If you’re dreaming of a quieter, more authentic mountain experience, you’ll want to read this latest piece from Outside Online: “Forget 14ers. Here’s Why 13ers in Colorado Are Even Better.”
If you hike for solace, 13ers are for you
Rather than battling the summer crowds on popular 14,000-foot peaks, the article spotlights Colorado’s 13,000-foot mountains (13ers) as beautiful, challenging, and refreshingly uncrowded alternatives—even noting a peak ascent where the author and their group saw only two other hikers on the way to stunning views.
Escaping the crowds, keeping the challenge
One quote from the Outside article stood out:
“In terms of scenery, physical effort, and challenge, they are quite the same … The difference is the 13ers will be considerably less trafficked, by a huge margin.” — Outside Online
At Colorado Adventure Guides, we totally agree. That sense of solitude we guide you into—from Silverthorne and beyond—is exactly what makes these 13ers so special. Ready to escape the crowds for your next backcountry trip?
The Trump administration has proposed repealing the 2001 Roadless Rule, which protects 58 million acres of national forest from road construction and large-scale logging operations. Here’s a quick breakdown:
What is the roadless rule?
Established in 2001 to protect undeveloped national forest lands.
Limits road building, logging, and industrial development in roadless areas.
Intended to safeguard clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities, and reduce road maintenance costs.
What’s happening now?
Proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule announced by the Trump administration.
USDA claims it will improve wildfire suppression and expand timber production.
Scientists warn roads can increase wildfire ignitions, fragment habitat, and spread invasive species.
Public comment period is open until Sept. 19, 2025 via the Federal Register
Why we care
Roadless areas are where we guide adventures—remote trails, pristine landscapes, and untouched ecosystems.
These forests provide clean rivers, wildlife corridors, and world-class recreation for hikers, climbers, and backcountry travelers.
Losing protections means more roads, more logging, and less wild space for future generations.
5 Places to See Peak Fall Colors in Colorado’s Mountains
Get your leaf peeping on
The leaves are turning early this year, thanks to a hot, dry summer and cooler nights already arriving sooner than we expect. Colorado’s high country is already showing hints of fall and before you know it, this beautiful burst of color will be gone! If you’re planning a leaf peeping adventure in the Colorado mountains, here’s a guide to the best mountain towns to catch peak fall colors in 2025. We love cruising around road trip style and pulling over to the most scenic spots to snap photos.
Steamboat Springs & The Northern High Country
Peak Colors: Sept. 12-24
The northern mountains, including Steamboat Springs, Cameron Pass, and Rabbit Ears, are the first to show fall’s vibrant shades. Expect bright yellows and golds as aspens respond to drought stress and cooler nights by shutting down chlorophyll early.
Easy Scenic Spots:
Fish Creek Falls – A short walk from this popular parking area leads to stunning waterfalls framed by fall colors.
Rabbit Ears Pass Scenic Pullouts – Driving this awesome mountain pass will give you panoramic mountain views with the opportunity to pull over for scenic vistas and aspen groves.
Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Peak Colors: Sept. 15 – 25 The iconic Rocky Mountain National Park area, plus surrounding towns along the Peak-to-Peak Highway, will be showing off early autumn beauty. This zone typically sees a mix of golden aspens and fiery maples in mid-September.
Easy Scenic Spots:
Trail Ridge Road Viewpoints – Many overlooks along this drive offer sweeping views without the hike. Bring layers, it can be chilly/windy up there.
Sprague Lake – Very accessible and mostly flat, perfect for reflections of colorful trees on the water or family portraits.
Pro tip: Rocky Mountain National Park now works on a timed entry permit system. Find out more and get your timed entry permit here.
Peak Colors: Sept. 18 – 28 Summit County and the Central Rockies are a fall lover’s playground. The combination of mountain elevations and early cold nights means the leaves may peak slightly ahead of schedule, making this a perfect choice for your fall photo or recreation missions.
Easy Scenic Spots:
Frisco Bay Marina – Flat, accessible walking areas with lake reflections and vistas of colorful trees in the distance.
Rainbow Lake Trail – The quintessential Summit County hike on a fairly tame path to a mountain lake, through aspen groves. Take the whole family!
Pro tips: Try rock climbing, mountain biking or rafting in the fall colors for unforgettable memories and new skills. After your adventure, stop by Back to Texas BBQ in the brand new Frisco Prospector Marketplace for some amazing BBQ!
Crested Butte & Telluride
Peak Colors: Sept. 20 – 30 The western and southwestern mountains, including Gunnison, Crested Butte, and Telluride, light up in late September. These areas usually hit peak colors a bit later, but the early season this year might make the reds, oranges, and golds pop sooner than expected.
Easy Scenic Spots:
Telluride Gondola Upper Station – Take the gondola up to Mountain Village for a breathtaking view of the valley and surrounding peaks in fall colors. The aspens in this zone are massive!
Crested Butte Scenic Overlook (West Maroon Road pullouts) – Provides easy access to vibrant aspens and panoramic views.
Pro tips: Stop by The Last Dollar Saloon in Telluride to wet your whistle after your leaf peeping adventure. Bear Creek Trail is a great place to hike and see aspens, vistas and amazing waterfalls.
Durango, Pagosa Springs & Southern San Juans
Peak Colors: Oct. 1 – 9 If you’re venturing out to Colorado’s southern mountains, the Four Corners region and San Juans around Durango and Pagosa Springs are your go-to spots for prime leaf peeping. Peak colors are expected to arrive here the first week of October.
