Colorado fall colors “Peak Week” is here: What to know

We are fast approaching the “Peak Week” for fall colors in the Colorado high country. The leaves in northern Colorado typically peak the earliest, this weekend followed by the central mountains, the last week of September and then the southern mountains the first week of October.

Our partners at 9News put together a list of the 9 best scenic drives to see the fall colors. Read that story here.

The Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to anticipate additional traffic in the high country over the next few weekends, as people head out to see the autumn leaves.

Mountain roads see increased traffic when the aspens begin turning to red and gold, so drivers and photo-takers standing and walking along roadways need to watch out for each other.

Be a Smart Leaf Peeper with the following tips:

• Beware of other vehicles that may be traveling at lower speeds
• Watch for vehicles pulling off the roadways, and vehicles parked along the roadside
• Find safe, designated areas to park
• Drivers – be aware of pedestrians! People will be out of their vehicles, often taking photos
• Pedestrians also should be extremely diligent and watch out for passing vehicles

For more on the state’s 26 Scenic and Historic Byways, please visit: https://www.codot.gov/travel/colorado-byways, where you can learn fun facts, estimated drive times, key attractions, route length and more. Another resource is www.cotrip.org and the COtrip Planner App, where you can plan your route ahead of time by clicking on the Scenic Byways layer on the Layers menu.

Enjoy the beauty that is Colorado. Just allow extra time and please be kind to your fellow leaf lookers.

Where to see peak fall foliage in Colorado

Guanella Pass At Peak Colors