The Gunnison area is one of the best places in the Rocky Mountains to experience the seasonal changing of the colors. The Fall colors in Colorado create a magical time of year in the mountains as the leaves change to bright gold in dramatic fashion, symbolizing the onset of autumn.
This time of year has become so popular that tourists frequently visit Gunnison just for the chance to experience the vivid colors—and can we blame them?! There are several places near Island Acres where visitors can experience world class views of the Fall colors. Some places of note include Ohio Creek, Taylor Canyon, and Gothic. Each of these places have remarkable views and are worth the time to explore, but one of the most infamous local spots to experience the colors changing is Kebler Pass.
What Makes Kebler Pass Special?
What really makes Kebler Pass special is its enormous aspen grove. The grove has been tested and is proven to be one single plant, making it one of the largest living organisms in the entire world! The Colorado Native Plant Society notes,
“The largest aspen grove in Colorado, and one of the largest in the United States, is a clone in Kebler Pass, located in the West Elk Mountains near Crested Butte. This clone has been genetically tested and proven to be one genetic individual which has grown from a single seed.”
So, as you gaze out at all of the variations of greens, yellows, and oranges, you can bask in the fact that you are experiencing one of the most magnificent plants on the entire planet.
When is the Peak Season for Viewing Fall Colors?
Around Gunnison, the colors will typically begin changing in late September and the colors will be on full display in October. This changes year to year and sometimes seems unpredictable. A popular Colorado publication called Uncover Colorado gives us the following tips for trying to predict the peak color changing season.
“While it always depends on the weather for when peak season is, it is typically from mid-September into the first week of October. Some years it can be earlier and some can be later. Several factors that determine the peak season include rainfall, elevation, and even wind. A drought can mean peak season happens nearly a full week earlier. If we have had a wet spring and summer, peak season most likely would be later than normal.”
You can try your best to do research and come up with an educated guess as to when the colors will change, you can contact someone in the area and ask about the colors and the seasons, or you can book a room in October and most likely be able to find somewhere around Gunnison to take in the incredible colors of the Colorado Mountains in the Fall.
Book Your Stay at Island Acres
Island Acres Resort Motel is a historic lodging property off Highway 50 on the west side of Gunnison. We offer cozy cabin-like accommodations equipped with fully stocked kitchens and pride ourselves on being your home base in the Gunnison Valley! As we have mentioned here, there are several spots within a short drive from Island Acres where you can experience the Fall colors. We recommend booking your stay in late September for the best leaf peeping experience. If the aspen trees at the famous Kebler Pass are not changing colors, you will certainly be able to find exquisite views at one of the other scenic locations within driving distance!
P.S. If you are around Gunnison in the Fall, don’t forget to also look down for Rocky Mountain Mushrooms!
Book your stay today!
Book your stay at Island Acres Resort Motel today, your home base in the Gunnison Valley!
