This past spring, Roadsurfer, a German travel and campervan company, opened its newest rental station in Denver, Colorado, capitalizing on the beauty and adventure opportunities that exist at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Spanning 3,000 miles north to south from New Mexico into Canada, the Rocky Mountains have a claim as the most popular range in the United States. With Rocky Mountain National Park just 100 minutes from Denver, plus scenic mountain towns spread out across the entire state, getting the chance to set out on a classic American road trip from the Mile High City is a dream come true.
As a new resident of Colorado, I wanted the opportunity to see my new home state transition from summer into fall. So, I set off on a week-long road trip, chasing fall colors, which took me through beautiful landscapes and towns that brought a few tears to my eyes and stunning photos to my portfolio.
Fall Colors Reach Their Peak at Different Dates in Different Places
Due to the varying elevations and microclimates, Colorado’s fall colors can peak anywhere from a few weeks to several weeks apart. But the general timeframe is the last 10 days of September into the first week of October.
The higher up you are, the earlier the leaves will change.
So, if you’re taking in views at Guanella Pass, near 11,000 feet, you’ll want to plan to head out there around September 23-25. However, for the San Juans, for example, October 1 is a good time to visit and take in the magical views, with hopefully snowy peaks.
Now, this is where the tricky part comes into play.
If a storm rolls through, which happened at the end of my trip in 2025, those fragile, golden aspen leaves can be blown right off. Even though it looks like peak colors may last another weekend, a fast-moving storm can end the fall colors chase in a heartbeat.
To best chase fall colors in Colorado, stay nimble and keep an eye on weather forecasts and photos on social media to see where peak color is at. Luckily, in a campervan, you’re in the best position to adjust on the fly and go to where the best colors are!
Having a Van With a Stove and a Generator Is a Luxury
All Roadsurfer rentals come equipped with a stove, refrigerator, generator, toilet, and hot shower. I rented a Liberty Lodge, and with fall rearing its head, temperatures in the mountains began to drop into the 30s. Not having to go outside to cook food meant I could stay warm while my coffee brewed or I chopped veggies for that evening’s dinner.
Even in the summer across the mountains, lows can still get down into the 40s if you are up at Independence Pass, which crests at 12,095 feet. Having a weather-sealed environment that you can hang out in, regardless of rain, sleet, snow, or cold temperatures, ensures morale stays high throughout the entire time.
Free Camping on Public Lands
If you’re okay sleeping in the forest, Colorado has a vast amount of dispersed camping spots. This means there is no established campground. No running water. No picnic tables. But also, no fees.
This route isn’t for everyone. However, with a camper van, all you need is a level surface, and you’re good to go. With a big tank of water inside the Roadsurfer, you can go days without the modern world.
Two places where I had the best dispersed camping were near Crested Butte on Kebler Pass Road and in Washington Gulch. Kebler Pass was full of golden Aspens, and Washington Gulch showed off the beauty of Mount Crested Butte.
Many Campgrounds Shut Down on October 1st
When the calendar flips to October, I found that many mountain campgrounds have closed their gates. While this is understandable, as falling tourism and temperatures signal the end of the travel season, it made it hard to refill my water tank. And if you don’t have water, it makes camper van life a bit challenging.
Thankfully, after calling around to a few places in the Carbondale area, I was able to secure a refill.
If you plan to head into the Rockies during October, make sure to plan out where you’ll get water during your road trip to ensure you don’t end up with a dry tank.
My Favorite Places To See Fall Colors in Colorado
If you drive any of the roads into the mountains from Denver, you are destined to see fall colors at the end of September. And none of these are a secret, but they are some of the most magical views you’ll experience in the state.
My favorite of the below is the San Juans. The mountains out there are jagged, reminding me of the Cascades in my former home in Washington State.
- Georgetown (Guanella Pass)
- Aspen (Maroon Bells and Castle Creek Road)
- Crested Butte (Kebler Pass)
- San Juan Mountains (Silverton/Telluride/Ridgway)
Keep an Eye on the Weather
As has been the theme of the fall in Colorado, weather can change quickly, and knowing how to react is key. On my way home from Ridgway to Denver, I experienced all Colorado seasons in a single day.
Sun. Rain. Wind. Sleet. Snow.
Before heading over mountain passes, do a quick check and see what the weather conditions are. And if you need to take a pause and let a system blow through, it’s safer than trying to push through a 10,000-foot pass with snow in a vehicle you’re unfamiliar with.
As always, returning safely is the most essential part of a fall Colorado road trip, and with the amenities in a campervan, pulling over to a rest stop is an easy choice!
What Camper Van Options Does the Denver Location Offer?
Denver’s new hub offers four camper van rentals, with unlimited miles for your next adventure.
- Family Freedom: Sleeps 5, Class C RV
- Libert Lodge (pop-up top): Sleeps 4, Class B Sprinter Van
- Couple Condo: Sleeps 2 Class B Sprinter Van
- Horizon Hopper, Sleeps 2, 4×4 Mercedez Benz Sprinter Van
The new Roadsurfer location is a bit north of downtown at 5347 Sherman St, Denver, CO 80216.