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Compare · 102 straight-line miles apart

Maroon Bells vs San Juan Skywayfall color

Maroon Bells or San Juan Skyway: which comes first?

Maroon Bells usually comes first (Sep 21–30), San Juan Skyway about 5 days later (Sep 11–Oct 20), going by each place's own sources. Their usual windows overlap Sep 21–30. They're 102 miles apart in a straight line.

Checked Sep 27. Sources (4)

Usual windows, side by side

Each place's own sources; not a forecast
Sep 15Oct 1Oct 15

Maroon Bells · usually sep 21–30

San Juan Skyway · usually sep 11–oct 20

Shaded: Sep 21–Sep 30, in both usual windows.

Side by side

Straight-line miles; roads are longer
Maroon BellsSan Juan Skyway
UsuallySep 21–30Sep 11–Oct 20
This seasonNo official report yetNo official report yet
Elevation9,578 ft10,904 ft
First fall frostSep 23 Aspen 1sw, 8.4 mi–

Elevation at the point we map (USGS). Frost: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, the average first 32 °F night at the nearest station.

Where to go at each

Maroon Bells

  • 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 person
  • Maroon Bells-Snowmass WildernessSurrounds the scenic area; overnight permits in popular zones

San Juan Skyway

  • San Juan SkywayA 232-mile paved loop, open all year except brief snow closures
  • Million Dollar HighwayOuray to Silverton: one of the country's most scenic fall drives
  • Molas TrailAbout 3.7 miles from Molas Pass down to the Animas River
Sources (10)

Questions people ask

Which has fall color first, Maroon Bells or San Juan Skyway?

Maroon Bells, usually Sep 21–30; San Juan Skyway usually Sep 11–Oct 20. Each place's own sourced window, not a forecast.

Can I see both on one trip?

In a typical year, Sep 21–30 falls in both usual windows. They're 102 straight-line miles apart; roads are longer.

Which is higher?

San Juan Skyway: 10,904 ft at the point we map, against 9,578 ft (USGS). Higher places often turn earlier, but latitude matters as much.