Travel Guide to the Most Spectacular Fall Foliage in Colorado

Fall is my favorite time of year for many reasons, and one of them is the beautiful array of autumn colors. Although New England takes the prize for the most spectacular fall foliage, the Rocky Mountain state is also home to some incredibly scenic drives that are ideal for viewing the brilliant reds and golds.

Cripple Creek, Colorado

Colorado is known for its gorgeous aspens, and there are many incredibly scenic areas in which you can experience the wonders of fall. One of my favorites is the Cripple Creek area, in which your drive down highway 67 will culminate.

Begin in Divide, Colorado, at the north end of the highway. Divide is just a half hour west of Colorado Springs. Head south on highway 67 to Cripple Creek, and let the picture taking begin. The entire drive is filled with beautiful fall colors, and after reaching Cripple Creek, take the Golden Loop Historic Parkway between this 1890s gold rush town and its smaller sibling, Victor.

Those who enjoy gambling will find endless opportunities in Cripple Creek, and those who prefer peace and quiet, will be quite happy in Victor. Both areas have an endless array of hiking trails where you can walk on historic paths of the rich gold mining days, while enjoying the colors of autumn.

Peak color can be experienced from about September 25 to October 10. Of course, it can vary somewhat from year to year depending on conditions, and it's best to consult the fall color report before heading out.

If you plan on staying in Cripple Creek, my favorite place to stay is the Hotel St. Nicholas, a beautifully restored hotel decorated with Victorian era style furnishings. If you are fascinated with the paranormal, ask for room number 11, and you will probably have a very interesting night to tell about.

Those who prefer the smaller town of Victor, can stay at the Victor Hotel, offer rooms at a very reasonable price in the heart of the historic district.

Independence Pass from Twin Lakes to Aspen, Colorado

This drive is a little farther from Denver and the front range, but it is well worth the journey. Travel on interstate 70 west to exit 171, where you'll take highway 24 to Twin Lakes, where you'll begin your fall adventure on highway 82, also known as Independence Pass.

This area is one of the most beautiful in the entire United States, and fall is the best time to experience it.

The best place to stay in the area is Mount Elbert Lodge and Cabins. I've stayed here numerous times, during the summer, fall and winter. It's the best deal off Independence Pass, and you can stay in an individual cabin with access to an outdoor hot tub in the woods for as little as $108.

On your drive toward Aspen, you'll see some of Colorado's great 14ers, including Colorado's tallest mountain, Mount Elbert, covered with brilliant gold aspen groves.

Peak viewing here can begin as early as September 20, but is typically closer to the end of September or early October.

Poudre Canyon

Poudre Canyon begins just west of Fort Collins in northern Colorado on highway 14. This area is not only ideal for fall foliage, but if you drive all the way to Cameron Pass and North Park, your chances are excellent for spotting one of the many moose that live here. The hour and a half scenic drive is truly one of the best in the state.

The leaves start to turn about the third week of September in northern Colorado, with peak viewing time in late September/early October.

Fort Collins is a college town set at the base of the Rocky Mountains, and offers a wide array of affordable lodging. La Quinta Inn offers one of the best values, and rates can be as low as $50 a night, just five minutes from the historic downtown area, known as Old Town. Here you'll find excellent pubs and restaurants, art galleries and even live entertainment on weekend nights.

The drive on highway 14 winds through the Poudre River Canyon, offering views of towering granite cliffs, the wild Poudre River, numerous falls and crazy rock formations, and, of course, the dazzling colors of autumn.

Stop at the Moose Visitor Center about a mile east of Gould, and learn more about the wildlife in the area, and find out where the latest moose have been spotted. This is a prime spot for viewing these magnificent creatures.

K.C. Dermody is a freelance writer and a Featured Contributor for Yahoo!Travel. She has traveled to nearly all 50 states, and many countries worldwide, and has a passion for imparting what she has learned from her experiences to others.

More from this contributor:

Cripple Creek, Colorado's Best Kept Secrets and Attractions for Travelers

Best Day Hikes in the Fort Collins, Colorado Area

Great Colorado Rocky Mountain Hikes: Ruby Jewel Lake in the Moose Capital of Colorado