Colorado Springs Fall Colors 2025: When, Where, and How to See Them
Peak color is arriving earlier this year. If you want the best views without guesswork, use this guide to plan by elevation and week, pick easy routes close to town, and time your outings before wind or rain knocks leaves down.
2025 timing: Plan for peak color to arrive about 5–10 days earlier than average around the Pikes Peak region, especially at higher elevations.
Below is a simple high-to-low schedule, favorite overlooks and drives, and a quick way to check conditions before you go. It’s everything you need to catch Colorado Springs at one of the most beautiful times of the year.
Why 2025 Is Running Early
A warm, dry summer followed by crisp early-September nights often nudges aspens to shut down chlorophyll sooner—speeding the shift from green to gold and shortening the window at the highest elevations.
What that means locally:
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Higher groves (10,000–11,000 ft) may peak by mid-September rather than late September.
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Transitions can move faster (color → leaf drop), narrowing your viewing window.
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Lower elevations that usually shine mid/late October may tilt closer to early October.
Week-by-Week: A Simple Elevation Plan
Tip: With 2025 running early, aim about one week sooner than a typical year for each elevation band.
Timing shifts by elevation first, then location—use this high-to-low plan around Colorado Springs:
|
Week (Approx.) |
Elevation Focus |
Prime Spots |
|
Sept 15 to 21 |
10,500 ft and higher |
Pikes Peak Highway upper half, Devil’s Playground, Crags area |
|
Sept 22 to 28 |
9,000 to 10,500 ft |
Mueller State Park, high Rampart Range Road |
|
Sept 29 to Oct 5 |
8,000 to 9,000 ft |
Gold Camp Road upper tunnels, mid-Rampart Range |
|
Oct 6 to 12 |
7,000 to 8,000 ft |
Lower Gold Camp, upper North Cheyenne Cañon |
Live Tracker (Check Before You Go)
Before you head out, double-check conditions with the SmokyMountains.com Fall Foliage Map. Use the slider to see week-by-week changes and confirm if your target elevation around Colorado Springs is nearing peak. It’s a quick way to adjust plans if wind or a cold snap shifts timing.
Quick Ideas for Leaf-Peeping Days
Classic paved: Pikes Peak Highway (time your turnouts; arrive early for parking).
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Hike + views: Mueller State Park’s easy loops, or a short out-and-back near the Crags.
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Scenic drives: Gold Camp Road’s overlooks and tunnels (mind road conditions).
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In-town: Palmer Park bluffs for sweeping city + front-range color.
Colorado Springs Fall-Color Fun Facts
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Aspens “quake.” Flattened leaf stems catch light breezes, creating the shimmer and hush.
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Clonal groves. Many hillsides are single organisms connected by shared roots—why a whole slope turns gold together.
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Elevation leads. High, cool zones turn first; lower, warmer zones follow.
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Aspect matters. North-facing slopes can hold color longer; open ridges lose leaves faster after wind.
Key Takeaway
Start high and early, then step down in elevation each week. With 2025 running ahead of schedule, you’ll see the best color by chasing altitude first—then aspect and timing across Colorado Springs.
Fall Timing for Your Colorado Springs Real Estate Move
Leaves are turning early this year, which matters for buying and selling. The Johnson Team can help you align listing photos and showings with peak weeks, or pace a home search as color moves from the high country down to town—while we weigh the practicals: neighborhoods, schools, commute, and trail access.
We’ll put real dates to your plan (by elevation and aspect), flag the best routes for quick drive-bys, and set a clear next step whether you’re listing, buying, or doing both.
Contact The Johnson Team to map out timing and compare areas side-by-side.
