We can already almost feel the crisp autumn air returning to Aspen Snowmass, and it’s certainly welcome after a long summer! As the air begins to cool down, you’ll also notice other changes in Aspen Snowmass! Most notably, the leaves on the trees start to change color, impacting the landscape of Aspen Snowmass in an undeniable way.
Leaf-peeping season in Aspen Snowmass is one of the most beautiful times to visit! As the leaves change from green to vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, folks travel from all over the globe to get their chance at seeing the scenery here! All that being said, the fall foliage in Aspen Snowmass is truly breathtaking, and well worth making the trip here. Fall hiking with out-of-this-world views? Sign us up!
We’re here to answer all your questions about leaf peeping in Aspen Snowmass, from the best time to visit to the best places to see fall foliage. Let’s dive in!
When is the Best Time to Visit Aspen Snowmass to See Fall Foliage?
The best time to see fall foliage in Aspen Snowmass typically spans from late September to early October. Of course, exact timing can vary based on factors like altitude and weather conditions, but that’s a great starting point.
If you want to see the best fall colors, prime times for leaf peeping are the last week of September and the first week of October. You won’t believe the stunning colors on display this time of year!
Where Can We Go Leaf Peeping in Aspen?
There are so many nature trails and hikes in the Aspen Snowmass region with great vantage points of fall colors. Here are just a few favorites:
Maroon Bells
When it comes to the best places to see fall foliage in Aspen, the Maroon Bells is the crown jewel. Iconic trails like the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail and the Crater Lake Trail give you access to some of the best views in Aspen Snowmass. The Maroon Bells Peaks are some of the most photographed peaks in North America, and rightly so! If you can visit around sunset, you’ll see the mountains “glow” a gorgeous maroon color, which is only enhanced by the fall colors.
Reservations are required to access the Maroon Bells Scenic Area and related amenities. Choose between private vehicle trailhead parking permits from May 15th through October 31st, 2025, or RFTA shuttle reservations from May 23rd through October 19th, 2025. It's difficult, but you can also try your hand at visiting the Maroon Bells without a reservation if they book up before you have a chance to schedule!
Castle Creek Valley
The Castle Creek valley offers exceptional fall-color viewing! If you’re looking to hike, head to American Lake or Cathedral Lake, two of the best trails in the area.
Ashcroft Ghost Town also has its fair share of trails to traverse, and they make for a more leisurely stroll if you don’t want to head out on a longer trek. When you get hungry, stop into Pine Creek Cookhouse on Castle Creek Road, a few miles past Ashcroft. Enjoy the rustic cuisine as you take in the valley's spectacular fall colors and views!
Rim Trail
The Rim Trail in Snowmass Village is a local classic, with panoramic views of Mt. Daly and Snowmass Village. The 7.6-mile stretch is divided into the Rim Trail South and Rim Trail North. We recommend traveling from South to North for the best hiking experience, and the best views!
An offshoot of Rim Trail South is the Spiral Point Trail, which offers incredible views of Mt. Daly and the Ziegler Reservoir. Other great fall hiking trails to explore in Aspen Snowmass include the Tiehack Trail on Buttermilk ski area, Smuggler Mountain Road, and the Ditch Trail in Snowmass.
Independence Pass
Open from May through the first of November, this 32-mile pass is a stunning way to see fall foliage without doing any hiking at all! You’ll enjoy a scenic drive along Highway 82, and as the road curves up to the Continental Divide (which summits at 12,095 ft), you’ll see 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. Be careful, though: the top of the pass is well above the tree line, and there is very sensitive tundra all around. As a courtesy to the nature around you, don’t venture off the path! Footsteps on the tundra here can be detrimental to the ecosystem.
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
For another fantastic day of leaf peeping, ride the Silver Queen Gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain to get a birds-eye-view of Aspen's colorful landscape. Once you reach 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 top choice for a scenic Sunday drive is Owl Creek Road. Beginning at Buttermilk Mountain and winding through the Snowmass corridor, it stretches five miles and offers stunning views of fall foliage amongst a charming ranch backdrop. You can pull to the side of the road to take pictures, paint, or simply marvel at the views!
What Events Are Happening During Leaf Peeping Season in Aspen Snowmass?
There’s plenty going on this time of year!Beyond its natural beauty, Aspen Snowmass also hosts a variety of events and festivals during the leaf peeping season. The Aspen Filmfest and Aspen Ruggerfest are just a couple of the exciting fall events in Aspen Snowmass. See more of what’s going on in Aspen Snowmass here!
Book Your Autumn Stay in Aspen Snowmass Directly with Frias Properties!
The best place to see some terrific fall foliage may be from your Aspen Snowmass vacation rental! Many of our Frias Properties homes, including our ski-in/ski-out rentals, are situated right in the mountains of Aspen Snowmass, providing outstanding views of the changing fall leaves. Enjoy a cup of coffee while you take in the sights!
If you’re ready to go to Aspen Snowmass and see the beautiful fall colors for yourself, you’re in the right place. Frias Properties has the best vacation rentals in Aspen Snowmass! Whether you’re looking to stay in a luxury condo at the Ritz-Carlton or a private vacation home, you’ll be well taken care of when you stay with us. We know Aspen Snowmass better than anyone, and our concierge team is here to help you with any questions that may arise.
Ready to book your vacation? Browse our available Aspen Snowmass vacation rentals today and book your fall stay directly with Frias Properties!