MOUNTAIN WEST
Mountain west FOLIAGE DISCOVERY CENTER
Discover when and where to see the Mountain West’s Top Foliage Destinations
Peak Foliage Key
- Late September
- Early October
- Mid October
- Late October
- Early-Mid November
- Mid-Late November
2024 Mountain West Foliage Tracker
2024 Mountain West Foliage Forecast
The Mountain West region offers a spectacular fall foliage experience, with colors cascading down mountainsides as the season progresses. Here's what to expect for the 2024 fall foliage season:
Northern Mountain West (Montana, Idaho, Wyoming)
- Mid to late September: Peak colors in higher elevations
- Late September to early October: Peak colors in lower elevations
Central Mountain West (Utah, Colorado)
- Late September to early October: Peak colors in higher elevations
- Early to mid-October: Peak colors in lower elevations
Southern Mountain West (Nevada)
- Early to mid-October: Peak colors in higher elevations
- Mid to late October: Peak colors in lower elevations (where deciduous trees are present)
Note that the dramatic elevation changes in this region create a prolonged fall color season, with higher areas turning earlier and colors gradually working their way down to lower elevations.
Regional Tree Composition
The Mountain West's fall palette is dominated by a few key species that create stunning displays against the backdrop of evergreen forests:
- Aspen: Brilliant gold and yellow, often in large stands
- Cottonwood: Bright yellow, common along rivers and streams
- Maple: Reds and oranges, particularly in Utah and parts of Colorado
- Oak: Russet and brown, providing a rich contrast
- Larch/Tamarack: Golden needles on this deciduous conifer
- Willow: Yellow to gold, often found in wetland areas
The composition varies across the region:
- Colorado and Utah are famous for their vast aspen groves
- Montana and Idaho feature stunning larch displays in addition to aspens
- Wyoming's cottonwoods create golden ribbons along river valleys
- Nevada's fall colors are more limited but still beautiful in mountain areas
This unique mix of trees, set against rugged mountain landscapes and evergreen forests, creates the iconic Mountain West fall experience.
Unique Regional Features
The Mountain West offers several unique features that enhance the fall foliage experience:
Dramatic Landscapes
- Vast aspen groves creating entire mountainsides of gold
- Contrast of fall colors against snow-capped peaks
- Reflection of autumn hues in crystal-clear mountain lakes
Outdoor Activities
- World-class hiking and backpacking among fall colors
- Scenic drives through mountain passes
- Fall fishing in gold-lined streams
- Wildlife viewing as animals prepare for winter
Unique Natural Phenomena
- Elk bugling season coinciding with fall colors
- Opportunity to see termination dust - the first snowfall on mountaintops
- Geothermal features in Yellowstone framed by fall foliage
Cultural Experiences
- Fall harvest festivals in mountain towns
- Scenic rail journeys through colorful mountain terrain
- Ghost town exploration with a backdrop of fall colors
The Mountain West's fall experience combines breathtaking natural beauty with exhilarating outdoor adventures, offering a unique autumn journey through America's high country.
Other Regions to Explore
NEW ENGLAND FOLIAGE SNAPSHOT
Why New England
New England is revered as the most reliable foliage destination region in the US, and with good reason. It boasts a rich history, charming small towns, and a plethora of outdoor activities to complement your foliage expedition.
Peak Foliage
High Elevation:
Late September to Early October
Sea Level:
Early to Mid-October
Popular Destinations
White Mountains, New Hampshire; Vermont’s Route 100; Acadia National Park, Maine
Mid Atlantic FOLIAGE SNAPSHOT
Why Mid Atlantic
The vibrant colors of a Mid-Atlantic fall beautifully complement its historic charm, rugged wilderness, and coastal allure. With its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, the Mid-Atlantic region is an ideal destination for those seeking a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
Peak Foliage
High Elevation: Late September to Late-October
Sea Level: Late October to Mid-November
Popular Destinations
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia; Hudson Valley, New York; Eastern Shore, Maryland
SOUTHEAST FOLIAGE SNAPSHOT
Why the Southeast
The Southeast combines stunning natural beauty with quintessential Southern hospitality. Journey along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia, immerse yourself in the mystical allure of the Great Smoky Mountains that straddle Tennessee and North Carolina, or follow the Natchez Trace Parkway through Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. From historic cities to breathtaking mountain landscapes the Southeastern US is where the charm and magic of autumn meet.
Peak Foliage
High Elevation: Early October to Mid-November
Sea Level: Late October to Late November
Popular Destinations
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina/Virginia;Â Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina; Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi/Tennessee/Alabama
GREAT LAKES FOLIAGE SNAPSHOT
Why the Great Lakes
The Great Lake states enchant leaf peepers with their unique combination of natural beauty, gorgeous lakes, and enchanting wilderness. This region is a paradise for those seeking an autumn adventure that seamlessly blends the breathtaking beauty of the Great Lakes with the enchanting allure of the wilderness. The striking contrast of autumn foliage against the backdrop of vast, sparkling waters creates a visual masterpiece that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Peak Foliage
High Elevation: Late September to Mid-October
Sea Level: Early October to Late November
Popular Destinations
Door County, Wisconsin; Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan; Hocking Hills, Ohio
MIDWEST FOLIAGE SNAPSHOT
Why the Midwest
Explore tranquil lakes, rolling farmland, and charming small towns that come alive with autumn colors. From the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri to the Kettle Moraine State Forest in Wisconsin and the Maquoketa Caves State Park in Iowa, the Midwest’s natural beauty is complemented by the charm of its communities. This is a place where the autumn foliage showcases a quieter, yet no less enchanting, side of the season. It’s a region where you can escape the hustle and bustle, savor the crisp fall air, and embrace the simple joys of the changing seasons.Â
Peak Foliage
High Elevation: Early October to Mid-November
Sea Level: Mid-October to Mid-November
Popular Destinations
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri; Kettle Moraine State Forest, Wisconsin; Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa
SOUTHWEST FOLIAGE SNAPSHOT
Why the Southwest
The Southwest region offers a foliage adventure like no other. It offers an untraditional foliage experience, highlighted by the rugged beauty of the desert, the striking colors of the canyons, and the mystical allure of its arid landscapes. This region provides a captivating contrast to the typical autumn scenes, where you’ll experience cooler temperatures, where you’ll experience cooler temperatures and find yourself enveloped in the warm, earthy tones of fall.
Peak Foliage
High Elevation: Mid-October to Mid-November
Sea Level: Early November to Mid December
Popular Destinations
Santa Fe, New Mexico; Sedona, Arizona; Lost Maples State Natural Area, Texas
Mountain West FOLIAGE SNAPSHOT
Why the Mountain West
The Mountain West region presents a breathtaking foliage experience with its rugged peaks and alpine landscapes. Witness the aspen groves turning vibrant shades of gold amid the mountainous terrain and throw in a hike, camp, or canoe for an extra dose of adventure. The Mountain West is a region that captures the essence of autumn’s majesty at its most grand and dramatic.
Peak Foliage
High Elevation: Late September to Late October
Sea Level: Mid-October to Mid-November
Popular Destinations
Aspen, Colorado; Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming; Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho
PACIFIC FOLIAGE SNAPSHOT
Why the Pacific
The Pacific Coast states provide a coastal foliage experience like no other. From the majestic Redwoods to the vibrant vineyards, it’s a region that combines natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether you’re exploring the wine country of California, the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, or Olympic National Park in Washington, the Pacific Coast states offer a captivating fusion of coastal charm and abundant fall colors. Here, you can witness the transition of seasons in a setting that’s both picturesque and culturally rich. This is where the allure of the coastline and the enchantment of autumn harmonize to create a one-of-a-kind foliage adventure.
Peak Foliage
High Elevation: Early September to Mid-November
Sea Level: Late September to late November
Popular Destinations
Wine Country, California; Columbia River Gorge, Oregon; Olympic National Park, Washington
EXPLORING ALL THINGS FALL IN THE MOUNTAIN WEST
Fall Festivals of the Mountain West
Top State Parks for Foliage in the Mountain West
Trees to See in
the Mountain West
AUTUMN UNVEILED: EXPLORING ALL THINGS FALL
Best Mountains for Foliage in the Mountain West
A curated list of the best fall mountains in the Mountain West
Best Foliage Campsites in the Mountain West
A curated list of the best spots to pitch your tent in the Mountain West this fall
Top Foliage Photography Spots in the Mountain West
A curated list of the top spots to snap foliage pics in the Mountain West
Best Foliage Road Trips in the Mountain West
A curated list of the top foliage road trips in the Mountain West
Best Foliage Locations in the Mountain West
A curated list of the top foliage locations in the Mountain West
Exploring Peak Foliage in the Mountain West
Exploring timing, characteristics, and places to explore foliage in the Mountain West
Your trusted partner for fall cleanup.
Discover how this remarkable product can make yard maintenance a breeze.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Looking for the most up-to-date fall foliage information, itineraries, and ideas? Sign up for our Newsletter here.
Your trusted partner for fall cleanup.
Discover how this remarkable product can make yard maintenance a breeze.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Looking for the most up-to-date fall foliage information, itineraries, and ideas? Sign up for our Newsletter here.
Your trusted partner for fall cleanup.
Discover how this remarkable product can make yard maintenance a breeze.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Looking for the most up-to-date fall foliage information, itineraries, and ideas? Sign up for our Newsletter here.