Five of the
most scenic autumn spots in Aspen and Snowmass Village
The
neighbouring Rocky Mountain towns of Aspen and Snowmass Village in Colorado may
be famous for their world-class ski slopes in winter and spectacular hiking and
biking trails in summer, but autumn brings a beauty of its own. As the long
summer days shorten and temperatures turn crisp, vast groves of aspen trees
transform to brilliant shades of gold, orange and crimson, creating one of
Colorado’s most spectacular natural displays. From seeing the iconic Maroon
Bells framed by beautiful autumn foliage to watching colourful hot air balloons
rise above the mountains, here are eight of the most scenic spots to experience
Aspen and Snowmass Village this autumn.
See the most photographed peaks in autumnal
bloom at the Maroon Bells
Often
cited as the most photographed peaks in North America, the Maroon Bells are
spectacular at any time of year, but autumn is particularly special. When the
seasons change, the surrounding aspen groves turn brilliant shades of gold and
orange, framing the twin peaks and, on still mornings, reflecting alongside
them in the glassy waters of the Maroon Lake. Spend time wandering around the
lake and through the surrounding aspen groves, or, for those feeling more
adventurous, head out on the trails to take in sweeping views across Colorado’s
spectacular backcountry. Make sure to make a reservation at visitmaroonbells.com, as
visitor numbers are managed to help protect this iconic landscape.
Find tranquillity at the John Denver Sanctuary
Situated
in the heart of Aspen beside the Roaring Fork River, the John Denver Sanctuary offers a peaceful place to soak up the
colours of the season without leaving town. Created in honour of the acclaimed
singer-songwriter and former Aspen local, the sanctuary features locally
sourced boulders inscribed with Denver’s lyrics alongside ponds, streams,
waterfalls and gardens filled with native plants. Come autumn, the surrounding
trees and foliage take on brilliant seasonal shades, transforming the 4.5-acre
sanctuary into a pocket of gold and crimson. Wander along its pathways with the
sound of rushing water and crisp mountain air adding to the tranquillity.
Watch hot air balloons rise above the autumn
trees on the Brush Creek Trail
The Brush Creek
Trail offers an easy way to immerse yourself in Snowmass Village’s autumn
scenery, forming the main artery of the village’s paved trail network. The
5.9-mile trail winds through groves of aspen trees that turn brilliant autumnal
shades, while passing Snowmass landmarks including Anderson Ranch Arts Center,
Snowmass Chapel and the Village Center. For an especially colourful spectacle,
visit from 25-27 September 2026, when the annual Snowmass Balloon Festival sees more than 20
colourful hot air balloons take to the skies. Catch the early morning launches
against mountainsides streaked with autumn colour, or experience the Friday
Night Glow, when balloons illuminate the skies as darkness falls.
Celebrate the end of the summer season at Elk Camp
For autumn views without the uphill climb, ride the Elk Camp Gondola from Snowmass Base Village into the mountains. The journey itself is part of the experience, rising above forests transformed into a patchwork of green, yellow and gold before arriving at Elk Camp, where hiking trails offer panoramic views across the Elk Mountains. Time a visit for 3-4 October 2026 and experience Fall Fest at Elk Camp, celebrating the final weekend of the summer season with live music, a pumpkin patch, caramel apples and family activities, all set against Snowmass’s autumn scenery. For something more exhilarating, take a ride on the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, twisting and turning through the forest as the surrounding leaves change colour.
Road trip through the aspen groves on Independence Pass
For one of Colorado’s most scenic autumn drives, follow Highway 82 from Aspen towards Independence Pass. Climbing to 12,095 feet, the road twists through the mountains past groves of golden aspens, the rushing Roaring Fork River and vast alpine valleys, with viewpoints as far as the eye can see. September and early October are particularly beautiful, when changing foliage brings flashes of gold and orange to the mountainsides. Stop at the Continental Divide for panoramic views from the top of the pass and make a detour to Independence Ghost Town, around 16 miles east of Aspen, to discover another chapter of the region’s mining history surrounded by the colours of autumn.
For
more information on Aspen, please visit aspenchamber.org.
For
more information on Snowmass Village, please visit gosnowmass.com.