Transportation and Accommodations

Looking for the ultimate travel guide to chasing fall foliage in Colorado? Congrats! You've arrived! You've decided to chase fall colors in Colorado and have the timing already decided. Now you need lodging and a plan to get around.

Transportation:

The best way to experience fall colors is by renting a 4x4 capable vehicle or driving your own, HOWEVER, this isn't a necessity. 95% of the photos you see within this guide are either highway accessible or 2wd accessible dirt road.

Crystal Mill and Capitol Creek will require 4WD if either of those spots are on your list, as will Ophir Pass, however the vast majority of photographs you see me post in the fall are from easy dirt or paved roads.

Browse Rental Car + Flight Packages Here

Looking for a 4x4 rental? Ouray has several, however not all will be available in October. I do know Colorado West Jeep Rentals + Tours in Ouray is open in October.

Recommended Places to Stay:

When it comes to places to stay, there are a multitude of options. Each of these I've previously stayed, and I wouldn't hesitate to stay again. If your dates are set and have a region in mind, go ahead and book now. If you're local to Colorado or driving, I would wait to book, as timing changes every so slightly every year if hitting peak is your priority.

Silverton

The Avon

The Wyman (See second photo above -- some of my favorite window views in the San Juans)

Ouray

Beaumont Hotel and Spa

Box Canyon Lodge + Hot Springs (one of my favorites with the cutest barrel hot springs -- see photos in my guide)

Twin Peaks Lodge + Hot Springs (a great pet friendly option)

Ridgway

Chipeta Lodge (a great pet friendly option and my preferred place to stay in Ridgway)

Telluride

Mountain Lodge Telluride

The Hotel Telluride

The New Sheridan

Crested Butte

Elevation Hotel + Spa (My preferred place to stay in Mount Crested Butte for the cost and location)

Grand Lodge Crested Butte Hotel & Suites (another option that's usually lower cost)

Aspen - Hotels in Aspen can be ridiculously expensive. I prefer to stay in Glenwood Springs or Carbondale. Most Glenwood Springs hotels are walking distance to hot springs and amenities.

Hotel Colorado (Glenwood Springs) - historic charm and close to downtown amenities. Within walking distance of hot springs and restaurants

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

Glenwood Springs Inn

Durango - I recommend staying near Purgatory to be that much closer to Silverton with better views of the mountains vs in-town

Purgatory Village

Purgatory Lodge