Guanella Passfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests.
Next 7 days
- Frost likely · low 28°FTonight, Tuesday Night, Wednesday Night, Thursday Night, Friday Night, Saturday Night, Sunday Night
- Rain or snow likely · up to 87% chanceToday, Tonight, Tuesday, Tuesday Night, Wednesday
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 2:46 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests through the year
- Boulder Canyon raptor nesting closuresFeb–Jul
- Brainard Lake gate openNowJun–Oct
- Alpine wildflowersJun–Aug
- Brainard Lake ski and snowshoe seasonNov–Apr
Best spots around Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests
- Guanella Pass Scenic BywayGeorgetown to Grant over an 11,700-ft pass through aspen
- Brainard Lake Recreation AreaGlacial valley below the Divide; timed-entry reservation to park
- Mount Blue Sky Scenic BywayFrom Idaho Springs; highest paved road in North America
Around Colorado this week
- Rocky Mountain55 mi · National Park Service says fall color shows in September and OctoberTodayrain likelyTuerain likelyWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Maroon Bells74 mi · usually Sep 21–30Todayrain likelyTuerain likelyWedfrost (32°F)Thudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Black Canyon128 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 11Todayrain likelyTuerain likelyWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · US Forest Service, Fall Colors Usher in Autumn in the Rocky Mountains (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests current conditions (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Guanella Pass Trailhead (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Guanella Pass Scenic Byway (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Brainard Lake Recreation Area (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area & Scenic Byway (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Boulder Canyon (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Mt. Goliath - Mt. Evans Viewing Area (Arapaho National Forest) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Berthoud Pass Trailhead (Arapaho National Forest) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in 2026?
We don't have local timing for Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests yet. Colorado timing, per the Forest Service's Rocky Mountain Region botanist: by September aspens turn gold, high country first: Sep 1–30. That's for the wider region, not this place alone, and not a forecast.
How is the fall color in Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests right now?
There's no official report yet this season.
How bad is Guanella Pass traffic in color season?
Heavy. From September 12 this fall, Clear Creek and Park counties planned extra signs, parking enforcement, towing and temporary closures when traffic peaks. Parking along the road is prohibited: use signed pullouts or trailhead lots, and have a backup destination.Sources: US Forest Service, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests current conditions ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Guanella Pass Trailhead ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Guanella Pass Scenic Byway ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Do I need a reservation for Brainard Lake?
To park inside the recreation area, yes: a timed-entry reservation. Without one you can park at the Gateway Trailhead and walk or bike in for a $10 day-use fee. The seasonal gate is open from about mid-June to mid-October.Source: US Forest Service, Brainard Lake Recreation Area ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I drive to the top of Mount Blue Sky now?
Not right now: the Forest Service says the road is open to Summit Lake, and the upper part is closed for the season.Source: US Forest Service, Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area & Scenic Byway ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests?
Guanella Pass Scenic Byway: georgetown to Grant over an 11,700-ft pass through aspen; Brainard Lake Recreation Area: glacial valley below the Divide; timed-entry reservation to park; Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway: from Idaho Springs; highest paved road in North America.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests?
Boulder Canyon raptor nesting closures (Feb–Jul); Brainard Lake Recreation Area: glacial valley below the Divide; timed-entry reservation to park.
What is Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests like through the year?
Brainard Lake gate open (Jun–Oct), Brainard Lake ski and snowshoe season (Nov–Apr), Boulder Canyon raptor nesting closures (Feb–Jul) and Alpine wildflowers (Jun–Aug).