by Jessica Hughes
With the first day of fall coming up on September 23, 2019, it will be about that time again when the state of Colorado transforms into a vivid array of color, from the dense aspen groves in the high country to the fiery red sugar maples in the city of Denver.
While most think of aspens providing the front-row seat to the color show that happens every fall in Colorado, there are plenty of other trees in the Denver metro area that provide the complementary shades of red, orange, and a sprinkling of purple. As the color starts to fade in the mountains, continue the fall season with these places to leaf peep in and around Denver.
Washington Park
Washington Park’s 155 acres of manicured gardens, two lakes, shade trees, and a 2.5-mile gravel path make a classic choice for leaf peeping this fall. With over 70 varieties of trees within the park’s boundaries, a diverse color display shades visitors and offers a beautiful complement to any walk in the park.
Sloan’s Lake
Sloan’s Lake is a great place to people watch, enjoy outdoor activities, and leaf peep in the fall. Rumored to have been created by accident when a local homesteader hit an aquifer when digging a well, the lake today lures in SUPers, water-skiers, and fishers, while the 2.6-mile path brings in runners, walkers, and even roller-bladders. In the fall, colorful trees fill the park offering a picture-perfect scene with views of the Denver downtown providing the backdrop.
Drive Down University Blvd.
A simple drive or walk down University Blvd., starting just north of the 1-25 exchange up to Cherry Creek shopping district, will make you want to stop and say, “awe.” The canopy of trees that seems to encircle the street provides much-needed shade in the summer and a beautiful color display in the fall.
Highline Canal Trail
Reconnect with nature right in the middle of the city and explore the 71 miles of gravel trail that make up the Highline Canal Trail. Towering Cottonwood trees, low-lying brush and a wide variety of plants make the perfect pallet for a spectacular fall color explosion. The stretch between Orchard Road and East Belleview Avenue creates a classic fall scene with distant mountain views to complete.
City Park
What’s more iconic than a walk around Denver’s City Park on a crisp fall day? With an ideal blend of wooded areas and open lawns, City Park is home to a variety of color-changing trees, including a beautiful ash varietal, creating the perfect playground for fall. So, pack a picnic, take a stroll, and take in the fall color.
Cherry Creek Trail
From downtown Denver to Cherry Creek State Park, the 40 miles of the Cherry Creek bike trail offer plenty of colorful hues every fall. The tree-lined (mostly) paved path offers bursts of different colors at almost every turn, but the most notable sections are up near the Cherry Creek Mall and near downtown.
Platte River Trail
Extending from downtown Denver and south to Chatfield State Park, for more than 40 miles, the Platte River Trail meanders through much of Colorado’s front range. Following the Platte River, the trail provides mountain and lake views, coupled with an exceptional presentation of reds, yellows, and oranges along the way. Extend your time and continue into Waterton Canyon where the fall show continues and almost always promises a bighorn sheep sighting, or two.
University Of Denver Campus
Get your fall fix and maybe learn a thing or two with a walk through the University of Denver campus. With the bustling sidewalks back in full swing with students walking to and from class, the feel of fall is all around, from the campus’ large oak trees and maples. Set against the beautiful architecture of this prestigious campus, you can’t help but feel excited about fall in Denver.
For optimal viewing, Denver’s color show typically begins early October and can last through mid-November.