New Mexicofall foliage
Where is fall color peaking in New Mexico right now?
No official report has come in for fall foliage yet this season. Next to start: Hyde Park Road, usually from Oct 1.
Updated Sep 28.
Places in New Mexico
- Hyde Park Road
Usually Oct 1–7 · starts in 3 days
- Usual window (from each place's own source)
Places by state
New Mexico
- Valles CalderaIn its usual window
Local timing: Sep 1–Nov 30
- Hyde Park RoadStarts in 3 days
Usually Oct 1–7
Official reports
- Sep 28Park ServiceThe first week in October is usually best for the aspen drive to the ski basin; aspens drop leaves quickly after peak; wildflowers July and AugustSource (opens US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Santa Fe Ski Basin (Santa Fe National Forest) in a new tab)
- Sep 27Park ServiceNM 475 is the Santa Fe Scenic Byway; very busy in the fall aspen seasonSource (opens US Forest Service, Big Tesuque Campground in a new tab)
- Sep 27Park ServiceEvery fall visitors come to Hyde Park Road for the golden aspensSource (opens US Forest Service, Santa Fe National Forest, Española Ranger District in a new tab)
Show all 10
- Sep 27Park ServiceOpen May 1 to October 15, eight miles from Santa Fe on NM 475Source (opens US Forest Service, Black Canyon Campground in a new tab)
- Sep 27Park ServiceSmall picnic site and trailhead just below the ski basinSource (opens US Forest Service, Aspen Vista Picnic Site in a new tab)
- Sep 27Park ServiceTrailhead into the Pecos Wilderness at the ski basin parking lotSource (opens US Forest Service, Winsor Trailhead #254 in a new tab)
- Sep 26Park ServiceLovely September through November as the aspens change; snow November–April; mud April–May; 40 backcountry passes a daySource (opens National Park Service, Hiking in Valles Caldera in a new tab)
- Sep 26Park ServiceBackcountry open to vehicles May 15 to November 15, with a passSource (opens National Park Service, Valles Caldera hours in a new tab)
- Sep 26Park ServiceThe rut, early September to mid-October; viewing at Valle Grande, Rabbit Mountain, South MountainSource (opens National Park Service, Rocky Mountain elk (Valles Caldera) in a new tab)
- Sep 26Park Service4 miles down the main entrance road, in the Cabin DistrictSource (opens National Park Service, Volcano Discovery Center in a new tab)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in New Mexico in 2026?
In a typical year Hyde Park Road peaks Oct 1–7. Each place page has its own dates.
Where can I see fall foliage in New Mexico?
We track 2 places: Hyde Park Road (usually Oct 1–7) and Valles Caldera.
Why does color come earlier in some places?
Higher ground turns first. In the Great Smoky Mountains, color can start as early as mid-September at the highest elevations, develops above 4,000 feet from early to mid-October, and reaches the lower and middle slopes between mid-October and early November.Source: National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains fall color ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How do you track fall foliage?
Each place moves through 6 stages: Still green, First color, Moderate, High color, Peak and Past peak. Every stage we show comes from a dated report with its source, and every forecast lists its sources.