There’s nothing in the world quite like the sight of Steamboat’s iconic aspen groves in their gold fall foliage. In one final display of summer celebration before the light, powdery snow begins to fall, the Yampa Valley transforms into a magnificent wonderland of yellows and golds, fiery reds and deep orange.

The best options to revel in Steamboat’s famed fall foliage:

Fall-Drive

Go for a drive

Experience true wilderness from the comfort of your own vehicle as you take a leisurely trip up Buffalo Pass and toward the Continental Divide. The dirt road is passable for cars, but isolated enough to offer some of the best leaf viewing in the state. Don’t forget to stop, take it all in and snap photos to share with your friends.

Ride on horseback

The slow, rocking pace of a trail horse allows ample time to experience the sights and sounds; the chirping of birds, the rustling of the leaves.

Step into Steamboat’s rich western heritage by taking in fall the way true cowboys and cowgirls do; from high in the saddle. See our list of horseback ride outfitters.

Best when ridden

Steamboat is Bike Town USA, and there’s no better time to explore the hundreds of miles of pristine singletrack than during the peak of fall colors.

For once, Emerald Mountain doesn’t stay true to its name: the entire mountain biking mecca in downtown Steamboat is transformed into a golden forest. The Steamboat Bike Park gondola will be turning in the weekends through September.

Grab your cruiser for a different scene on the core trail as gold leaves flutter as you pass and the sun shines from crisp blue skies above. More on Biking

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