Fall colors in Rocky MT Nat. Park?

What time of year is good to try and catch fall colors in Rocky Mt. National park?

Trying to make plans for a fall trip.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Kevin

I would guess it depends what you are looking for. For aspen, last year the colors were getting nice around Bear Lake around 25 Sept. And lower down it took another week or two.

I'm just looking for a general idea when the colors are getting pretty nice. I was hoping end of September or early October to make my trip.

Thanks

What is the main aim of your trip Fall Colors or RMNP? If its fall colors I would suggest other places, not that you can't find aspens at RMNP but its definitley not the top or close to being top spot for aspens.

Thanks Jody,

I'm open to any and all suggestions on where to go. I've never been in the rockies during fall colors, and that is the main goal of this trip.

Kevin

Kebler Pass and McClure Pass are very good for aspens with color to the horizon in a good year, last year was a good year so 2009 ??

I personally love Keebler pass and Maroon Bells those are some of the best aspen groves that I have seen. Both of those are quite a bit south of RMNP.

In addition to the above areas already mentioned.
Independance Pass
Hwy 550 (Ouray to Silverton)
Dallas Divide (just outside of Ridgway near Ouray)
Owl Creek Pass

The ones listed here plus the ones already mentioned are driveable in any passenger car, 4x4 not needed.

If you have several days, I would suggest Kebler and McClure passes like those above have mentioned for a couple of days then drive south to the Ridgway/Ouray/Dallas Divide area for a few days. If you want color in Colorado, those two areas would be prime. Timing? Anybody's guess but the last week of Sept.is about as close as anyone can predict. RMNP is a great place, just ask Eric Stensland, but for fall color if that's your priority, there are better places.

If you have several days, I would suggest Kebler and McClure passes like those above have mentioned for a couple of days then drive south to the Ridgway/Ouray/Dallas Divide area for a few days. If you want color in Colorado, those two areas would be prime. Timing? Anybody's guess but the last week of Sept.is about as close as anyone can predict. RMNP is a great place, just ask Eric Stensland, but for fall color if that's your priority, there are better places.

Lots of good suggestions so far, I'll just add that you should take a good look at Darren's excellent Fall colors Drives page. Tons of great info!

Thanks everyone.

I was hoping for some backpacking/camping to go along with this trip, kind of why I picked Rocky Mtn. park. Some windshield time looking for good colors sounds alright though. I love the areas around Ouray and Silverton so that would be fun.

I also like the idea of visiting the bells again, I attempted a backpacking loop there last year, but the snowpack was still too much in July when we tried...

Thanks again.

If you come down to the Durango/Silverton/Ouray/Telluride area (..which I highly recommend!), give me a holler!
I live right next door.

Ditto all the suggestions to go to the western slope - Elk Mountains and/or San Juans. That's where most of the aspens are! There are some great hiking and backpacking options off of Kebler Pass. Just get a map of the area and pick a trail! There's aspens EVERYWHERE, and hardly any people off the roads.

Thanks again guys!

John, I will definitely do that if I end up around that area. Thanks for the book suggestion for Arizona as well. Just got back from that trip, had a blast. Followed lots of advice from the book.

Jack, I like the sound of the western slope for sure. I would love to do a nice backpacking trip off Kebler Pass. I will have to get some maps and check it out. Big fan of avoiding the crowds...