Colorado in the Fall

[Red_Eagle]

Planning a Fall trip next year to SW Colorado. I've been there several times in the summer; but want to visit during the Fall colors. Would like to camp from the middle of September to the first part of October. Would like your opinion on the timing of our trip. Is this a time to see the trees change color and more snow? Thinking of camping in the Buena Vista and South Fork areas. Thanks for your advice.

[fanrgs]

No, the Kebler Pass road is not paved, but Cottonwood Pass road should be completely paved by fall 2018.

[eubank]

Is Kebler paved now? It's been a LONG time since I drove it. Last time we tried, it was still closed for the winter.
🙂
Lynn

[Lauren]

Having lived in CO 8 years and back many times since, I would say your timing - typically - is nearly perfect. It depends, of course, on the weather and also how far north you are and at what altitude. In BV area this is excellent. We have stayed at Valley RV Park several times and will be there for a month next year. Owners can't be beat.

[Thom02099]

Red Eagle wrote:
Kebler Pass Road is definitely on my radar for this trip. Thoughts on taking highway 285 down to New Mexico ? Will be headed for the Albuquerque Balloon event when we leave Colorado. Again, thanks for your input.

US 285 south to NM is a wonderful drive. Diverse scenery -- The Collegiate Range in the Leadville/Buena Vista/Salida area, the vastness of the San Luis Valley and the drive down to Alamosa, the train opportunity in Antonito (the Cumbres and Toltec RR trip to Chama NM should be on your list if you have the time), and wandering on down into NM. Good roadway all the way, and ever changing vistas to enjoy.

[Red_Eagle]

Kebler Pass Road is definitely on my radar for this trip. Thoughts on taking highway 285 down to New Mexico ? Will be headed for the Albuquerque Balloon event when we leave Colorado. Again, thanks for your input.

[profdant139]

We spent a month in Colorado during September and early October of 2015. Bottom line: you can't go wrong, no matter what you decide to do.

We found great color in the Maroon Bells area near Aspen, but the camping was sort of limited. We found excellent boondocking (and very good color) near Silver Jack Reservoir, in the Cimarron Range:


Click For Full-Size Image.

Anyway, here is a link to the first of four blog posts about that trip -- lots of photos -- hope this is helpful:

Part I -- RMNP

You can then get to the other three posts from that one.

[fanrgs]

The most beautiful fall color I have seen in my lifetime of living in Colorado was last year on Cumbres Pass on the Colorado-New Mexico state line during the first weekend in October. That is farther south than the area you mentioned. Last month, we saw beautiful color on Monarch and Marshall Passes during the first week in October, but the color in the San Juans around Ouray and Ridgway was already past peak. Every year is slightly different, so we just make big loops in fall to find areas where it is still peaking. But, if you camp in a central location, you can always drive to other nearby areas to find peak color.

BTW, if the Cottonwood Pass Road is open by the time you are in Buena Vista (it is now closed for paving of the Gunnison County side), be sure to drive it for the colors. And, if you go all the way over it to Crested Butte, you can then take the Kebler Pass Road, which is one of the most popular places in the state for fall color. If you have a high-clearance vehicle, also don't miss taking the dirt road (former railroad grade) over Marshall Pass. You will drive through aspen groves that actually form a tunnel of color over the road.

Have a great trip!

[Red_Eagle]

Thanks for your advice. Looking forward to our next Colorado trip.

[Bionic_Man]

Peak Aspen Colors in Colorado

I would have said you were looking slightly late, but the chart above shows you should be right on time.

Couple things to be aware of. One, if there is an early snow storm (which can happen), all bets are off. Leaves will come down quickly.

Second, is that there are a fair amount of campgrounds that close the end of September. Our favorite mountain spot which is somewhat near to the area you are talking about closes on 9/30.

[Thom02099]

Red Eagle wrote:
Planning a Fall trip next year to SW Colorado. I've been there several times in the summer; but want to visit during the Fall colors. Would like to camp from the middle of September to the first part of October. Would like your opinion on the timing of our trip. Is this a time to see the trees change color and more snow? Thinking of camping in the Buena Vista and South Fork areas. Thanks for your advice.

Regarding your timing question, I think you'll be right at peak viewing. I was down through the Upper Arkansas Valley area down to Durango the first week in October this year and the colours were maginificent. Took the Durango and Silverton train, and the leaves in that area had probably peaked the week prior, but were still vibrant. Same with the Wolf Creek Pass area. Both of these are a bit further south, so I think if you're in the Buena Vista area in mid-September, you'll be at the prime viewing time.

[Busskipper]

Red Eagle wrote:
Planning a Fall trip next year to SW Colorado. I've been there several times in the summer; but want to visit during the Fall colors. Would like to camp from the middle of September to the first part of October. Would like your opinion on the timing of our trip. Is this a time to see the trees change color and more snow? Thinking of camping in the Buena Vista and South Fork areas. Thanks for your advice.

IMHO you've got the time right - The Collegiates will be great - Cottonwood pass or Independence Pass are good for that area. If time is available we have enjoyed the drive o RT 24 from Minturn/Red Cliff/Camp Hale/Leadville just some great color and Large fields of Aspen.

You might just look at this these shots are in the San Juan's Western side but you will notice the progression of color and the touches of Snow.

I missed the Aspen for 15 years and finally figured it out - 21st through the 5th are usually right in the Heart of the color.

Best of Luck - Take Thousands of Images as they change with every shot.

[padredw]

Fall is one of our favorite times to visit Colorado, and Buena Vista is one of our favorite places to base. We usually include trips over Cottonwood Pass into Taylor basin and up to Crested Butte as well as over Independence Pass into Aspen (without the fifth-wheel, of course.)

We have many collections of photos on web pages, but maybe this one will encourage your visit. On this trip we were staying at the Arrowhead RV Park, a few miles north of Buena Vista. These photos are greatly reduced in resolution for uploading to the web.

Fall Color around Buena Vista

[linnemj]

We really enjoyed the Buena Vista area on our trip this last fall. We can recommend the Valley RV Park with its very nice owners. Outside of Durango we stayed at Haviland Lake National Forest Campground. Based on our experience, you should be good weather wise except for some chilly nights. The Aspen trees may turn before you arrive, depending on the elevation. Beautiful area, enjoy the journey!