Crested Butte and Telluride

Question

Hi we are coming down September 28th and I was curious if the leaves have started changing colors at all, I have been reading with drought this year lots of locals think leaves will be earlier this year , thank you

Answer

Visiting Crested Butte and Telluride at the end of September is a great time for fall foliage in Colorado, though the timing and intensity of color changes can vary from year to year depending on elevation, weather, and moisture levels. With reports of drought this year, many locals anticipate an earlier color change, so you may indeed see vibrant yellows, golds, and some oranges starting around your visit dates.

Here’s a general idea of what to expect in late September:

Crested Butte: The town itself sits at about 8,900 feet, and the surrounding areas like Kebler Pass and Gothic tend to show peak aspens in late September. You may see early color around town and near Kebler Pass, with more brilliant hues developing as you go higher or into the backcountry areas.
Telluride: Telluride sits at about 8,750 feet. By late September, aspens in the box canyons near town, along the San Miguel River, and up the surrounding hills often start showing yellow and golden tones. Areas like Bridal Veil Falls or the drive up to Mountain Village can have noticeable fall colors even if peak hasn’t fully arrived.
Higher Elevations: Generally, colors at elevations above 10,000 feet may be more advanced, while lower valleys may still have some green remaining. Expect mixed colors, which can make for great photography with a contrast of gold leaves and evergreen pines.

Tips for enjoying fall foliage during your visit:

Drive scenic byways like Kebler Pass near Crested Butte and Lizard Head Pass between Telluride and Ophir for extended views of aspen groves.
Short hikes to higher vantage points, like Snodgrass Mountain near Crested Butte or Bear Creek Trail near Telluride, can give panoramic views of colorful valleys.
Plan for early mornings or late afternoons for softer light and more vibrant photo opportunities, especially when the sun hits the aspens directly.

In summary, while you may not hit peak color in every location, late September is typically a very good time for early-to-mid fall color in both Crested Butte and Telluride, and the drought this year might actually mean the leaves have turned a bit earlier than usual. You should be able to see beautiful yellows and golds, especially in higher elevation areas and along scenic drives.

Crested Butte and Telluride

More Colorado (CO) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions