Colorado Foliage Forecast 2025: Where & When to Catch Peak Color

For the 2025 season, plan your Colorado leaf‑peeping by elevation: in Breckenridge and the greater Vail Valley—including Beaver Creek—where groves sit between roughly 8,000 and 11,000 feet, peak color is projected to arrive between September 18 and October 2. Further southwest in the San Juan Mountains around Telluride, whose forests span 8,500 to 10,500 feet, the prime window should follow from about October 2 to October 10.

These dates draw on long‑term averages and the latest forecasts from regional foliage trackers and KOAA News 5, but remember that an early cold snap or snowstorm can shift the timetable by as much as a week, so build in flexibility (and maybe a backup powder‑day plan). The science is simple: warm, sunny days paired with cool, but not freezing, nights halt chlorophyll production, unveiling the yellows, oranges, and reds already tucked inside each leaf. Prolonged drought can speed the show, while early‑season rains may delay it, so keep an eye on local weather as autumn approaches.

Signature Drive: Boreas Pass Road—22 miles of former railroad grade that climbs above town and overlooks the Tenmile Range. Pull over at 11,481 ft for a shot worthy of your holiday card.

Quick Hikes:

• Aspen Alley Trail (2 mi, easy): A canopy of quaking aspen is five minutes from Main Street.
• Sawmill Reservoir (1.5 mi, easy): Mirror‑like reflections of Peak 8 framed in amber aspens.

Stay with InvitedHome: Choose a slopeside chalet near Peak 9 or a family‑friendly retreat in The Highlands to enjoy private hot‑tub leaf‑viewing after the crowds leave town.

Village‑to‑Village Trail: Hike or bike from Beaver Creek Village to Bachelor Gulch under golden tunnels of aspen, then refuel with afternoon cookies at the base.

Beaver Lake Trail: A 6‑mile round‑trip to an alpine lake ringed with crimson underbrush—worth every step.

Scenic Lift: Centennial Express runs select September weekends; snag a patio lunch at Spruce Saddle and admire the Gore Range awash in gold.

Stay with InvitedHome: From Slopeside at Villa Montane to modern ridge‑top estates, our Beaver Creek portfolio keeps you minutes from trailheads and village dining.

Drives & Rides

Shrine Pass Road: A 12‑mile gravel byway exploding with color above I‑70—ideal for SUVs or guided jeeps.

Gondola One & Eagle Bahn: Ride to 10,000 ft, then stroll the Berry Picker trail through glowing groves back to the village.

Secret Spot: Walk the Gore Creek path east of Golden Peak at dawn; the water turns liquid gold beneath overhanging aspens.

Stay with InvitedHome: Elevate your view at Ascension on Forest Road, where floor‑to‑ceiling glass frames the entire valley in autumn hues.

Iconic Drive: Last Dollar Road—a rugged route from Telluride to Ridgway with jaw‑dropping stands of orange and red set against 14,000‑ft Mt. Sneffels. AWD/4×4 recommended.

Gondola Commute: The free town‑to‑Mountain Village gondola becomes a moving postcard; ride at sunset for pink‑tinged peaks and cobalt skies.

Dallas Divide Overlook: Just 20 minutes west on Hwy 62—a classic San Juan panorama at 8,983 ft. Arrive at sunrise to beat photographers’ tripods. Stay with InvitedHome: Claim Peak Cabin at See Forever or a luxe penthouse in Mountain Village—both come with concierge‑arranged jeep tours if you’d rather not tackle the dirt roads yourself.

1. Book early: Homes with large view decks fill first for September weekends.
2. Layer up: Temps swing 30 °F between sunny afternoons and gondola rides after dark.
3. Plan weekdays: You’ll find lighter trail traffic and easier restaurant reservations.
4. Pack wide‑angle & zoom lenses: Wildlife (read: moose & marmots) often make cameo appearances.
5. Savor local flavors: Enjoy cinnamon‑spiced Palisade cider at Breck’s Gold Pan Saloon or house‑made chili at Telluride’s Oak.

Secure your basecamp now—InvitedHome’s curated collection of Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, Vail, and Telluride residences pairs five‑star amenities with front‑row foliage views. Browse and book at InvitedHome.com, or call our Reservation Specialists for insider planning tips.

The mountains are waiting—don’t miss their most colorful moment.