Easy Scenic Spots:
Pagosa Springs Hot Springs Area – Walkable areas near the river with fall-colored trees and easy parking, plus access to downtown and of course, the incredible hot springs.
Scenic Overlook at Hermosa Creek – Quick pull-off along Highway 550 with views of the surrounding San Juan peaks.
Why Colors Are Arriving Early in 2025
Several factors are pushing the leaf changing season to move a little faster this year:
Drought Stress: Trees under drought conditions shut down chlorophyll sooner, revealing yellows and oranges that we like to see, just earlier than normal.
Cool Nights: Overnight temperatures in the 40s at higher elevations signal trees to transition faster.
Summer Heat: Higher-than-average summer temperatures this summer address stress, prompting an earlier color change.
Even with early colors, rain and moisture levels will determine how vibrant the fall foliage appears. While some areas may not be as intense as past years, the high country promises stunning views if you plan your trips carefully.
If you usually plan a late September leaf trip, consider moving it up a week or two this year to catch the colors at their peak. Got a taste for adventure with a side of leaf peeping?We can help with that.
Beyond the summit: finding strength in the mountains
You may have heard of Brittany Konsella, one of just 2 women – yes, ever – to ski ALL of Colorado’s 14,000 foot peaks. She’s also an adventure guide, avalanche educator and published author. But what you may not know about Brittany is her mission to act as a vocal advocate for creating spaces for women to thrive in the backcountry. She appreciates the value found in all female programming in the outdoors: creating positive environments where women build confidence and learn through empowerment.
Brittany grew up skiing the ice of the east in Ohio, and grew to love the outdoors after spending extensive time in the backcountry with her father. She learned perseverance at a young age through outdoor experiences, imbuing her connection to nature as she continued on her path to pursue competitive skiing and mountain bike racing. She competed in freestyle skiing for 6 years, and later coached at Winter Park. Brittany typically teaches avalanche education courses for Colorado Adventure Guides- but when we had an opportunity for her to guide an all women’s Crystal Peak ascent with also amazing assistant guide Carly Tobias, we knew they’d be the perfect duo to lead our group.
FIRST STOP: FRANCIE’S CABIN
(Near Breckenridge)
The trip began with the short hike to Francie’s Cabin. Tucked away at 11,264 feet in the breathtaking Crystal Lakes Basin near Breckenridge, Francie’s Cabin is one of Colorado’s most well known and cherished backcountry huts. With a hike of just a couple miles from the trailhead, it’s a popular destination for backcountry enthusiasts year around- pictured here in winter for our popular hut based Intro to Backcountry Ski & Snowboard course.
Upon arrival, the group of 8 women with various levels of experience ranging from seasoned mountaineers to total first timers established a sense of camaraderie over a custom meal, compliments of Backpacker’s Pantry. This lucky group also got to enjoy a backcountry cocktail experience with Breckenridge Distillery!
That evening, Brittany led a discussion on the plan for the next day’s ascent of Crystal Peak. A storm system was predicted for the next afternoon, so she carefully gauged the group’s goals and comfort levels given all the variables. A unanimous decision was reached to push for an early start and a desire to summit before storms push them back down the mountain.
THE ASCENT
Preparations for the peak ascent began well before dawn, packs topped up with water, snacks secured, and footwear tightened to perfection. The group set out at first light, navigating the trail by headlamp. The weather was clear and crisp, with slight chill to the air adding to the group’s motivation to get moving.
Mother nature offered up clear skies and stunning views of the surrounding peaks including nearby Quandary, Pacific, Fletcher. Chatter, smiles and words of encouragement filled the air while the group made steady upward progress. Reaching the summit of Crystal Peak at 13,852 feet at 10:15am, the group celebrated a successful climb and relished in incredible 360-degree views with a sense of shared accomplishment, empowerment and uplifted spirits.
FINDING PERSPECTIVE
One of the most memorable moments was from a Breckenridge resident. Although having hiked all over the local trails, she had never actually summited a peak locally, as she said, “in her own backyard”. Her sense of awe and personal achievement on the summit was a powerful reminder of why our guides do what they do.
For her, the experience was a mind-blowing realization of what she was capable of—an outcome that Brittany’s advocacy for women in the outdoors is all about.
WHY HIKE A 13ER?
(hints: peace, solitude, ample parking)
The group descended safely and efficiently, reaching the trailhead just as the predicted storm rolled in. They realized they hadn’t seen a single soul on the entire trip besides their group and for Brittany, this is a definite benefit of summiting a 13er instead of some of the more popular and busy 14ers in the area.
For some, this was a personal first and for others it was another day relished at high altitude in good company. Everyone was able to walk away with an incredible experience with memories to last a lifetime…plus fresh perspective on how guides can act as a catalyst to our own growth in the outdoors.
A strong support system can transform a tough climb into an uplifting and confidence building experience- that’s why we guide!
YOUR GATEWAY TO THE BACKCOUNTRY
By creating spaces for everyone to learn, we’re not just conquering mountains- we’re building a new generation of confident, capable and empowered adventurers who will carry newfound strength far beyond the trail.
Special thanks to Brittany Konsella and Carly Tobias for guiding an awesome tripand to Brittany Konsella & Carly Holbrook for the trip photos!
Ready for your own peak ascent, avalanche course, or outdoor adventure? We welcome you to join us on your next journey!
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