There’s something magical about fall in Gunnison. The air turns crisp, the light softens, and entire mountainsides glow in fiery shades of yellow and orange. This is the season when the aspens steal the show, drawing travelers from across the country who want to experience the beauty of Colorado leaf peeping at its finest.
For guests of Island Acres Resort Motel, you don’t have to go far to find incredible foliage. In fact, some of the state’s most iconic drives are right at your doorstep. Whether you’re looking for a quick afternoon escape or a full-day road trip, Gunnison is surrounded by routes that transform into golden wonderlands each fall. Here are three of the very best drives to explore.
1. Kebler Pass – The Aspen Giant
If you only have time for one drive this fall, make it Kebler Pass. Widely regarded as one of the best places for Colorado leaf peeping, this 10,007-foot pass is home to one of the largest aspen groves in the entire United States. In fact, much of the grove is actually a single living organism, genetically identical and stretching for miles.
Driving through Kebler Pass feels like slipping into another world. The narrow road winds through tunnels of aspen trees, their white trunks glowing against the fiery canopy above. Along the way, you’ll find peaceful lakes like Lost Lake and Lake Irwin, both perfect for a photo stop or picnic.
The road is gravel but well-maintained, making it accessible for most vehicles. Plan for about 2–4 hours round trip, depending on how often you stop to take in the views (and trust us, you’ll want to stop often).
2. Ohio Pass / Ohio Creek Road – Quiet Beauty
If Kebler is the headliner, then Ohio Pass is the hidden gem. This route begins just north of Gunnison, where you’ll turn onto Ohio Creek Road. From there, the scenery unfolds gradually—rolling ranchlands give way to sweeping groves of aspen and then rise into the dramatic silhouette of the Castles, a series of striking volcanic spires that tower over the valley.
In fall, the aspens here shimmer like liquid gold, reflecting the changing light of the season. The drive is shorter than Kebler—about 2 hours round trip—making it perfect for a half-day outing or a relaxed morning adventure.
What makes Ohio Pass especially charming is its sense of solitude. It’s less traveled than other routes, so you’ll feel as though you have the mountains to yourself, with only the rustle of leaves and the call of distant birds for company. For a peaceful Colorado leaf peeping experience, this road is hard to beat.
3. West Elk Loop Scenic & Historic Byway – A Daylong Journey
For those who want to make a full day of it, the West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway is an unforgettable journey. This 205-mile loop takes you through a variety of landscapes, from rolling ranchlands to deep canyons and over high mountain passes. Along the way, you’ll travel through charming towns like Paonia, Carbondale, and Crawford, each with its own unique character.
The byway includes Kebler Pass as part of its route, so you’ll still get the aspen experience, but it also offers much more. Highlights include dramatic overlooks of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the shimmering waters of Blue Mesa Reservoir, and endless opportunities to pull over and snap photos of the ever-changing foliage.
Plan for 5-7 hours if you want to do the loop in a single day, to allow time to stop for photos, snacks, and solitude among the autumn giants. The West Elk Loop delivers a complete picture of why Colorado leaf peeping is so spectacular.
Tips for a Golden Season
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Timing is everything. In Gunnison, the leaves usually peak from mid-September to early October. Each year is a little different, so flexibility is key.
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Pack layers. Mornings in the mountains can be chilly, even when afternoons are warm and sunny.
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Bring your camera. These drives offer countless photo-worthy stops—you’ll want to capture them all!
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Start early. The light is softer, the roads are quieter, and you’ll have more time to explore.
For more insider tips, check out our blog on why September is the secret season for fall in Colorado.
Return to Comfort at Island Acres
After a day of chasing golden leaves, there’s nothing better than returning to the comfort of Island Acres Resort Motel. Settle into your cozy unit, sip something warm, and swap stories from the road. Whether you explored the sweeping grandeur of the West Elk Loop, the solitude of Ohio Pass, or the endless aspen groves of Kebler, you’ll carry home memories of fall in Colorado that last a lifetime.
This season, let Gunnison be your gateway to the very best of Colorado leaf peeping!
Rippling River Ranch Cabin
Our one-of-a-kind cabin is a historic building we reconfigured into a 3-bedroom, 3-bath rental with a kitchen, dining space, and living room area. The cabin is furnished with fun, period pieces, including a 1959 GE electric pink stove and matching refrigerator, a 1960s Formica dining table, and more. Two bedrooms feature one king bed, and the third bedroom features two queen beds. Each bedroom includes its own separate bathroom. Outdoor seating is available to gather for meals just outside Maximum occupancy for the cabin is 9 guests. To sleep 9, one guest will be sleeping on a pullout sofa so should be age 12 or younger.
Book your stay today!
Book your stay at Island Acres Resort Motel today, your home base in the Gunnison Valley!