When fall sweeps across the Colorado Rockies, the hills around Rabbit Ears glow with color. Leaf peeping season is short but spectacular, and there may be no better place to catch it than right here at Rabbit Ears Basecamp.
When to See the Colors
Around Rabbit Ears Pass, the best window for fall color usually lands in the last two weeks of September and the first week of October. Higher elevations peak a little earlier, while valleys can hold their color a few days longer. Weather and frost may shift the timing slightly, so it is always worth checking conditions before your trip.
Our favorite weatherman, Seth Linden from Seth’s Weather Report, says colors will be early this year.
Scenic Drives Near Basecamp
Some of the best fall drives in Colorado start right outside our door. A few favorites include:
Rabbit Ears Pass: Just up the road, this classic drive offers sweeping overlooks of golden hillsides and the Yampa Valley. Pull off for photos or simply roll the windows down and take it in.
Buffalo Pass: For those who like a bit of adventure, Buff Pass winds through dense aspen groves and looks out across Steamboat. The road is rough in places, but the views are worth it.
Highway 131 to Yampa and the Flat Tops Scenic Byway: This stretch takes you through wide ranchlands, historic towns and into the Flat Tops Wilderness. Dunkley and Ripple Creek Passes are especially beautiful in late September.
North Routt County: Head north toward Hahn’s Peak and Steamboat Lake. The drive mixes aspens, meadows and mountain views, with plenty of quiet pull-offs for photos or a picnic.
Favorite Local Spots
You don’t have to go far from Basecamp to find your own patch of color. Some of our go-to spots are:
Dumont Lake: Just ten minutes away, this alpine lake is ringed by glowing aspens. Pack a picnic and enjoy the reflections.
Walton Peak Trail: A moderate hike with big views. At the summit you will see a patchwork of gold and green stretching for miles.
Fishhook Lake Trail: A family-friendly hike where kids can crunch through fallen leaves and spot their reflections in the water.
Spring Creek Trail: A local favorite that often turns earlier than other spots thanks to the cool, shaded canyon.
Mandall Lakes Trail in the Flat Tops: A hidden gem with color from start to finish. Go as far as you like, the trail is beautiful the whole way. A little further out, it’s about a 1 hour drive from Basecamp.
Photo Tips for Capturing Fall
Whether you are using your phone or a full camera, a few tricks can help you capture the magic:
- Go during golden hour: The hour after sunrise or before sunset gives you soft, warm light that makes colors glow.
- Look for contrast: Frame the yellow leaves against the white bark of aspens to make the colors pop.
- Use reflections: Lakes, ponds, and even puddles can double the beauty when the trees are mirrored in the water.
- Zoom in on details: A single leaf, a cluster of branches, or sun filtering through the trees can be just as stunning as a wide-angle shot.
- Keep the sun behind you: Bright colors shine best when the trees are front-lit.
How to Enjoy It All
Leaf peeping is about slowing down and noticing the little things. Here are a few ways to make the most of it:
- Bring layers. Mornings can be frosty, afternoons sunny.
- Pack a picnic or snacks for roadside stops.
- Take your time. The best moments often come from a random turnoff or a quiet trail.
- Snap photos, but also put your camera away. Let yourself hear the crunch of leaves and the rush of the wind.
Why Stay at Basecamp in Fall
Leaf season is fleeting, which makes it all the more special. At Rabbit Ears Basecamp, you are surrounded by aspen-covered hills and minutes from some of the best drives and hikes in the state. Spend the day wandering through glowing groves, then return to a cozy cabin, a warm meal and quiet under the stars.
What sets Basecamp apart is the balance. You are close enough to Steamboat to enjoy dinner out or a stroll through town, but far enough away to feel the peace of the mountains. No big crowds, no busy resort feel. Just family-run cabins, thoughtful details and aspens glowing outside your door.
Fall in the Rockies comes and goes quickly, which makes every golden day feel like a gift. So pack your layers, grab your camera and come watch the mountains change. Then come home to Rabbit Ears Basecamp and stay wild!
