Great Basin NP through to Estes Park and then south in the early fall

We are planning a 2018 September-October trip from the SF Bay area through to Colorado and NM to see fall color and national parks. What do you all think of this itinerary? Also, would love tips about best time of year to be in the Colorado Parks to see color but not snow!

Oakland - Great Basin NP in Nevada
Great Basin - Dead Horse Pt. ST Utah
Dead Horse Pt. To Copper Mtn. CO
Copper Mtn. - Estes Park - camping in Glacier Basin in Rocky Mtn. NP
Estes Park - Aspen to see Maroon Bells
Aspen - Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Black Canyon of the Gunnison - Crested Butte
Crested Butte - Great Sand Dunes NP
Great Sand Dunes NP - Taos NM
Taos - Santa Fe
Santa Fe - Bosque del Apache
Bosque del Apache - Chaco Canyon
Chaco Canyon - Flagstaff
Flagstaff to Zion (Springdale)
Zion to Las Vegas to Home.

Do you think we should leave before Labor Day or is that too soon to experience the colors in Colorado? We are thinking of leaving soon after Labor Day.

Thanks to everyone for your input!

Barbara and Tracy

The colors are changing in the high country right now. As far as snow, its supposed to snow this weekend. Is this an old post? Your a tad late for Labor day.

Hi ttondro,

In Summit County and Lake County, CO, the aspens put on quite a show in mid-to-late September. That would include areas around Breckenridge, Frisco, Leadville, Glenwood Springs, and Vail.

These were taken on Sept 17, 2014.

Gary521 said:

The colors are changing in the high country right now. As far as snow, its supposed to snow this weekend. Is this an old post? Your a tad late for Labor day.

Click to expand...

We are forward planning for 2018. Where are you that it will be snowing this weekend? We were looking at RMNP for Sept 11 - 14 or so. Is that too early for color? Thanks!

Your 2018 itinerary is pretty similar to a trip we are planning. Mid-September through the end of October.

Two weeks in Colorado, visiting Aspen (Maroon Bells), Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Ouray, Telluride.

Three weeks in Utah, visiting Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef national parks.

I look forward to comments on your trip as they may apply to ours also.

Sept 11 - 14 Could have some color. The thing going on in Rocky Mountain NP at that time is the start of the Elk rut. ( oops, I missed the 2018 in your OP ). Bring your camera with a long lens. Lots of folks come into the park at that time to see the rut.