These 2 Stunning Drives Near Denver Are the Best Way to Catch Colorado's Fall Colors Right Now

"Colorado's fall foliage is well on the way. According to CBS News Colorado, the colors are arriving sooner than anticipated, thanks to the "moderate to exceptional drought in mountain areas" and some recent chilly nights. So, if you're hoping to see all of the oranges, yellows, golds, and reds that blanket the state's quaking aspens, cottonwoods, and scrub oaks, you'll need to start thinking about a trip ASAP."

"A 55-mile drive that starts in Estes Park and ends in Black Hawk (or vice versa), Peak to Peak is Colorado's oldest scenic byway. In about 80 minutes, the drive will take you by Rocky Mountain National Park, the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland, and the Indian Peaks Wilderness area. If you turn off on one of the gravel roads that split off from the main highway, you may also come across ghost towns, high-country lakes, and various hiking trails."

Fall foliage in Colorado is appearing earlier than expected due to moderate to exceptional drought in mountain areas and recent chilly nights. Visitors seeking oranges, yellows, golds, and reds should plan trips promptly. Two scenic byways near Denver—Peak to Peak and Lariat Loop—offer excellent leaf-peeping and access to notable sites. Peak to Peak is a 55-mile route between Estes Park and Black Hawk, passing Rocky Mountain National Park, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, Pawnee National Grassland, and the Indian Peaks Wilderness; gravel turnoffs lead to ghost towns, high-country lakes, and hiking trails. Peak colors there are estimated Sept. 15–25. The Lariat Loop is a 40-mile drive taking 2–3 hours and climbing about 1,300 feet.

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