By Laurie Montoya, Motorcycle Rider News | October 2025
The Final Blaze of the Season
As September melts into October, the Colorado high country explodes into color — a fleeting symphony of gold, amber, and crimson. For motorcycle riders, this is one of the most magical (and short-lived) windows of the year.
This fall, the colors came early. Cooler nights in late August jump-started the transformation, and by now the northern ranges are fading fast. But don’t worry — southern and mid-elevation passes still hold their fire, with about 7–14 good days left to ride through the full brilliance of Colorado’s autumn show.
Remember: fall color starts high in the mountains and moves downward with dropping temperatures. If you want to chase the gold, follow the elevation — and be ready to travel on short notice.
Top Motorcycle Routes for Fall Colors
🏍 1. Kebler Pass (Crested Butte to Paonia)
Arguably Colorado’s most photogenic fall ride, Kebler Pass weaves through one of the largest aspen groves in North America. Between Crested Butte and Paonia, the road glows with yellow and orange brilliance for miles.
The west side near Paonia State Park is especially vivid this year. Pull over at Lost Lake or Lake Irwin for reflection shots that look like paintings. Nearby, Crested Butte offers small-town charm, mountain air, and coffee shops perfect for warming up after a brisk morning ride.
Pro tip: The pass closes when snow hits — usually mid- to late October — so go now.
🏍 2. Independence Pass (Twin Lakes to Aspen)
Climbing to 12,095 feet, Independence Pass offers one of the highest paved rides in the state. Every turn unveils a new patchwork of color, from golden aspen tunnels near Twin Lakes to crimson brush above treeline.
Don’t miss a stop at the ghost town of Independence or the Maroon Bells overlook on the Aspen side — both iconic photo ops.
Pair this ride with Cottonwood Pass or the Top of the Rockies Byway for an unforgettable loop.
🏍 3. The Million Dollar Highway / San Juan Skyway
The San Juan Mountains are pure cinematic drama — and autumn here feels like another world. Between Ouray and Silverton, the Million Dollar Highway’s hairpin turns are lined with blazing aspens and mountain peaks dusted with early snow.
Continue through Telluride, Dolores, and Durango for the full 236-mile San Juan Skyway, one of the most scenic motorcycle loops in America. Stop at Dallas Divide near Ridgway — often voted the best single fall vista in the state.
🏍 4. Buffalo Pass (Steamboat Springs to Walden)
If you prefer dirt and adventure, Buffalo Pass near Steamboat offers rolling groves of aspen, high-alpine lakes, and quiet backcountry camping. Expect a mix of 2WD and light 4WD terrain — perfect for dual-sport or ADV bikes.
The view from Summit Lake (10,400 ft) is breathtaking, especially at sunrise. Cap off your ride with a dip in Strawberry Park Hot Springs or a short hike to Fish Creek Falls.
🏍 5. Highway of Legends (Walsenburg to Trinidad)
Far from the crowds of I-70, this southern Colorado gem is a peaceful, colorful cruise through the Sangre de Cristo foothills. The Cuchara Pass summit opens to sweeping views of the Spanish Peaks, and small towns like La Veta and Cuchara welcome riders with old-school hospitality.
If time allows, take the Cordova Pass detour for high-alpine color and quiet campgrounds.
🏍 6. Guanella Pass & Mestaa’Ėhehe Pass (Front Range Day Trips)
For Denver-area riders short on time, you can still catch fall color close to home. Guanella Pass (Georgetown to Grant) delivers golden tunnels of aspen and views of Mount Blue Sky, while Mestaa’Ėhehe Pass (formerly Squaw Pass) offers quick access to Echo Lake and the Mount Evans Byway.
Pair one of these rides with the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway for an easy half-day loop that delivers maximum color.
How Long Do You Have?
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Northern Rockies (Estes Park, Steamboat): Peak is fading now — last few days.
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Central Rockies (Aspen, Leadville, Crested Butte): 1 more week of strong color.
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Southern Mountains (Ouray, Durango, Cuchara): Still vibrant — 10–14 days of good viewing remain.
By late October, most passes above 10,000 feet will be closed or colorless. But for now, the Rockies are alive with gold — and your motorcycle is the best seat in the house.
Rider’s Checklist for Fall Adventures
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Layer up: Mornings can dip below freezing, afternoons hit the 60s.
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Check closures: Trail Ridge, Cottonwood, and Independence Passes may shut early.
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Mind the leaves: Wet leaves = slick roads — ride like it’s black ice.
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Fuel often: Stations are sparse beyond the resort towns.
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Pack a camera: Because these colors won’t wait.
In the End
Colorado’s fall is more than a season — it’s an experience. It’s the sound of your engine echoing off golden hillsides, the scent of pine and crisp air, the shimmer of a thousand aspens turning to fire under blue skies.
You’ve got maybe two weeks left to capture it. Don’t let this season fade in your mirrors — ride now, and ride safe.
