Colorado packs fourteeners, alpine lakes, red-rock canyons, high desert and some of the darkest skies in the lower 48 into one state. This guide maps out the seasons and links to detailed planning pages for each area.
Seasons at a glance
- Late June–early August — wildflowers. Alpine basins around Crested Butte, the San Juans near Ouray and Silverton, and the high meadows of Rocky Mountain National Park peak in July. Columbine, paintbrush and lupine bloom later as you climb. See the Colorado bloom calendar.
- Mid-September–early October — aspens. Gold moves down from about 11,000 ft over three weeks. The Kebler Pass road, the Maroon Bells, the Dallas Divide and the San Juan Skyway are classics.
- Winter — snow and solitude. Many high passes close; plowed roads like those to Rocky Mountain National Park's lower trailheads stay open.
- May–August — Milky Way. The core rises before midnight by late May. See Milky Way in Colorado.
San Juan Mountains
Jagged peaks, waterfalls and historic mining towns. The ghost town of Animas Forks near Silverton is a favorite: weathered houses with mountain views through the windows — a classic case for exposure blending. Reaching it needs a high-clearance vehicle on the Alpine Loop. Night skies here are among the darkest in the state.
Elk Mountains and Crested Butte
Home to the Maroon Bells — reflected in Maroon Lake at sunrise — and the wildflower meadows around Crested Butte. Access to the Bells is by reservation shuttle in summer and fall; go early for calm water and alpenglow.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Trail Ridge Road climbs above 12,000 ft with sweeping tundra views; Bear Lake, Dream Lake and Sprague Lake offer reflections; elk rut in September brings bugling bulls to the meadows (keep 25 yards away). See the park page.
Red rock and desert
Colorado National Monument, the Great Sand Dunes (a certified dark sky park, superb for dune patterns at low sun), Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Mesa Verde's cliff dwellings fill the shoulder seasons.
Planning pages
About 2 min read · Updated 2026-10-20