Maroon Bellsfall foliage
No reports yet this season for White River National Forest. It usually peaks Sep 21–30.
Next 7 days
- Frost likely · low 32°FTonight, Wednesday Night, Thursday Night, Friday Night, Saturday Night, Sunday Night
- Rain likely · up to 95% chanceToday, Tonight, Tuesday Night
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 12:17 PM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near White River National Forest
Last spring frost usually in ~8 months
Sep 23Average first fall frost
Jun 2Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Aspen 1sw station (8.4 mi away, 8,175 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
White River National Forest through the year
- Independence Pass openNowMay–Oct
- Wildflowers by Maroon LakeJul
- Vail Pass winter trailsNov–May
Best spots around White River National Forest
- Maroon Bells Scenic AreaMaroon Lake, 6.5 miles southwest of Aspen; reservation needed by shuttle or car
- Hanging LakeSteep 1.2-mile climb of 1,200 ft; timed reservation per person7,323 ft7,323 ft
- Maroon Bells-Snowmass WildernessSurrounds the scenic area; overnight permits in popular zones
Around Colorado this week
- Black Canyon55 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 11Todayrain likelyTuerain likelyWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Guanella Pass74 mi · Colorado timing: Sep 1–30Todayrain likelyTuerain likelyWedrain likely, frost (28°F)Thufrost (29°F)Fridry and calmSatfrost (32°F)Sunfrost (31°F)
- San Juan Skyway102 mi · usually Sep 11–Oct 20Todayrain likelyTuerain likelyWedrain likely, frost (31°F)Thufrost (31°F)Frifrost (32°F)Satdry and calmSunfrost (32°F)
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 (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service alert, Maroon Creek Road open to vehicles (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Maroon Bells Scenic Area (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Maroon Lake Scenic Trailhead (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Hanging Lake (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, White River Epic Adventures (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in White River National Forest in 2026?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks Sep 21–30. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
How is the fall color in White River National Forest right now?
There's no official report yet this season.
Can I drive to Maroon Lake right now?
Maroon Creek Road is open to vehicles again after the September 14 mudslide, with delays while crews clear debris. The overnight lot is closed, so overnight wilderness permit holders park in the overflow lot. A parking or shuttle reservation is still required.Sources: US Forest Service alert, Maroon Creek Road open to vehicles ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Maroon Bells Scenic Area ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in White River National Forest?
Maroon Bells Scenic Area: maroon Lake, 6.5 miles southwest of Aspen; reservation needed by shuttle or car; Hanging Lake: steep 1.2-mile climb of 1,200 ft; timed reservation per person; Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness: surrounds the scenic area; overnight permits in popular zones.
Are there closures or permits to know about in White River National Forest?
Maroon Bells Scenic Area: maroon Lake, 6.5 miles southwest of Aspen; reservation needed by shuttle or car; Hanging Lake: steep 1.2-mile climb of 1,200 ft; timed reservation per person; Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness: surrounds the scenic area; overnight permits in popular zones.
What is White River National Forest like through the year?
Independence Pass open (May–Oct), Wildflowers by Maroon Lake (Jul) and Vail Pass winter trails (Nov–May).