When is Colorado Aspen Gold? 2026 Dates | Trailwind

Colorado Aspen GoldAutumn colour · Mid-to-late September 2026Annual · ~2-week windowWhole mountainsides of aspen turn molten gold above 9,000 feet, weeks before the lowland leaves.Colorado's high-country aspens turn first and fast, a narrow window of gold against dark evergreens and early snow on the peaks. The San Juans and the Elk Mountains around Aspen are the classic stands.before the first snow: ~2 weeksWhere it is visible: Colorado Rockies, USAHigh elevation peaks first; a single early storm can strip the leaves, so the window is short.Where to watch it

Maroon Bells, Aspen, The most photographed peak in North America

San Juan Skyway, Telluride, Million Dollar Highway to Ouray

Kebler Pass, Crested Butte, One of the largest aspen groves on Earth

Frequently asked questionsWhen is Colorado Aspen Gold 2026?Colorado Aspen Gold in 2026 is Mid-to-late September 2026.See the full nature calendar

Trailwind — Adventure, personalizedTrailwind finds the moment a trip is unusually possible: the right season, a cheap fare, your open dates, and rare skies. Browse by calendar:

Cosmic calendar — meteor showers, eclipses and aurora, and the best time to see each

Nature's calendar — wildlife migrations, blooms and seasonal wonders, and when to go

World culture calendar — festivals, celebrations and rituals, and when they happen (Holi, Diwali, Day of the Dead and more)

Browse all city guides, national parks and collections