These 2 Stunning Drives Near Denver Are the Best Way to Catch Colorado’s Fall Colors Right Now

Colorado’s fall foliage is well on the way. According to CBS News Coloradothe colors are arriving sooner than anticipated, thanks to the “moderate to exceptional drought in mountain areas” and some recent chilly nights. So, if you’re hoping to see all of the oranges, yellows, golds, and reds that blanket the state’s quaking aspens, cottonwoods, and scrub oaks, you’ll need to start thinking about a trip ASAP.

As the exact timing of peak colors shifts based on location, it’s important to come up with a concrete leaf-peeping game plan. No need for a panicked search, though. We found two scenic drives that have some of the most amazing views of the fall foliage. And best of all? They’re both right outside Denver.

The Peak to Peak and Lariat Loop Scenic Byways are the perfect choices for a day trip or afternoon jaunt from the Mile High Citywith views for days, access to some of Colorado’s must-see sites, and picture-perfect autumnal scenes.

Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

A 55-mile drive that starts in Estes Park and ends in Black Hawk (or vice versa), Peak to Peak is Colorado’s oldest scenic byway. In about 80 minutes, the drive will take you by Rocky Mountain National Parkthe Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grasslandand the Indian Peaks Wilderness area. If you turn off on one of the gravel roads that split off from the main highway, you may also come across ghost towns, high-country lakes, and various hiking trails.

It’s perhaps most known, however, for its views of the aspen tree-filled Continental Divide. During the fall, an assortment of oranges, yellows, golds, greens, and browns set a rather striking scene for those driving the famed byway. CBS News Colorado estimates the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway’s peak colors will arrive between Sept. 15 and Sept. 25.

Lariat Loop Scenic Byway

Although the Lariat Loop is just 40 miles long, you should set aside a solid 2 to 3 hours for the drive (you’ll climb around 1,300 feet in less than 5 miles). One of 13 America’s Byways in Colorado, the route is a combination of the Lariat Trail Scenic Mountain Drive and the Bear Creek Canyon Scenic Mountain Drive, connecting the towns of Golden, Morrison, and Evergreen. You’ll cross Lookout Mountain along the way, and its 7,377-foot summit has arguably the most incredible views of the surrounding area.

As you drive, you’ll have the opportunity to pause at a number of tourist stops, including Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatrethe Buffalo Bill Museum and Graveand Dinosaur Ridge. Plus, your entire experience will be complemented by a range of vibrant fall colors—you couldn’t ask for a better way to spend a fall day out West.

Expect the Lariat Loop to have a similar fall foliage schedule as the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, but you can also check the Fall Foliage Map throughout the season to get the latest updates on peak color timing.