Find fall colors at Colorado state parks

DATE: Sept. 11, 2026

DENVER — Colorado’s vibrant “leaf-peeping” season has begun and will transform the trees into a breathtaking canvas of colors over the next few weeks. The stunning fall foliage display, a spectacle that draws annual crowds to Colorado, is a unique time to experience Colorado’s diverse landscapes. 

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) welcomes outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the changing fall colors at Colorado’s world-class state parks, and encourages visitors to play a proactive role in protecting them.  

“We ask that folks rushing for gold plan ahead and have location backup plans because parks get crowded, and parking is limited at certain trailheads,” said Todd Farrow, park manager at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. “Please only park in designated areas and remember that parking along roads is prohibited.” 

Respecting shared outdoor spaces and adhering to the guidelines outlined below is not just a personal responsibility but a significant contribution to Colorado’s conservation. 

Know Before You Go
For a smooth and enjoyable visit, it's always best to have a backup plan if your desired trailhead or park is crowded. Remember, park rangers can issue parking tickets or even tow vehicles that are parked illegally or blocking traffic. Planning ahead ensures you're prepared for any situation and can fully enjoy your outdoor experience.

Stick To Trails
While shortcuts for the perfect photo can be tempting, staying on the trail will decrease your risk of injury and protect trailside plants and local wildlife. 

• Download or take a screenshot of a trail map on your phone to follow marked trails.
• Printed state park trail maps are available in park visitor centers.
• Download the free COTREX app to find trailheads and trail maps with fall colors.

“The COTREX app gives you the ability to find dozens of routes that our partner agencies recommend for the best fall colors near their trails,” said State Trails Program Coordinator Joe O'Brien. “You can use the filter tool next to the search bar, then select ‘fall colors’ from the tags list to see those recommended trails.”

Leave It As You Find It
Parking in designated areas is critical — undesignated parking can destroy vegetation, ignite wildfires and block emergency vehicles. Always park in marked spots and follow posted signs. 

• Help keep our trees healthy by not carving into them or pulling down branches.
• Avoid moving and stacking rocks — they stabilize and protect trails from erosion.

Keep Wildlife Wild. Live BearWise®.
Many species call Colorado home, making it ideal for wildlife watching. To stay safe, give wildlife extra space, respect area closures, and carry bear spray if in bear country. 

• Give wildlife extra space and respect area closures.
• Do not feed wildlife; let them find natural food sources.  
• Properly dispose of trash to deter wildlife from entering residential areas.
• Keep dogs on a leash, especially near wetlands and riparian areas, to prevent wildlife disturbances and ensure your pet's safety.
• Watch for wildlife on or along roadways.
• Elk and moose are in their annual rut (mating season), and can get territorial and attack when they feel threatened. 
• Keep dogs leashed and put waste bags in a trash can.
• If you see wildlife that appears sick or injured, leave it alone. Call your local CPW office and ask a trained wildlife officer for guidance. 

Colorado is home to approximately 17,000 to 20,000 black bears. Bears may enter campsites and go on trails where trash and human food provide an easy meal. Securing your trash and giving bears lots of space helps protect both visitors and wildlife, fostering a sense of safety and shared responsibility. For more bear educational resources, visit bearwise.org. 

Six Outdoor BearWise Basics

• Stay Alert & Stay Together - Pay attention to your surroundings and stay together. Walk, hike, jog, or cycle with others when possible. Keep kids within sight and close by. Leave earbuds at home and make noise periodically so bears can avoid you.
• Leave No Trash or Food Scraps - Double bag your food when hiking and pack out all food and trash. Don’t burn food scraps or trash in your fire ring or grill. Leaving scraps, wrappers, or even “harmless” items like apple cores teaches bears to associate trails and campsites with food.
• Keep Dogs Leashed - Letting dogs chase or bark at bears is asking for trouble; don’t force a bear to defend itself. Keep your dogs leashed at all times or leave them at home.
• Camp Safely - Set up camp away from dense cover and natural food sources. Cook as far from your tent as possible. Do not store food, trash, clothes worn when cooking, or toiletries in your tent. Store in approved bear-resistant containers OR out of sight in locked vehicle OR suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and 10 feet from any part of the tree. Local regulations vary.
• Know What To Do If You See a Black Bear - If you see a bear before it notices you, don’t approach. Stand still, enjoy, then quietly move away. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. Never run; running may trigger a chase response. If a bear approaches, hold your ground, wave your arms and yell “Hey Bear” until it leaves. Stay with your group. If it keeps approaching, use bear spray. If a black bear makes contact with you, do NOT play dead; fight back aggressively.
• Carry Bear Spray & Know How To Use It - Bear spray is proven to be the easiest and most effective way to deter a bear that threatens you. It doesn’t work like bug repellent, so never spray your tent, campsite or belongings.

“How we explore our outdoor spaces matters. Conservation starts small, but all of our proactive steps to leave a state park better than we found it add up in a meaningful way,” said Farrow.  “No matter where you plan to explore this fall, please respect our natural resources, park staff, volunteers and fellow recreationists.” 

To learn more about outdoor recreation at Colorado state parks, visit cpw.state.co.us

 

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