Peak Fall Colors 2025 Update

08/25/25 7:30pm: Good evening! Hope you are enjoying the cool weather, it really feels like fall out there! We just did a little walk and had to put layers on with a temp of only 60 degs (and some more light rain moving in now). Anyway this fall-like wx has me thinking about fall colors which are coming very soon. So below is my Peak Fall Colors update:

As we have been discussing recently, looks to be an earlier color change this year due to the extensive drought conditions. With the dry conditions I’m expecting a patchy and uneven change this year with some groves of aspens changing really early (like now) and others that will stay green for much longer (through mid / end of September).

So likely a prolonged color peak that is a bit uneven spatially. So my updated map represents peak colors: when most leaves have changed but still are intact and have not fallen to the ground (of course color views are subjective so I give a two week window everywhere).

I also included the latest ExploreFall .com dynamic color forecast map valid Sep 20th (take it with a grail of salt)

Generally speaking I’m thinking overall peak colors in the mountains this year will be from Sep 16th through Oct 7th, changing from higher to lower elevations and from north to south.

You may also wonder why my map is a bit different from some of the others, in the sense I don’t have Steamboat changing first (instead the higher Front Range mountains): remember elevation is a big factor: I have noticed over the years, the trees near Steamboat and Rabbit Ears take longer to reach peak because they are at relatively lower elevations (especially in/around Steamboat).

Higher elevations further east (like upper Zirkel to Cameron Pass areas and RMNP) will change first (before Steamboat) and that is indicated on my map. On the flipside, in southern CO areas like Red Mountain Pass and Slumgullion Pass will change earlier than my map dates indicate due to being at higher elevations (you get the idea)

--------------------------------------

Here is some relevant info from my first fall colors post in early August (with some mods):

Some things to keep in mind, peak usually doesn't vary that much from year to year in terms of timing, usually just +/- 10 days depending on conditions.

Overall I've noticed that peak color timing has shifted just a bit later over the last several years in Colorado…but this year, with the expected dry conditions, it will likely be a bit earlier than average peak (and 1-2 weeks earlier than last year).

The exact dates don’t matter that much, as it can vary greatly from one location to the next (different elevations and north to south).

Take the map below with a grain of salt because in CO elevation is more of a factor than latitude: higher elevations turn faster (that means mountains passes go first). Given the same elevations it will turn faster over northern CO vs southern CO.

Generally speaking areas that have been drier or remain dry into Sep, may change on the earlier side (compared to average), areas that were wetter or closer to average precip may change on the later side.

--------------------------------------

Here is some more info from my previous fall colors post:

"The best fall colors generally come from a wet summer, followed by a dry September and October. If it turns wet and cold with early snow this fall, that could screw up the color change.

Also note, it’s not uncommon for a few pockets of trees to turn quite early (like now through early September)...this does not mean that the forecast is way off or all the trees will turn earlier than expected, lol. True peak, with maximum colors and leaves will still typically arrive during the expected timeframes.

Some things to know about the fall colors in Colorado: The main zone for aspen trees in Colorado is between 9k-11k ft. Aspen’s will change color faster at higher elevations.

Bigger, contiguous aspen groves, say like Kebler Pass near Crested Butte, typically change slower (so Kebler Pass peaks later than right near/around CB).

Did you know that the aspen grove that encompasses Kebler Pass to Ohio Pass (also part of McClure Pass) is one of the largest aspen groves in North America and also one of the largest living single organisms in the world (the roots are all connected).

From Colorado State: “Aspens take their cue to change as the days get shorter in the fall. But color changes also depend on tree health, local weather, environmental factors like drought or increased moisture, elevation and latitude.

Healthy trees are critical for aspens to display strong colors and retain leaves later into the fall. The more robust an aspen stand is, the more attractive its colors will be. Unhealthy aspen stands are less likely to have vibrant colors.

According to the United States National Arboretum, a wet growing season followed by a dry, sunny autumn with cool, frost-free nights results in the brightest fall colors."

Who else is pumped for the fall color season!? Updated maps and a few of my favorites photos from last year below.