Fall Road Trips in Colorado
Routes
30
Avg Distance
422 mi
Avg Drive
8h 31m
Destinations
24
Colorado in the fall offers drivers a chance to experience high-altitude drives with notable climbs and significant elevation changes, with max elevations reaching over 9,000 feet on some routes. Across 30 available trips, average mileage sits around 421 miles, averaging just over 8 hours. This collection features long-haul adventures and mostly highway routes, ideal for experiencing the state's dramatic autumn landscapes.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$4.35/gal
Diesel: $5.35/gal
Typical trip cost
$51–$341
One-way, ~422 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~148 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-06-01
Climate through the year: Colorado
Colorado peaks at around 90°F in Jul and cools to 44°F / 18°F in Dec. Wettest month is May at ~2.2 in of rain. Table highlights Fall months.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 45 | 19 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 46 | 20 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 56 | 28 | 0.9 |
| Apr | 62 | 34 | 1.7 |
| May | 71 | 44 | 2.2 |
| Jun | 83 | 53 | 1.9 |
| Jul | 90 | 60 | 2.1 |
| Aug | 88 | 58 | 1.6 |
| Sep peak | 80 | 50 | 1.4 |
| Oct peak | 65 | 37 | 1 |
| Nov peak | 53 | 26 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 44 | 18 | 0.4 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for CO — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Planning Tips
- Check the weather forecast for your route, not just your origin and destination.
- Bring layers for shoulder-season travel — mornings and evenings can be much cooler than midday.
- Colorado routes can vary in condition depending on the time of year. Check for construction zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fall Routes
Editor's pick
Englewood, CO → Kathleen, FL
Through: Kansas City → Illinois → Knoxville +1 more
This long-haul drive scores an 8, featuring high-altitude sections and notable climbs as it crosses state lines. With 1,846.5 miles and 33.5 hours, it's a substantial cross-country experience.
Editor's pick
Centennial, CO → Dallas, TX
Through: Loop 335
Another long-haul drive with a score of 8, this route includes high-altitude sections and climbs up to 6,911 feet. This 781.5-mile trip is also notable for its access to parks.
Editor's pick
Fort Collins, CO → Towaoc, CO
Through: Grand Junction
This 455.3-mile, mostly highway trip scores a 7, offering mountain driving with significant elevation changes, peaking at 9,485 feet. It also provides access to parks for exploration.
Cortez, CO → Greeley, CO
Through: Denver
Loveland, CO → Cortez, CO
Through: Grand Junction
Fort Collins, CO → Telluride, CO
Through: Grand Junction → Delta
Towaoc, CO → Aurora, CO
Greeley, CO → Durango, CO
Fort Collins, CO → Ouray, CO
Through: Grand Junction → Delta
Pueblo, CO → Rangely, CO
Through: Lakewood → Meeker
Towaoc, CO → Lakewood, CO
Cortez, CO → Denver, CO
Mancos, CO → Thornton, CO
Through: Denver
Pueblo, CO → Fruita, CO
Through: Lakewood
Durango, CO → Longmont, CO
Through: Denver
Centennial, CO → Bayfield, CO
Through: Alamosa
Aurora, CO → Ouray, CO
Through: Grand Junction → Delta
Colorado Springs, CO → Rangely, CO
Through: Lakewood → Meeker
Aurora, CO → Ridgway, CO
Through: Grand Junction → Delta
Pueblo, CO → Meeker, CO
Through: Lakewood
Centennial, CO → Ridgway, CO
Through: Grand Junction → Delta
Colorado Springs, CO → Loma, CO
Through: Lakewood
Fort Collins, CO → Rangely, CO
Colorado Springs, CO → Fruita, CO
Through: Lakewood
Fort Collins, CO → Fruita, CO
Through: Grand Junction
Centennial, CO → Pagosa Springs, CO
Through: Alamosa
Grand Junction, CO → Wellington, CO
Through: Colorado Springs
Fort Collins, CO → Fruitvale, CO
Through: Grand Junction
Aurora, CO → Orchard City, CO
Through: Grand Junction → Delta
Fort Collins, CO → Alamosa, CO