CDOT urges fall travelers to plan ahead for a popular and potentially earlier leaf-peeping season

Statewide — As summer shifts to fall, the Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to plan ahead for increased mountain corridor traffic as changing foliage draws visitors to the high country. While local timing varies, experts from the Colorado State Forest Service report that drought and prolonged moisture stress across parts of the state could cause leaves in some areas to turn earlier. Overall, central portions of the state are expected to peak near the end of September and into early October. For additional forestry data and updates, visit csfs.colostate.edu.

Regional peak foliage estimates:

Northern mountains & high passes (above 9,500 ft.): Early to mid-September
Central mountains & Aspen corridors (8,000–9,500 ft.): Mid to late September
Southern Colorado & San Juan Mountains (varied elevations): Late September
Foothills & Front Range (below 8,000 ft.): Late September to early October

Plan ahead & travel mid-week

With peak foliage arriving ahead of schedule, Colorado’s mountain corridors are expected to see heavy weekend traffic starting earlier in the month. Drivers are strongly encouraged to consider mid-week trips from Tuesday through Thursday to avoid extreme weekend congestion. Travelers will also encounter active late-season construction zones on state highways as crews work to complete infrastructure projects before winter conditions arrive.

Byways & alternate transit options

This fall, celebrate public lands during the National Scenic Byway Day on Sept. 22. Colorado’s 26 Scenic and Historic Byways offer curated driving routes across the state. Explore route lengths, estimated drive times and key attractions at codot.gov/travel/colorado-byways. Route mapping is also available using the Scenic Byways layer on COtrip.org or via the COtrip Planner App.

Additionally, for a stress-free trip to take in the fall colors, CDOT encourages motorists to use shared public transit during peak travel times by riding Bustang. More information and tickets at Ridebustang.com.

Bustang to Estes: Offers a direct route to the gateway of Rocky Mountain National Park without fighting traffic. Tickets are 25% off Sept. 19–20 and Sept. 26–27 with code ESTES25
Bustang West Line (I-70): Runs between Denver Union Station and Grand Junction, offering scenic views near Vail, Beaver Creek and Frisco.
Bustang Outrider: Connects Craig, Steamboat Springs, Granby and Denver.
Local Connecting Transit: Explore local mountain town bus connections at goi70.com/transit.

Please Note: Although Guanella Pass Road between Georgetown (I-70) and Grant (US 285) is not part of the state highway system, drivers should be aware that strict parking restrictions are enforced at the summit and extend at least one-half mile north and south during peak leaf season. Clear Creek and Park counties enforce these restrictions to guarantee emergency vehicle access. Details are available at clearcreekcounty.us.

Leaf-peeping safety tips:

Keep Eyes on the Road: Avoid distracted driving. Passengers should take photos so drivers can focus on sudden stops in high-density viewing corridors.
Pull Over Safely: Never stop or park in travel lanes or narrow shoulders. Use designated turnouts, paved parking areas or scenic overlooks.
Watch for Pedestrians: Exercise extra caution near trailheads, pullouts and overlooks where pedestrians frequently exit vehicles to take photos.
Use Lower Gears Downhill: Downshift into lower gears when descending steep mountain passes to avoid overheating your vehicle’s brakes.
Yield Uphill Right-of-Way: On narrow, single-lane mountain pass roads, the vehicle traveling uphill has the right-of-way. Downhill traffic must yield or pull over where safe.
Wildfire Prevention: Dry roadside grasses create extreme fire danger. Never park on dry vegetation, ensure trailer chains do not drag and dispose of smoking materials responsibly.
Prepare for Early Snow & Traction Laws: High-elevation passes can experience early autumn snowstorms. Ensure tires have at least 3/16-inch tread depth and keep winter emergency supplies in your vehicle.

New COtrip Planner App and COtrip.org

Just in time for leaf peeping season, CDOT has overhauled COtrip.org and the COtrip Planner App, giving drivers immediate access to the interactive map right from the start. The update streamlines travel planning with an upgraded Trip Planner, automatic live-streaming camera feeds, web-based Dark Mode and a fix for overlapping map icons. Additionally, a dedicated Trucker Mode now delivers tailored, clutter-free data for commercial drivers alongside cleaner layer views for everyday motorists checking real-time conditions before heading out.

Fall colors should be a Winter Wise reminder

Fall leaf peeping is the perfect reminder that winter conditions are right around the corner in Colorado. Early mountain snowstorms can strike without warning, making autumn the ideal time to get Winter Wise before driving into the mountains. Colorado’s Traction Law went into effect on Sept. 1 along key corridors like the I-70 Mountain Corridor, requiring all vehicles to have winter-ready tires with a minimum tread depth of 3/16 inch or approved traction devices. Take a moment now to check your tire tread, test your battery, top off winter wiper fluid, and pack an emergency kit with cold-weather essentials. Preparing your vehicle today ensures you can enjoy autumn’s beauty safely while staying ready for whatever weather the season brings. Visit winter.codot.gov for complete vehicle prep checklists and safety guidelines.