Best Fall Leaf Peeping Destinations Near Meeker

Late September and early October are beautiful times to visit Meeker. As the leaves begin to change, the yellow and orange glow of the aspens brings the wilderness to life in the White River Valley. If you’re planning a fall visit to Colorado Advanced Orthopedics as an out-of-town patient, there are plenty of places to enjoy the Meeker area’s fall foliage.

Flat Tops Scenic Byway

Enjoy a beautiful afternoon drive along the Flat Tops Scenic Byway, an 82-mile stretch of highway between Meeker and Yampa. This remote highway passes through two national forests, numerous picturesque lakes, and some of Colorado’s lesser-known mountain passes. We recommend stopping at the summit of Ripple Creek Pass to enjoy the amber aspen groves, turning the Flat Tops into vibrant colors. Dunckley Pass also provides breathtaking panoramic views filled with aspen groves changing colors.

Trappers Lake

If you want a short detour off the Flat Tops Scenic Byway, we highly recommend Trappers Lake. You can stop for lunch and enjoy the beautiful views or rent a cabin if you’d like to spend the night.

Scenic Drive to Rifle

Returning to the Front Range, you should take a scenic drive to Rifle. You can drive along CO 13 South toward Rifle, then turn left onto CO 325N. You’ll drive past three state parks – Rifle Gap, Rifle Falls, and Harvey Gap – which provide beautiful landscapes and ample opportunities to soak in the fall foliage. You can easily return to I-70 from this drive, making it a great stop to Denver.

Best Hiking Trails for Leaf Peeping

fall foliage hike near Meeker, CO If you’re looking to be physically active while enjoying the fall foliage, these hikes near Meeker will provide great views and spectacular colors:

Trapper’s Lake Loop Trail – You can hike there instead of driving to Trappers Lake. This 5.5-mile loop trail goes around the second-largest natural lake in Colorado. There are only 636 feet of elevation gain, making this a great hike for hikers of all abilities and levels of fitness.
Jensen Wilderness Loop – This 4-mile trail is located just outside of Meeker and generally experiences less traffic than many other hikes, making it a great option to experience the fall foliage in tranquility.
Marvine Trail – If you want a longer, more challenging hike with higher elevation gain, Marvine Trail should be on your list. You’ll experience the majesty of the Flat Tops Wilderness, viewing vibrant colored leaves reflecting off beautiful lakes for stunning scenery.
Peltier Lake Trail – This 6.5-mile hike outside of Meeker has aspen trees along the trail, allowing you to see the vibrant yellow and amber colors up close. The views at Peltier Lake make for a gorgeous destination as well.

Our Team Will Help You Plan Your Meeker Visit

If you plan on traveling to Colorado Advanced Orthopedics for our world-class orthopedic services, fall is a great time to schedule your procedure. Our team can suggest beautiful leaf-peeping excursions that will be fun for the entire family.

If you cannot hike due to your injury, we can help recommend a few scenic drives that will deliver the same beautiful scenery as on the hiking trails. If you or your family feel up for a hike, we can also recommend a few gems for fall foliage. Our team can also recommend the best lodging options and help you navigate the best restaurants in town for a first-class culinary experience.

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