As the days shorten and the air turns crisp, Crested Butte becomes a vibrant showcase of fall colors. The aspen trees, with their golden leaves shimmering in the sunlight, are the stars of the show. Here’s a quick guide to the best spots for leaf-peeping in our area.

Kebler Pass

Kebler Pass is, without a doubt, the crown jewel of fall foliage in Colorado. Imagine a sea of golden aspen leaves stretching as far as the eye can see, nestled among towering mountains. The pass is home to one of the largest aspen groves in the U.S., and fun fact—it’s also part of one of the largest living organisms on Earth! That’s right, the aspens you see are interconnected by their roots, making them a single, massive organism that rivals the size of the Great Barrier Reef.

To get there, head west on Whiterock Avenue from downtown Crested Butte, which turns into County Road 12 (Kebler Pass Road) at the edge of town. The road winds its way to Paonia, and while it’s not paved, it’s easily drivable for most vehicles. This scenic drive is part of the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway and offers some of the best views you’ll find anywhere in the state. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of spots to pull over for photos, explore hiking and biking trails, or just soak in the view.

Gothic

Another must-see spot for fall colors is Gothic, a historic townsite located just a few miles past Mt. Crested Butte. The drive to Gothic is a treat in itself, with aspens lining the road and offering spectacular views at every turn. As you pass through, you’ll see the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL), an active research station, so be sure to stick to the trails to avoid disturbing any ongoing experiments.

For the more adventurous, continue past Gothic towards Schofield Pass and Paradise Divide. This area offers some of the most rugged and beautiful landscapes in Colorado, with trails like Judd Falls, Trail 401, and Copper Lake providing epic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Around the Town of Crested Butte

If you’re looking to stay closer to town, there are plenty of trails in and around Crested Butte that showcase the fall colors. The Green Lake Trail starts right in town at the Crested Butte Nordic Center and offers a challenging 9-mile out-and-back hike with a rewarding view of Green Lake at the base of Mt. Axtell.

For something a bit easier, the Woods Walk is a lovely 2.8-mile trail that’s just a short stroll from town. The trail offers beautiful views of Crested Butte Mountain, Gothic Mountain, and the Slate River Valley, with vibrant aspens dotting the landscape.

And if you prefer to keep it simple, you can enjoy the fall colors just by walking around town. Crested Butte Mountain, home to the Crested Butte Mountain Resort, is visible from almost anywhere in town, and the aspens covering its slopes turn a brilliant gold and orange.