It is no secret that Colorado is home to numerous forests (11 National Forests to be exact), but when it comes to the colorful San Juan National Forest, there is just something about it that makes it stand out from all the others. If you have yet to visit this Centennial State gem, take a moment to check out these 12 incredible photos of what is quite possibly the most beautiful forest in the country:
2.) "The Powderhorn Wilderness in Colorado is found in a rugged, glacier-carved landscape of the northern reaches of the San Juan Mountains [that] consists of large expanses of alpine tundra, spruce forests, and several alpine lakes at nearly 12,000 feet in elevation."
If you're someone who loves scenic drives - especially leaf-peeping focused drives in the fall season - then you're going to love this spot! Fall foliage on Boreas Pass in Colorado is absolutely spectacular and the colors you see up there are going to blow you away. The drive is on a bumpy dirt road - although it's improved a bit in recent years - and you'll reach 11,493' of elevation when you reach the top. When you get to the peak, you'll be above the tree line, but you'll love seeing all the colorful aspens on the way up and on the way back down. You can start in Breckenridge and end in Como - or vice versa.
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I've driven over most of the mountain passes in Colorado, and Boreas Pass remains one of my very favorites at any time of the year.
You can start off Route 285 in Como, or you can approach the pass from the town of Breckenridge. Either direction is fantastic. You'll see beautiful views from either angle.
I love this pass in part because it's a dirt road all the way. Somehow, that helps to make me feel even more connected to the nature all around me.
If you time it right, you'll be able to see the full spectrum of aspen coloration. Yellows, oranges, and reds are everywhere - sometimes even all on one tree!
Boreas Pass is, without a doubt, one of the best places in Colorado for fall colors. The full loop, from Denver, will take about four hours from Denver to the pass and back to Denver again if you don't stop at all.
Chances are, though, you're going to want to stop and take it all in!
Seeing the fall foliage on Boreas Pass in Colorado is exactly what you need this fall! Start out early so you can stop often and take lots of pictures. Breathe in the crisp, autumn air, and reflect on all the amazing things that you love most about Colorado. Have a great drive!
Recently we brought you the list of When And Where To Expect Colorado’s Fall Foliage To Peak This Year, which got us thinking: We know when to see the changing leaves, but where do we go to actually see them? We did some digging and discovered that these are the 8 best places to see the changing leaves here in Colorado:
You have seen the changing colors on Aspen Mountain, but have you ever seen them from high above? Now you can with the Queen Silver Gondola, which glides high above Aspen and over the changing trees. Please note: As of this publication, the Queen Silver Gondola is open every weekend through October 3rd (2021).
C'mon now: You knew we couldn't have a roundup of the most beautiful fall colors without mentioning the world-famous Maroon Bells! Located down the road from the Queen Silver Gondola, the Maroon Bells are a sight to see year-round but somehow manage to become even more stunning when adorned in gold and yellow.
No plans to leave the city anytime soon? No problem, as there are plenty of amazing places to walk around and peep at the changing leaves, including our very own City Park. Seriously though, is this a painting or a real picture?
Located in Chaffee County, St. Elmo is a historic-mining-community-turned-ghost town that is arguably one of the best-preserved in the state. Once home to schools, stores, and dance halls, St. Elmo is now home to historic and well-preserved buildings and homes, all of which are surrounded by the most beautiful fall colors.
You could pick literally anywhere in the San Juan Mountains and find a perfect place to see the changing leaves, but we decided to highlight Pagosa, as you can soak in its super-relaxing hot springs while taking in the season. Ahh...
If you wish to enjoy the fall colors from the comfort of your own car, head north and take a drive along the dramatic Trail Ridge Road. Spanning 48 miles, Trail Ridge is home to not only windy roads but hundreds of thousands of mature trees and lush valleys, making for the perfect weekend drive.
Have you ever watched the surrounding landscape zoom by via train? If not, you are truly missing out, especially in the fall, which is best enjoyed from any seat aboard the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! In addition to its standard rides, the Durango & Silverton also boasts such seasonal rides as Brew Trains, a Ghost Crawl, and Fall Photographer's Special.
Last but certainly not least on our list of the best places to see the changing leaves in Colorado is the one and only Flatirons! While the area itself is home to more trees than one can count, it may just be the changing grasslands that re-captures our attention every fall.
