Best Time and Locations for Families to View Fall Leaves Near Denver

While all the seasons in Colorado bring their own beauty, viewing the fall leaves near Denver is often a family highlight. From Kenosha Pass to Rocky Mountain National Park, the colorful changes in leaves can both amaze and inspire all ages, including curious preschoolers. 

Denver Preschool Program’s guide to viewing fall leaves near Denver breaks down when the best time is to view leaves, trips within 90 minutes of Denver, overnight trips, and fun leaf artwork to enjoy with your little learner. 

When Is the Best Time To View Fall Leaves Near Denver?

This year, several news outlets including Denver7 have reported that leaves may change colors early due to ongoing drought conditions. However, these sources also say that because there were late August rains, timing of peak colors for the fall may be on track with non-drought years now. In short, be ready to view fall leaves near Denver as early as mid-September if you venture to the high-country (elevation above 8,000 feet). The leaf colors typically change a few weeks later at lower elevation levels, including the Denver area. Save the ExploreFall.com foliage tracker to view real-time, up-to-date changes in leaf colors based on where you are.  

Where to View Fall Leaves Within 1.5 Hours from Denver (Leaf-Peeping Day Trips)

Kenosha Pass: Probably the most well-known day-trip location for leaf peeping, Kenosha Pass sits 65 miles up Highway 285 from central Denver. The pass maxes out at just under 10,000 feet in elevation. You can do a slow drive through the area or even stop and venture out on the Colorado Trail for a hike. 

Guanella Pass: To reach another autumn standby, head north off of Highway 285 at Grant (or go on I-70 from Denver through Georgetown). Guanella Pass offers a drive up to 11,670 feet through scenic forest with sweeping views. Watch for wildlife. Or, have your young leaf peepers help you observe where the ecosystem and environment change as you drive from thick, wet forest to rocky outcroppings and finally above treeline to windy vistas.

*For both locations, be warned that once leaves have reached peak color, crowds will pile up for photographs, and traffic can reach a standstill. Go first thing in the morning or during a weekday to avoid traffic. Because you may be in the car for a while, plan accordingly with snacks, water, and layers of clothing in case weather changes quickly. 

Peak to Peak Highway: Rocky Mountain National Park is an incredible place to view fall foliage and get off the highway for a high-altitude hike. But if you’d prefer to peep without the effort, try the Peak to Peak Highway, a 55-mile stretch of scenic byway from Estes Park to Black Hawk. You can jump on the highway via Highway 7 after visiting Rocky Mountain National Park or by driving up through Nederland and heading south or north–both options offer stunning views of the Continental Divide. 

For more ideas and locations as well as the top recommendations for basking in the autumn colors inside the city, check out The Scout Guide: Chasing Gold. Denver Mom Collective also offers some great tips on how to enjoy leaf peeping with your preschooler. 

Where to View Fall Leaves For Longer or Overnight Road Trips From Denver (3-5 hours away)

Fall is a great excuse to get out of town for a quick overnight or mini adventure. Here are a few recommendations for great leaf viewing with your preschooler that are a bit further away from Denver. 

Independence Pass (2.5-3.5 hours from Denver): Running between Leadville and Aspen on Highway 82, Independence Pass can be a gorgeous option, especially for those who aren’t afraid of heights. This two-lane highway weaves its way to high altitudes with dramatic dropoffs. Stay in Twin Lakes, Leadville, или Aspen (with a stop at the Maroon Bells for extra credit). Or, if you’re planning ahead, camp at one of the hundreds of sites in the area (but be sure to book early as leaf peepers fly in from all over for these views). 

Silverton to Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway (5+ hrs. from Denver): If you’ve never been to Ouray, Colorado, there is no better time to go than fall. Ouray is tagged as the “Switzerland of America,” and it lives up to the hype. Drive the 25 miles between Silverton и Ouray via US 550 through the San Juan Mountains for breathtaking views of foliage and jagged peaks. Stay in either town or halfway to your destination in Salida to cut the drive into two segments. 

Crested Butte (4+hrs from Denver): Crested Butte offers trails of all levels and some of the best foliage in the state, especially for those willing to hike for their leaves. With preschoolers, try the Woods Walk или Lower Loop Trail. For driving to view fall leaves, head up Kebler Pass or these scenic fall drives near Crested Butte. 

Fun Fall Leaf Artwork for Preschoolers

Whether you collect leaves at one of the above locations or in your own backyard, there are endless ways to use them for creative crafts at home. From garlands to chalk rubbings and from googly eyes to butterflies, here are some leaf art projects to try. Or check out this easy leaf printing activity. 

For more ideas about how to get the most out of the season, check out DPP’s Instagram for more tips and ideas.