Cottonwood Pass
On County Road 306, climb west from Buena Vista as bands of aspen showing off Colorado fall colors give way to the heights of Cottonwood Pass. The fully paved route reaches the Continental Divide above 12,000 feet and continues into Gunnison County.
Snow usually closes the road from early October through mid-May. Confirm seasonal access before heading uphill.
Cottonwood Lake
Another pocket of autumn awaits at Cottonwood Lake, where aspens surround the campground and additional Colorado fall color gathers near the water. Travel six miles west of Buena Vista on County Road 306, then follow County Road 344 for the final three miles or so. The approach can be rough, so drive slowly. Campground services are seasonal.
O’Haver Lake
Near Poncha Springs, O’Haver Lake holds autumn reflections among towering ponderosa pines and aspens at 9,200 feet. Cast a line, walk near the shore, or launch a nonmotorized boat before settling into the mountain quiet. From Poncha Springs, follow Highway 285 south for 5 miles, then turn right onto County Road 200 and proceed for 2.3 miles before turning west onto County Road 202 and continuing for 2.5 miles.
The access road has sharp curves, so slow down and drive with caution. Access to this area generally runs from May to October, with opening and closing dates dependent on weather.
Chalk Creek Canyon
From Buena Vista, drive Highway 285 south for about 7 miles before turning right onto County Road 162 and heading west for 6 miles. Continue through Chalk Creek Canyon, where the drive puts fall color on full display. Once home to one of Colorado’s richest mining districts, Chalk Creek Canyon reveals traces of that era while the changing leaves anchor you to the present.
St. Elmo
Weathered storefronts and golden leaves and evergreens frame St. Elmo, a remarkably well-preserved mining ghost town. Walk among many original buildings and see the restored one-room schoolhouse. These structures are private property, so enjoy them from a distance. Bask in the setting, feel the history, and settle into the stillness.
Hike Through Fall Color
Under a canopy of turning leaves, Davis Meadow Trail enters a mature aspen forest northeast of Buena Vista. This 3.6-mile out-and-back trek reaches a peaceful meadow with old pioneer cabins. Pack plenty of snacks and water, review conditions, and expect no facilities at the trailhead or along the path.
Soak in the Hot Springs
After a day among the turning leaves, Chaffee County’s hot springs trade cool air for warm water. Across four properties open to the public, you’ll find a mix of indoor and outdoor pools. Explore each to see which best suits your needs. Pack a swimsuit and leave enough time to soak without rushing this warm close to a colorful day.
Take a Fall Day Trip to Twin Lakes
North of Buena Vista, Twin Lakes turns a nearby Lake County day trip into a high-country autumn outing. To reach the lakes, follow Highway 24 north and CO-82. Aspens rise beneath fourteeners Mount Elbert and La Plata Peak, while the slopes carry autumn color above the water. Here, watch the season unfold twice: once on the mountainsides and again in the water.
Walk Along the Arkansas River
The Arkansas River keeps color close to town in Buena Vista and Salida. Experience fall in Buena Vista on the trails at Buena Vista River Park or follow the riverside trails at the Salida Whitewater Park downtown.
Both choices stay near shops and restaurants, so you can easily add river time between other plans.
Take a Fall Jeep Tour
Based in Salida, Rocky Mountain Jeep Rentals & Tours offers several half- and full-day guided trips. Tours follow unpaved roads, former rail corridors, and backcountry trails to historic mines and high-country viewpoints.
Some trips climb steep switchbacks above timberline in the Sawatch Range, revealing expansive views and possible wildlife sightings. Custom outings are also available. When booking, ask which option has the most Colorado fall colors during your visit.
Shop Buena Vista and Salida
Let local shops shape the quieter hours between outdoor plans. Browse galleries, boutiques, bookstores, and outdoor retailers in both towns. Shopping locally supports small businesses and adds an in-town layer to a fall trip led by bright leaves and back roads.
Mountain Bike Among Gold and Amber
South of Salida, the 20.8-mile Marshall Pass to Poncha Creek Loop follows a former Denver & Rio Grande Railroad grade through pine forests and tunnels of luminous aspens. Around Tents Creek, the aspens begin glowing gold in mid-September.
Park at the Shirley Site Angling lot off County Road 200 and plan on about three hours for the full loop. A long uphill makes the ride strenuous, and there are some rocky and loose sections.
Use the vivid color as motivating fuel to keep you moving.
Day 1: Mountain Color and Buena Vista Dining
Start with coffee and breakfast at Cool River Cafe, then pick up lunch from Sorelle Delicatessen for an autumn foliage picnic at Cottonwood Lake. Later, shop handcrafted work at Sundance & Friends before heading to dinner at Wesley & Rose.
Day 2: Trail Time, River Walks, and Hot Springs
Head to O’Haver Lake to see the shifting colors. Afterward, sink into fall in Salida for lunch at Sweetie’s Sandwich Shop and a walk beside the Arkansas River at Salida Whitewater Park. Enjoy dinner at High Side! Bar & Grill after a soak at the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center.
Day 3: Salida, Back Roads, and Local Shops
Begin your day in Salida at Bunny and Clyde’s Corner Cafe and Market. Next, chase color on a guided outing with Rocky Mountain Jeep Rentals or visit St. Elmo. Close the trip in Buena Vista with fair-trade gifts and home decor at The Village and a final meal at The Buena Viking.