Fall Leaves in Colorado Springs—and Beyond

SoCo Leaf Peeping Report: Fall Leaves in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region

While you may be devastated that summer is slowly shuffling its way out the door, the fall leaves in Colorado Springs will soon be swooping in (or gently falling to earth) to banish your sadness. Every year, beginning in mid- to late- September, the parks, foothills and mountains transform from summer’s luscious green into fall’s golden mantle.

Are you a super leafing fan? Do you long for leaf peeping season in Colorado as soon as the first hint of frost hits the air? We’re right there with you holding cider and wearing scarves in weather that is still entirely too warm. As fellow leaf peepers, we are sharing our three favorite ways to view the fall leaves in Colorado Springs and other areas of the Pikes Peak region. Slip on that scarf. Order that pumpkin spice latte. This is your time to shine as bright as those aspen-covered hills.

Strike It Rich with the Gold Belt Tour in Cripple Creek

We’re going to kick off this list with one of our favorite fall leaf peeping drives in Colorado: The Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway. This popular fall drive draws residents and visitors from Colorado Springs and drivers as far as Trinidad, Denver and Kit Carson. The Gold Belt Tour consists of 4 major roads with 9 possible itineraries. Your self-guided tour will take you along historic travel routes that once served as the highways for Gold Rush traffic. In September and October, the region becomes a goldmine of a different sort. The Colorado aspen trees transform from summer green to autumn gold.

The tour can begin in multiple locations, but we highly recommend Cripple Creek for your starting point. The drive to Cripple Creek from Colorado Springs a super stunner. Plus, the town of Cripple Creek is also just plain fun to visit. You can also avoid getting trapped in the Eisenhower Tunnel for six hours. Download a handy map from the Gold Belt Byway website and get ready for an adventure. Please check travel conditions ahead of time. Some routes may be unpaved. If you’re feeling super adventurous, we recommend you cruise along Phantom Canyon Road to Penrose. Then, come down through Cañon City and enjoy some Southern Colorado fall foliage. Please do some research on Phantom Canyon before you begin the drive. There are lots of videos online that can help you determine if your vehicle and skills can handle the drive. 

Cool Stops for Your Fall Leaf Peeping Drive Along the Gold Belt

• Cripple Creek: The historic mining town is filled with rich mining lore, multiple museums and a few gaming establishments for adults who want to try their luck. There are several shops in town that offer cute merchandise, candy and gifts, too. 
• Rita the Rock Planter: Take a little hike to meet one of the coolest members of a worldwide troll crew created by Thomas Danbo. Learn more about Rita and Isak — the Breckenridge troll — here.  
• Royal Gorge Bridge and Park: Cruise down from your leaf excursion and head to a different adventure — crossing one of the world’s highest suspension bridges (or get flung over the side of the gorge instead). 
• Pumpkin Patching: Cañon City is home to lots of family farms and pumpkin patch season kicks off about the same time as Southern Colorado’s peak leaf viewing. 
• Skyline Drive: While you’re roaming Cañon City, be sure to check out Skyline Drive. It’s not for the faint of heart (of those with fear of heights), but this one-way route is one of the coolest drives in the region, with unfettered views and a steep drop on either side. 

Mile-High Leaf Viewing from the Summit of Pikes Peak

The summit of Pikes Peak is another popular place to check out the fall leaves in Colorado Springs and across the Rocky Mountains — but from above. Technically, you’ll be viewing the fall leaves in up to five states. However, that’s probably only beneficial if you have eagle-eye vision that can zoom in on Kansas or New Mexico. On any given day, the views from the brand-new Summit House on Pikes Peak are awe-inspiring (literally — they inspired “America the Beautiful”). In fall, however, they are even more magical, broadly illustrating the results Mother Nature’s autumn wardrobe change.

There are several ways to get to the summit of Pikes Peak for fall leaf peeping. The most popular is the Pikes Peak Highway. Talk about color! The peak offers sunrise openings to beat the afternoon clouds. But, you can also go any other time during the day when the highways is open. Another beloved option for ascending the fourteener is the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. You’ll make your way to the top in style along a route that is seldom seen by anyone by hikers and Cog riders. We personally love the drive up because you can stop at all the points of interest, hike and snap photos. You’re getting a rare opportunity to travel through multiple life zones in one single drive. It’s better if you can explore them all when and how you want! Plus, you’ll get more of those golden leaves you crave at lower elevations. 

