California Zephyr September 19- fall foliage

Question

Hello all,

Planning to take the train through northern Colorado through the Rockies. Is this a good time to see fall foliage in full peak?

Answer

Taking the California Zephyr through northern Colorado in mid-September is a fantastic idea for a scenic rail journey, but timing for fall foliage requires careful consideration. Fall colors in the Rockies progress from higher elevations to lower ones, and the peak varies slightly year to year depending on temperature and precipitation.

Here’s what to expect for September 19:

High-elevation areas, such as the Colorado Rockies near Winter Park, Granby, and the higher passes along the route, may begin showing vibrant colors in mid-September, especially aspens, which turn golden first.
Lower elevation areas, like the plains east of Denver or the foothills, generally see peak colors later in September or early October.
The peak for fall foliage along the California Zephyr route is usually late September to early October for most of the Colorado Rockies section, with some areas reaching full color slightly earlier or later depending on the year.

Additional considerations for your trip:

The train ride provides excellent viewing of scenic areas regardless of exact peak timing, including the Colorado River, Glenwood Canyon, and mountainous terrain.
Higher vantage points on the train can offer stunning photography opportunities even if some lower areas have not yet fully turned.
Weather in mid-September is generally pleasant but can be variable at higher elevations. Layers are recommended.

Recommendations:

If your main goal is seeing aspens in full golden color, traveling a week or two later (late September to early October) may increase your chances of hitting peak foliage along the main passes.
Check local foliage reports (such as coloradoplateau.com or local tourism sites) before your trip to track peak color updates closer to your travel date.
Regardless of exact timing, the California Zephyr offers breathtaking scenery and still provides excellent opportunities for photography and enjoying the fall landscape.

In summary, September 19 is a good time to see early fall colors in northern Colorado, especially at higher elevations, but full peak foliage may be slightly later in most areas. It will still be a visually stunning ride, with golden aspens and scenic Rocky Mountain vistas along the route.

California Zephyr September 19- fall foliage

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