As the crisp air of autumn begins to weave its magic, transforming the lush green landscapes into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, nature enthusiasts and wanderers alike eagerly anticipate the arrival of leaf peeping season. Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Aspen Snowmass emerges as a quintessential destination for this enchanting spectacle. With its breathtaking vistas, diverse ecosystems, and a kaleidoscope of colors, the leaf peeping season in Aspen Snowmass is a visual feast that draws travelers from all corners of the globe.
Best Time to Visit:
The leaf peeping season in Aspen Snowmass typically spans from late September to early October, though the exact timing can vary based on factors like altitude and weather conditions. For those looking to catch the peak of the foliage transformation, the last week of September and the first week of October are generally considered the prime times. During this period, the landscape is ablaze with colors, providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities and exploration.
Exploring the Trails:
A myriad of trails crisscross through the Aspen Snowmass region, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the breathtaking fall scenery. The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness stands out as a crown jewel, featuring iconic trails such as the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail and the Crater Lake Trail. These paths wind through groves of aspen trees, opening up to picturesque vistas of the Maroon Bells, often referred to as the most photographed peaks in North America.
The Castle Creek valley offers amazing fall-color viewing. Hikers in the know head to American Lake and Cathedral Lake, two of the best trails in the area with picturesque alpine lakes at their turnaround points. For an easy stroll through colorful aspen groves, head to Ashcroft Ghost Town and explore the network of easy trails. Tack on a trip to Pine Creek Cookhouse, located on Castle Creek Road a few miles past Ashcroft. Enjoy the rustic cuisine as you take in the spectacular fall colors and views of the valley.
The Rim Trail in Snowmass Village is a local classic and provides panoramic views of Mt. Daly and Snowmass Village. The 7.8 mile stretch is divided into the Rim Trail South and Rim Trail North. South to North is the recommended direction of travel. An offshoot of Rim Trail South is the Spiral Point Trail which offers incredible views of Mt. Daly as well as the Ziegler Reservoir, which is the dig site discovered in 2010 that uncovered the richest Ice Age ecosystem found at high altitude.
Other great hiking trails to explore during the fall include the Tiehack trail on Buttermilk ski area, Smuggler Mountain Road, and the Ditch Trail in Snowmass.
Other Attractions:
Independence Pass
Open from May through the first of November, this 32 mile pass is a stunning alternative to viewing fall foliage. From Aspen, head east on Highway 82. This two lane road curves its way up to the Continental Divide, which summits at 12,095 ft. The drive is puncutated by a number of aspen groves and breathtaking scenery.
The top of Independence Pass has a paved viewing area, additional trails, and plenty of photo ops. Careful: the top of the pass is well above the tree line and there is very sensitive tundra all around. Please be sure to respect the trails and use the paths at all times. From the top of the pass, you can continue east along Highway 82 to Twin Lakes, a small community about 20 minutes east with equally beautiful scenery amidst two alpine glacier lakes.
Aspen Mountain
Ride the Silver Queen Gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain to get a birds-eye-view of Aspen's colorful landscape. Once at the top, take in the views, explore hiking trails, or grab a bite to eat at the Sundeck. The Gondola runs only on weekends between Labor Day and early October. Check the schedule and purchase tickets at the Aspen Mountain lift ticket office.
Owl Creek Road
Another inspiring area perfect for a Sunday drive is Owl Creek Road. Beginning at Buttermilk mountain and winding through the Snowmass corridor, Owl Creek Road is about a 5 mile stretch that provides beautiful views of undulating Fall colors against the qunitessential mountain ranch backdrop. Visitors can pull to the side of the road to take pictures, paint, or simply marvel at the views.
Local Festivals and Events:
Beyond its natural splendor, Aspen Snowmass also hosts a variety of events and festivals during the leaf peeping season. The Aspen Filmfest and The Meeting: Aspen Snowmass, a gathering of creative minds from the outdoor industry, are just a couple of the events that celebrate the region's cultural vibrancy during this time. These events provide opportunities for visitors to engage with local artists, filmmakers, and outdoor enthusiasts while enjoying the fall foliage.
Accomodations & Travel Tips
For more information on these hikes or additional fall foliage viewing tips, please contact the Frias Concierge desk at (970) 429-2449.
If you're planning to come to Aspen or Snowmass to experience our Fall season, please contact our reservations team to book your ideal accommodation. Condominiums do book quickly during leaf-peeping season!