(Southern Colorado) – This weekend, Saturday, September 27th, and Sunday, September 28th, will be the perfect time to enjoy the fall foliage. Local outdoor expert “Hiking Bob” Falcone has listed his favorite spots for viewing the foliage.

Hiking Bob recommends the trails at the north end of Mueller State Park, as they boast the highest concentration of aspen trees within an hour’s drive of Colorado Springs. Other excellent trails for viewing the fall colors include Buffalo Rock Trail, Cahill Pond Trail, Moonlight Trail, and the southern section of Cheeseman Ranch Trail. Mueller State Park requires a ticket or a Colorado Wildlife Pass, and dogs are not allowed on any of the park’s trails.

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Horsethief Park, located along the Horsethief Falls/Pancake Rocks Trail, is a favorite of Hiking Bob for its colorful aspen trees and shrubs, with Sentinel Peak as a backdrop. For those looking for a great photo spot, about a mile up the trail is a pond with a grove of aspen trees behind it. On calm days, the reflections are breathtaking. Because this is a popular trail, parking is limited, so weekdays are more likely to offer a spot.

Hiker Bob says the Esther Mountain Trail in Crow Canyon off Pikes Peak Highway is often bypassed by those eager to reach the summit, making it a good option for those who prefer to avoid the crowds. The trail passes through a vast meadow with numerous aspen trees along the way. Hiker Bob also recommends it as a great place to hike in the summer when the wildflowers are in bloom.

According to Hiker Bob, the Midland Loop in Eleven Mile State Park is primarily known for its fishing and camping, but it also boasts a very pleasant and easy-to-access small trail system. At the north end, a beautiful aspen grove offers stunning autumn views, along with dramatic rock cliffs and Eleven Mile Reservoir. The park requires an entrance fee or a Colorado Wildlife Pass, and leashed dogs are permitted, so bring your pup along.

For those who want to enjoy the fall foliage without hiking, Hiker Bob lists several of his favorite mountain drives, including Cottonwood Pass, Chalk Creek to St. Elmo, Boreas Pass, and Weston Pass. Weston Pass doesn’t require a four-wheel drive, but vehicles with low clearance should avoid it. According to Hiker Bob, visitors shouldn’t wait until late September to enjoy the peak fall foliage on these routes. However, Cucharas Pass, slightly further south, reaches peak foliage a week or two later, making it a good option for late arrivals.

Anyone driving through the mountains seeking beautiful autumn scenery should prioritize driving safety. According to the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), hundreds of injuries and deaths are caused by drivers distracted by the scenery or speeding on winding mountain roads. The CSP offers safety tips for drivers seeking to view the fall foliage, such as how to navigate sharp turns and blind corners.

Hiker Bob points out that Colorado’s fall colors aren’t all about aspen trees. Even if you miss the peak of the highland aspen trees, you can still enjoy oak, willow, dwarf oak, cottonwood, and other foliage at lower elevations. In the Colorado Springs area, there are several excellent spots for viewing fall foliage, such as Bear Creek Canyon and North Cheyenne Canyon Park.