The Flattops wilderness in western Colorado is one of the best places to see fall color in Colorado. There are large aspen forests seemingly all through the wilderness. I recently drove from New Castle to Buford and then across the Flattops on County Road 8 to Yampa. I also drove a long section of the Deep Lake ROad near Dotsero. Despite dire predictions of a poor fall in the northern half of the state due to lack of moisture, the colors are some of the best I’ve seen in recent memory. Ripple Creek and Dunkley Passes were both particularly vibrant. I even saw a beautiful sunset atop Ripple Creek Pass. The trees have turned about 50% and many are still green so hopefully the show will last another 7-10 days.
A word of caution should be issued. Wear bright colors if you go. Fall is hunting season and the Flattops is full of hunters this time of year.
Getting there:
There are several roads into the Flattops. County Road 8 runs between Yampa and Meeker for about 75 miles. A detour to Trappers Lake can be made about 30 miles from the Meeker end. Roads also run to Deep Lake (5 miles north of Dotsero) and YamColo Reservoir (also from the Yampa end).
Fall color, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, Ripple Creek Pass, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, sunset Ripple Creek Pass, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, sunset, Ripple Creek Pass, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, sunset Ripple Creek Pass, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, sunset Ripple Creek Pass, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, sunset Ripple Creek Pass, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, sunset Ripple Creek Pass, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, sunset Ripple Creek Pass, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, Dunkley Pass, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, Flattops Wilderness, CO
Fall color, Flattops Wilderness, CO