Best Spots for Leaf Peeping During Your YMCA of the Rockies’ Stay

Backroad leading to Snow Mountain trailhead, fall colors casting the forest in a golden glow.

Colorado’s aspens in the fall are a miraculous sight and visible for just a short time! Grab your pumpkin spice latte from the Buckboard Grill at Snow Mountain Ranch, or a swing by the Rustic Cafe at Estes Park Center for a toasted marshmallow coffee, and embark on your autumn adventure! We’ve rounded up a few spots we think you’ll find the best fall foliage views around.

SCENIC DRIVES

Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park

Start in either Estes Park or Grand Lake, Colorado and traverse the highest continuous paved road in North America. Trail Ridge Road reaches elevations of over 12,000 feet in places and is usually open through early October. With numerous scenic pull-offs, you’ll have the opportunity to see the spectacular fall colors around every turn. Don’t forget your Rocky Mountain National Park Timed-Entry Permit, applicable through October 20.

Old Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park

As the original road for cars exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, Old Fall River Road is a narrow, winding route that takes visitors up to the Alpine Visitors Center. An 11-mile-long gravel road, this drive is one-way uphill, so you’ll return on Trail Ridge Road. It’s slow-going at 15 MPH, so allow yourself about an hour to drive up. You’ll feel like your truly amongst the trees and catch glimpses of the goldening leaves the whole way up. Old Fall River Road closes to vehicles in early October – so don’t miss out!

Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

From Estes Park: Take Highway 7 out of Estes Park to Highway 72 and behold the glory of Peak to Peak in the fall. The dazzling views of the Continental Divide framed by the glowing aspen will create picture-perfect moment. There are lots of enticing stops along the way – so make a day of it!

BONUS HIKE:

Snow Mountain Ranch – Nine Mile Trail

Nine-Mile Trail has some of the best views at Snow Mountain Ranch. At 2.8 miles roundtrip (not 9!) this moderately challenging hike offers an expansive view of the mountains surrounding Snow Mountain Ranch. The bright yellow hues of the aspens framing this trail make for a journey you’ll thoroughly enjoy.