If you have been waiting for the right time to take a fall drive through Teller County, this is it.
Aspens throughout the higher elevations of the Pikes Peak region are showing off their fall colors, and now through Sunday is shaping up to be an excellent window for a leaf-peeping trip. This year’s forecasts placed the Pikes Peak region’s prime viewing period around late September into early October, and recent reports from around the region indicate plenty of fall color is on display.
But don’t wait too long.
Fall color in Colorado can disappear surprisingly quickly. Wind, rain, and colder temperatures can strip leaves from the trees in a matter of days. Colorado’s dry conditions have also contributed to an earlier and somewhat unpredictable season this year.
If you have a free day between now and Sunday, October 4th, here’s a route that elevates your leaf peeping adventure (and gets you out of the car a bit).
Start With Coffee in Woodland Park
Coming from Colorado Springs, take Highway 24 up Ute Pass and make your first stop at The Human Bean in Woodland Park.
The drive-through makes it an easy first stop for a road trip. Grab a coffee without getting too far off schedule, then continue west on Highway 24 toward Divide before turning south onto Highway 67.
From here, the scenery only gets better as you make your way toward the historic Gold Camp region.
Take the Scenic Route Toward Victor
Follow Highway 67 south from Divide toward Cripple Creek. Instead of making Cripple Creek your first major stop, continue toward Mollie Kathleen Road and Goldfield, making your way toward Victor.
This stretch is where the drive itself becomes part of the destination. Forests of evergreen are broken up by stands of bright yellow and gold aspens, while the old mining landscape provides a backdrop that feels distinctly different from the scenery around Woodland Park.
Take your time and enjoy the drive. If you want to stop for photos, use designated parking areas and pullouts rather than stopping along the roadway. CDOT has specifically reminded fall travelers to use designated parking areas as leaf-peeping traffic increases.
Take a Short Walk to Rita the Rock Planter
Continue through Goldfield and Victor before making your way to Rita the Rock Planter outside Victor.
The enormous wooden troll was created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo and is tucked into the historic mining landscape surrounding the town. It’s a fun destination on its own, but fall is an especially good time to make the trip.
You don’t need to plan a major hike to see Rita. The short walk from the upper parking area makes this a good opportunity to get out of the car, stretch your legs, and spend some time enjoying the scenery.
Take a few photos, explore the sculpture, and then head back toward Cripple Creek.
Stop in Cripple Creek for Lunch
By this point, you’ll probably be ready for lunch.
Head into downtown Cripple Creek and stop at The District Kitchen & Saloon on Bennett Avenue.
One of our favorites is the Best in the West Hot Chicken Sandwich, made with spicy crispy chicken, coleslaw, pickles, and mayo on a toasted brioche bun. It’s a hearty lunch after a morning spent exploring the mountains.
After lunch, spend a little time walking Bennett Avenue if you’d like, then get back on the road for the next leg of the trip.
Take Teller County Road 1 to Florissant
Rather than retracing your route toward Divide, leave Cripple Creek on Teller County Road 1 toward Florissant.
This turns the trip into more of a loop and gives you another stretch of Teller County scenery to enjoy along the way.
When you reach Florissant, make a quick stop at Florissant Mercantile. Browse for a few minutes, grab a snack or drink for the road, and stretch your legs before continuing east on Highway 24.
Head Back Through Woodland Park
From Florissant, follow Highway 24 east through Divide and back into Woodland Park.
You’ll retrace a portion of your morning drive, but the changing light and direction can give the scenery a different look later in the day.
Continue through Woodland Park and begin heading down Ute Pass.
But don’t head all the way home just yet.
Make One Last Stop in Green Mountain Falls
Turn off Highway 24 for Green Mountain Falls and make your final stop of the day.
Before dinner, take a leisurely walk around Green Mountain Falls Pond. The small lake, gazebo, surrounding mountains, and historic buildings make this an easy place to slow down after spending much of the day on the road.
Then head over to Cantina Verde for dinner.
The restaurant’s Southwest-inspired menu and mountain-town setting make it a fitting final stop. Grab some queso, order a house margarita, and settle in for dinner before heading back toward Colorado Springs.
From Green Mountain Falls, it’s a straightforward drive down Ute Pass and back into town.
Don’t Put This Trip Off
Colorado’s fall colors are beautiful precisely because they don’t last long.
The aspens around Teller County are putting on their annual show right now, but once the leaves begin dropping, the landscape can change dramatically in only a few days.
If you’ve been waiting for your Teller County leaf-peeping trip, make plans between now and Sunday.
Grab a coffee, fill up the gas tank, bring a jacket, and make a day of it.
The colors won’t be here for long.
