Fall Colors Guide: Where you can see the early arrival of fall foliage in Colorado

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DENVER (KDVR) — There are many reasons people call Colorado “Colorful Colorado”. One of those reasons is the incredible fall foliage the paints the state this time of year. Tuesday marks the first day of Meteorological Fall.

So what does this mean for the fall colors this season?

Severe drought will force fall color to emerge earlier than normal in Colorado’s Mountains this season. You might recall last year it emerged later than normal after a huge winter and moisture surplus.

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Expect to see patches where trees turn very early then drop their leaves early. But, the majority of mountain zones will reach peak color during the times listed on our map.

Overall, the majority of mountain zones are running about a week early. This is especially true in the Southern Mountains where extreme drought has been in place since April. Trees are stressed.
Lower elevations including Denver can expect peak color in October.

We would love to see your fall pictures. Click the “submit your photo” button at the bottom of the page. We will share as many as we can on TV.

winter and Fall foliage at Maroon Bells, Aspen, CO
Autumn Aspen scenery on the scenic Million Dollar Highway – Colorado Rocky Mountains
A wide-angle autumn midday view of snow coated Maroon Bells reflecting in crystal clear Maroon Lake, Aspen, Colorado, USA.
Golden Autumn Aspen on Last Dollar Road near Telluride Colorado
Sneffels Range snow-capped mountains and Colorado autumn foliage
mountain river and colourful mountains of Colorado during foliage season
Last Dollar Ranch at sunset with San Juan Mountains and Mt Sneffels in background. Last Dollar road, Ridgway, Colorado.
San Juan Mountains near Durango Colorad in Autumn
Autumn In Colorado – Colorado Rocky Mountain Scenic Beauty
Fall in the Colorado, Maroon Lake and Colorful Forest. Yellow Aspen Trees. Aspen, Colorado, USA.
An Autumn colored Aspen Forest on a cloudy day in the San Juan mountains
autumn
Autumn views near Telluride Colorado Scenic Highway 145 Rocky Mountains
Autumn aspen tree forest in the San Juan Range of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Mount Wilson With Autumn Aspen Trees Near Telluride Colorado USA
Mount Sopris autumn landscape in Colorado Rocky Mountains, USA.
Autumn in the Rocky Mountains Evening Sun Colorado