Best place to view leaves changing in Colorado?

Question

I live in Lakewood (Denver Metro - West side) and would like to take my 11 yo daughter to see the many different colors of Colorado's fall season.

We moved here from Florida two years ago and haven't had the chance to go anywhere until now. We'll be travelling Sat., Oct. 20th - Mon., Oct. 22nd. and I don't want to go too far, maybe an hour and a half - two hour drive at most. I don't want to spend the whole weekend just driving to get there.

Thank you.

Answer 1

I live outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, and I have to say that our yellow peaked two weeks ago. We've also had insane winds in the last couple weeks, which have blown the pretty leaves away.

Next year, shoot for the second or third week of September.

And, as far as native trees go, Aspens are the only ones that change color, and they're gold / yellow. So, if you're looking for "Colorado's many different colors", you may want to stay in town where people have planted a variety of foreign trees.

Welcome to Colorado!

Answer 2

By October 20th, the only good color left will be right in Denver (and it may be a bit late at that). The bike path along Coal Creek from Wadsworth west would be my idea. The entry is just south of I-70. Bike (first choice) or hike.

Next year, go to Glenwood Springs for the night, and head South for McClure Pass. Go through Aspen on the trip out, and over Independence Pass. It varies, but the first week in October is about right.

Answer 3

It's getting a little late. I was up in Bailey yesterday and the trees still looked good. I two weeks they may be all gone. Just take a ride up 285 one day after school this week up to Aspen Park and Conifer. It's only about 35 min. drive from Lakewood.

Answer 4

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