Colorado is photogenic pretty much year-round. But for a brief window in late September and early October, the Rocky Mountains here put on their best autumn dress. When the leaves are at their peak — all golden and wonderful —, this place becomes an absolute paradise, and a mecca for fall color photography, with some of the best places for leaf peeping in the country.

During that brief period of time of peak fall color, many pockets of Colorado offer wonderful opportunities for fall photography — but none more so than the Southwest part of the state. The iconic peaks of the San Juans, like Mt. Wilson and Mt. Sneffels, are all dressed in gold. Rugged mountain towns like Telluride, Ouray and Silverton bustling with energy (and opportunities to make friends with fellow photography enthusiasts). Vast expanses of aspen groves invite you to wander and look for your own, intimate compositions. Add in a little luck and the first snow of the season gracing the surrounding peaks, and you are truly in wonderland.

Call me biased, since I lived in the state for years, but I don’t think there’s any doubt that Southwest Colorado is one of the best places in the U.S. for fall photography. It’s why I am so excited to be taking a small group of only six of you on a Colorado fall photography workshop in 2025. That fall photo tour will be your chance to experience the Rocky Mountain Gold Rush yourself, create a whole bunch of portfolio-worthy images, and learn how to take your photos from meh to meaningful along the way.

To give you an idea of just how outstanding autumn in this part of the world really is, below are five Colorado fall photography locations that should absolutely be on your bucket list. (Good news: During my workshop, you’ll check off all of them — and many more hidden spots that I’ve discovered over the years!).

The Dallas Divide fall colors at their peak are unmatched

Talk about mind-blowing. The Dallas Divide during peak fall colors is one of the most iconic American landscapes. Now, for photographers, that also means you’ll likely be sharing this view with quite a few of your fellow shutterbugs. But especially if this is your first time in the area, the Dallas Divide should absolutely be on your list of the best Colorado fall photography locations!

The Million Dollar Highway is one of the best fall drives in the United States

The Million Dollar Highway is a 25-mile stretch of high-alpine road between the awesome mountain towns of Ouray and Silverton. Take your time to drive this road, and take advantage of the many views from pullouts along the way. The area around Ouray is called the “Switzerland of America,” and for good reason. This is one of the most beautiful fall color drives anywhere in the United States.

For bonus views, coming from Ouray, go through Silverton and keep driving over Molas Pass for many more incredible opportunities for Colorado fall photography.

Last Dollar Road — a “can’t miss” Colorado fall photography location

Well, we are going from a million bucks to your last dollar. Funny how quickly that happens. But seriously: Last Dollar Road outside of the town of Telluride is another one of those “can’t miss” fall photography spots in Colorado. It’s unpaved, so make sure you have a suitable vehicle (or join me on my Colorado fall photography workshop and let me worry about the driving in our adventure van!). Last Dollar Road winds its way through beautiful golden aspen groves and also offers some stunning vistas, including of Mt. Wilson.

The County Roads near Ridgway are some of the best fall photo spots in Colorado

County Roads 5, 7 and 9 just outside of the town of Ridgway offer a network of Colorado fall color photography opportunities, with stunning views of Mt. Sneffels and the iconic and expansive Double RL ranch, owned by Ralph Lauren. Depending on the conditions, these dirt roads can be a little tricky to navigate. And since they lead through private property, please make sure you stay on the roads. This is not a location to park and wander off — there are plenty of other spots to do that in the area. Respect private property, and keep access alive.

And while we are on the subject: Southwest Colorado is a popular fall photography location, and it is becoming more so every year — for good reason. That increased visitation doesn’t come without its strains and impacts on the land. Please familiarize yourself with the principles of Nature First — The Alliance for Responsible Nature Photography as well as Leave No Trace, and make sure to do your part to protect and preserve these wonderful places so we all get to enjoy them in all their glory for years and years to come!

Mount Wilson is one of the crown jewels of fall photography in Colorado

Mount Wilson near the town of Telluride is undoubtedly one of the most iconic peaks in Colorado, and thanks to its placement on the Coors beer cans, it’s certainly one of the most recognizable. On its lower slopes grow miles and miles of vast aspen groves, and a network of gravel roads leads through them. This is a place to get lost in and explore the Colorado fall colors up close once you’ve shot your share of sweeping wide-angle vistas all featuring Wilson in all its beauty.

Even more great Colorado fall photography locations!

As a sneak peek, here are some images from more locations in the area that I will take you to if you decide to join me on my 2025 Colorado fall photography workshop!