude in a designated dispersed site, do it!

Snowmass Village / Aspen Area

Another close by area to visit during the fall is the Snowmass / Aspen area. You can bike among the golden aspens at Snowmass or take a hike on Indepence Pass.  Try to get a reservation at Difficult Campground southeast of Aspen. You’ll be right in the middle of gorgeous aspens!

Leaf Peeping in Western Colorado

Ridgway/Telluride/Ouray/Silverton

Find yourself a basecamp, whether at Ridgway State Park or the Ouray KOA and start exploring! Take a day trip to Telluride and check all the gorgeous leaves along the way.  Next, spend a day biking in Ridgway or soaking in the hot springs in Ouray. Then, take a drive over Red Mountain Pass and down into Silverton to explore a truly historic mining town.

Leaf Peeping Western COlorado Dallas Divide
Leaf Peeping near Dallas Divide

Finally, head up to Silverjack Reservoir via Big Cimmaron Road and enjoy plentiful dispersed camping opportunities (plus Silverjack Reservoir camping) and hiking options. You’ll find waterfalls along the Middle Fork of the Cimmaron trail and West Fork trails.  There are so many beautiful trees turning up here.  Keep an eye out for wildlife too!

Need a new rig to take to these places? Come see us! We’d love to help.