As autumn comes rolling around, many people are excited to go “leaf peeping” and enjoy the golden, orange, and red hues as the trees begin to change colors. There are few sights more striking than a forest of beautiful yellow aspens before they lose their leaves for the winter. Luckily, the Steamboat Springs area has some prime foliage viewing options for fall fanatics! Whether you opt to drive, hike, or ride the gondola to get a bird’s eye view of the scenery — make sure to take plenty of photos and enjoy the crisp fall air.
When to See Fall Foliage Around Steamboat Springs
For the 2024 season, it’s forecasted that colors will begin to peak between September 15th and September 29th around the Front Range, Steamboat Springs, and Rocky Mountain National Park regions. Keep in mind that these dates are approximate and they’re not going to be 100% perfect — though you’re just about guaranteed to see beautiful colors between mid to late September.
In years with greater rainfall, autumn colors may never reach their peak. A damp summer can have a negative impact on leaves changing color with the seasonal shift. While helpful for avoiding a busy fire season, excess moisture can be detrimental and lead to foliage fungus that can cause a leaf to go gray or brown, rather than the beautiful bright colors leaf peepers are so excited by. The brightest fall colors are often the result of a wetter-than-normal growing season that’s followed by a dry, sunny autumn with cool, frost-free nights.
Where to See Fall Foliage Around Steamboat Springs
Want to check out the beautiful golden aspen groves? Check out these drives, hikes, and vantage points around town where you can get the perfect Instagram-worthy shot of the surrounding fall foliage!
Fall Drives to Catch the Changing Autumn Leaves
Make use of the car this fall and hit the road to see these scenic views from your window. Take advantage of the pull offs where you’ll be able to take photos to show off to folks who aren’t surrounded by mountainous beauty!
Buffalo Pass
From Steamboat Springs, head east to the top of Buffalo Pass Road. You’ll find the roadway lined with stunning aspen groves and the winding path takes you towards the Continental Divide and Summit Lake. The road can be bumpy, so ensure that your vehicle and tires are up for the drive and make sure you have a spare tire just in case!
Rabbit Ears Pass
Not only is this pass a great spot to view blooming wildflowers during the summertime, it’s also a great spot to view the fall foliage in autumn. You’ll be impressed by the changing colors near Dumont Lake especially! Travel 20+ miles southeast on US Highway 40 before heading north on Forest Service Road 315 for approximately a mile. Service in some parts might get sketchy, so download an offline map so you don’t get lost.
Seedhouse Road/Campground
This drive takes you west on US 40 headed to Routt County Road 129. From here, drivers will travel approximately 20 miles north of Steamboat on 129 to Seedhouse Road, which is just beyond the town of Clark. Make a right and drive another 11 miles to the end of the road, where you’ll see the Slavonia trailhead that provides access to the Zirkel Circle area. This is a great hike for the fall season, as well, if you want to stretch your legs after the drive!
Dunckley Pass
To reach Dunckley Pass, travel five miles north from Yampa on Routt County Road 17 and another 14 miles west on Routt County Road 132/Forest Road 16. This will take you to the top of the pass. During the fall months, the area is practically bursting with autumnal hues all throughout the White River National Forest. If you have more time, take the scenic byway by getting onto US Highway 40 and heading east out of town to Colorado Highway 131. Make a right and follow Colorado 131 south to Yampa before taking the first right on County Road 17 and keep an eye out for the scenic byway sign. In total, this loop is 168 miles and can take 5-7 hours depending on weather conditions and how many stops you make for photos. Pack some water and snacks!
Autumn Hikes With Fantastic Fall Foliage Views
If you’d like to hunt for golden Aspens on foot, check out these hikes in and around Steamboat Springs this autumn.
Thunderhead Trail
Located at Steamboat Ski Resort, you won’t have to travel far to enjoy this difficult 6.6-mile hike. Your lungs and legs might not thank you after you embark on the uphill challenge, though your eyes will be amazed at the beauty that surrounds you. You’ll begin at the base of the ski mountain and work your way to the top, gaining a total of 2,200 feet in elevation! On the way back down, you can either opt to trek it back on foot or you can take a ride on the gondola that runs Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through the beginning of October. Either way, you’ll be able to soak in the expansive 360-degree views of the Yampa Valley as it’s adorned with dazzling, bright fall colors.
Yampa River Core Trail
Another local hiking trail that’s popular throughout the year is the Yampa River Core Trail. This moderate trail is 7.5 miles long and stretches from Walton Pond to the James Brown Bridge. The trail is paved, making it accessible for those who might not be able to manage the dirt or rock paths found on other hikes. The multi-use trail is a great spot to breathe in the fresh air while you traverse through the heart of the city. You can make stops at the Yampa River Botanic Park or check out Howelsen Hill along the way. This hike is great for all ages and abilities, including little ones who may not want to commit to 8+ miles out in the wilderness. Make sure to have your camera ready — because the fall colors will be wondrous.