Summiting without a Car or Train Ticket

The last two options are the most physical and the most weather-dependent. The first is to ride down the Pikes Peak Highway by bicycle with Challenge Unlimited. That is a popular fall choice because it lets riders experience the exhilaration and full autumn experience but they won’t have to ride uphill at altitude. Experienced hikers may also choose to hike up via Barr Trail for leaf peeping, but we have lots of disclaimers on that option. It may be warm in Colorado Springs, but Pikes Peak is a different world the higher you climb. Not to mention, it’s a long hike and the days are shorter and colder in the fall. Find helpful information on that here. 

Tips for Your Pikes Peak Leaf Peeping Drive

• Don’t forget to eat the donuts at the top! They have a definite fall vibe and they’re made with a special recipe that allows them to rise at high altitude.
• Take it easy on your brakes on the way down. Put your car in a lower gear and use brakes in short, intermittent bursts. This could save you from a wait at the bottom for them to cool.
• Fun fact: Santa’s Workshop is still open this time of year. It’s less busy, the temps are milder and most days offer free admission to the grounds with ride bands for purchase for the kids in the early fall. It might just become your new leaf peeping tradition!

Explore Colorful Colorado in the Garden of the Gods

Autumn in Garden of the Gods is not the aspen-heavy affair of higher elevation locations. However, the fall foliage is still spectacular. The hills surrounding the rock formations are painted with the palate of fall, golds, red-browns and orange, all scattered against the backdrop of evergreens and vast mountains. And those towering red rocks that sweep the skies around you? Perfection. Whether you drive through or pause and hike, this is a not-to-be missed fall leaf experience.

The Garden has a lot of paved routes, which makes it a very accessible option for people who need assistance walking or use a wheelchair. The first major parking area is a great place to start. The paved route does include section of less accessible dirt trail. This is for people who want to experience a bit of very low scrabbling in designated areas. Be sure to follow the rules about not climbing the formations. You can avoid a fine — or a rescue. 

Where to Get Started

You can start your adventure at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post. There are multiple routes through the park once you’ve passed the Trading Post and plenty of places to stop and snap photos, including the famous Balanced Rock. We like to recommend the Trading Post as an opener because you can snag a cup of coffee and snacks for your time in the park. However, lots of visitors prefer it as a refuel stop on the way to their next adventure. There’s a beautiful outdoor patio, great burgers in the cafe and fresh made fudge and snacks. Not only that, you can find local art and jewelry, plus souvenirs, toys and other fun gifts. Whether you pick it for a pre-hike breakfast or a post-hike lunch, you’ll leave full and happy!

It’s also worth noting that Academy Riding Stables will still be offering trail rides during fall. Like biking down Pikes Peak, a horseback ride makes the experience more tangible. The breeze in your hair, the smell of the leaves and the last bits of summer sunshine. The trail guides know all about the flora and fauna of the area. You’ll get to learn more about which plants are causing the vibrant reds, warm oranges and soft yellows all around the park. Experiencing fall in the garden from the back of a horse may not have been on your Colorado bucket list before, but we hope it is now! You’ll love the guides, the beautiful horses and the autumn all around you. 

Other Ways to Play Near Garden of the Gods

Flying W Ranch: Celebrate your fall drive back with a real chuckwagon feast and performances by the world famous Flying W Wranglers. The grounds of the ranch are gorgeous and the experience itself is family-friendly and so much fun!

Miner’s Pumpkin Patch: Open Saturdays in October, the Miner’s Pumpkin Patch is a fall extravaganza with pumpkins, cute photo stops, cider, games and antique mining equipment (we can see your cute fall cards already). 

Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs: These historic towns are located just outside the entrance near the Garden of the Gods Trading Post. Both towns have fall-themed events and decor, plus shopping, dining and entertainment. These towns will give your fall photos a cozy, hometown feel that you will love!

There are so many ways to get your fill of fall leafing in Colorado Springs. Which one is your favorite? Do you have a secret route you never miss? However you travel, stay golden. It won’t be hard during a Colorado fall.