Top 5 Places to View Fall Colors Near Glenwood Springs

September is the height of leaf-peeping season in Colorado. Around Glenwood Springs, the colors typically peak the last two weeks of the month, with higher elevations starting earlier and lower elevations a bit later.

Maroon Bells. For Instagram-worthy images, take a drive to the Maroon Bells, some of North America’s most photographed peaks, in nearby Aspen. They are gorgeous any time of year, but radiant in fall. Be warned though, the breath-taking beauty of this alpine scenery might cause you to spontaneously burst into song, jot down some autumn-themed free verse or revisit your long-neglected artistic skills—it’s that inspiring! Come fall, the Bells are often striped with early high-country snow, set against a backdrop of brilliant blue-sky. At the right time of day, you can capture a mirror image of the Bells reflected in Maroon Lake. Access to the Maroon Bells is via bus and tickets can be purchased at Aspen Highlands.

McClure Pass. Another knock-out color viewing drive is from Redstone over McClure Pass via Highway 133 in Carbondale. Not as crowded as Maroon Bells, this drive is sublime. Plan plenty of time for roadside stops, impromptu exploring and picture-taking. The Crystal River valley is flanked by meadows and red rock canyons. Drive down Redstone’s main street to see colorfully gentrified Victorian-era homes. Continue along Hwy 133, stopping at Hays Creek Falls, a little waterfall tucked discretely into the rocks; then follow the two-lane black top over McClure Pass. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to vistas of hillsides dense with aspen trees shimmering like golden confetti. To see one of the world’s largest groves of aspen, turn left on GCR 12 over Kebler Pass.

New Castle. There’s something magical and mesmerizing about being in an aspen forest. On this drive from the Buford Road in New Castle to Triangle park on the Flat Tops, you’ll be in the thick of them—surrounded by slender, white-barked, yellow-hued aspen—and if you think you’re hearing things, you wouldn’t be wrong. The Latin name for aspen is Populus Tremuloides, other names are trembling poplar, popple and quaking aspen. Also known as “quakies,” the trees make a distinctive sound with just the slightest breeze. Depending on air currents, a grove of aspen might sound like a roaring creek or a soft whisper.

Glenwood Canyon. Carved by the Colorado River, Glenwood Canyon isn’t necessarily a quintessential Colorado color drive, but it tops our list of scenic places, especially in autumn. As you drive through it, the canyon unfolds revealing one marvelous sight after another—soaring 2000-foot cliffs, herds of Colorado big horn sheep, an American flag atop a craggy outcrop, deep calm waters and churning rapids—all within a 12 mile stretch of roadway. In fall, because of its position in the sky, the sun casts a warm glow over this masterpiece of nature.

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. By far the easiest and most relaxing way to view the autumn splendor—no driving required—is while being fully immersed in the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. The world’s largest hot springs pool is situated in the middle of characteristic Colorado beauty. Pool-goers can take it all in simultaneously—the healing geothermal water and fall’s natural beauty. Enveloped by mountains on all sides, guests can bask beneath fall’s blinding blue skies, watch as paragliders take off from the area’s mountaintops and float down to the valley floor, and admire the changing of the seasons play out in the colorful mountain foliage of Red Mountain and Lookout Mountain.

Autumn is almost here—and it flies by fast. Plan your fall getaway today: learn more at www.hotspringspool.com.