Flash of Gold
This Buffalo Pass hike is rated as moderate in difficulty and is just over 11 miles in length roundtrip. The name of the hike should give you an idea of the beauty you’ll find along the trail in the fall season. Golden hues line the path that meanders from the top of Spring Creek Trail near the Dry Lake Campground up to Buffalo Pass. This is also a popular mountain biking route, so you may be sharing the path with cyclists. One of the highlights of this hike is crossing Spring Creek and enjoying the fern groves before you hit one of the county’s largest aspen groves that’s bright with color in the fall! This is a quintessential Steamboat Springs fall hike if there ever was one.
Hahn’s Peak
Located in North Routt County, the Hahn’s Peak hike is rated as moderate in difficulty and is approximately 3.8 miles out and back in length. Fall hikers will make the trek to the summit of Hahn’s Peak, located at 10,839 feet! The breathtaking 360-degree views that you’re rewarded with are beautiful throughout the year but especially during the autumn when the landscape is bursting with color! Take in the sweeping valleys of aspens that reach as far north as the border between Colorado and Wyoming! If you look to the east, you’ll notice the dramatic Park Range peaks. The trail is a quick 30-minute drive from Steamboat Springs and well worth the views along the way.
Zirkel Circle
📷 Photo courtesy of Colorado Hikes and Hops
Another North Routt County hike, Zirkle Circle is rated as difficult so only embark on this trek if you’re an experienced hiker who’s comfortable in the region. The length of the trail is 11 miles roundtrip and you’ll be near 11,000 feet in elevation. Enjoy views of the jagged peaks and the stunning autumnal colors that draw outdoorsy folks from across the state during the fall time. You may encounter others on the trail looking to find a fishing hole or who are embarking on a backpacking trip. You may even come across horseback riders! Keep an eye out for moose in the area and keep your distance if you spot one. After crossing the stream located at 9,800 feet, you’ll head up to Gilpin Lake, and from here you can decide whether to continue on to connect with the Gold Creek Lake Trail to complete the full 11-mile circle or you can head back down.
Additional Ways to Soak in the Fall Foliage Around Steamboat Springs
If hiking isn’t your jam but you still want to enjoy the fresh air from outside the car — there are other ways to get outdoors this fall and soak in the views.
Go Horseback Riding with Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch
Enjoy a scenic trail ride into the Colorado Wilderness with Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch. In the summertime, riders will pass blooming wildflower meadows and throughout the fall and into the winter, you can enjoy the cooler weather and see the aspen trees as they change colors and inevitably become covered in snow. The ranch operates in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area and the Routt National Forest under a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service. This is an incredibly unique way to enjoy the fall foliage and is fun for the whole family. Save your legs and ride a horse, instead!
Take a Custom Mountain Biking Tour with Steamboat Powdercats
📷 Photo courtesy of Steamboat Powdercats
Whether you’re a newbie to the mountain biking scene or you’ve been around a while, the tours created by the Steamboat Powdercats cater to all skill levels. These guided mountain bike tours on Emerald Mountain in downtown Steamboat Springs are a creative way to pick up new skills and enjoy a unique experience that showcases amazing views. Tours are private and customized to each group, so there’s no need to worry about getting left behind by faster riders. All you need to be successful are basic bike handling skills and a moderate fitness level as you’ll be climbing some hills during the ride. The more people in your group, the better the rate is — so invite your friends and family to embark on an autumn ride where you can soak in the delightful fall foliage.
Visit One of the Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs
Who says you have to trek out into the wilderness to enjoy the beautiful fall colors? Simple head to the Strawberry Park Hot Springs or the Old Town Hot Springs for a relaxed fall day. This is great for all ability levels, as you don’t need to climb thousands of feet in elevation just to enjoy the fall ambiance. Kick your feet up and take a good long soak while you take a deep breath of the crisp fall air. Both facilities are a quick trip from downtown Steamboat Springs.
Enjoy the Beautiful Foliage in Steamboat Springs This Fall!
Whether you’ve lived in Steamboat Springs your whole life or you’re visiting for the first time this autumn, the colors are sure to amaze and delight. With pumpkin spice everything readily available on coffeehouse menus everywhere, there’s nothing quite like sipping on your warm beverage while you enjoy the delightful autumnal weather and take in the striking views of vividly colored trees before they drop their leaves for the winter months.