The Grand Mesa Is Turning Gold: See Colorado’s Fall Photos

Aspens on Western Colorado’s Grand Mesa are beginning to trade their summer green for that golden glow that keeps us all coming back every September. Well, it has begun.

We’ve scouted out the Grand Mesa Byway and found plenty of gold, with even more color on the way between now and Fall Color Weekend, September 26 and 27.

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Colorado's Drought Is Helping Bring Fall Color Early

Fall Is Here on Colorado's Grand Mesa: See the Photos

Read More: When Do Fall Colors Peak in Colorado in 2026?

This year's drought is changing Colorado's fall color schedule. CSU Extension says drought stress can trigger early color, but it can also mean leaves turn brown quickly and fall sooner. State Forestry agrees. They suggest the colors are about a week ahead of schedule this year, and at the rate things are moving on Grand Mesa, some of the best color may arrive before the end of the month.

Take a Fall Drive Along the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway

If you live in Delta or Grand Junciton, you've probably made the climb from the valley to the top of the Byway every fall. For everyone else, September means Grand Mesa National Forest adds pockets of color, lakes, and golden aspens. Right now, Sunset Lake is showing lots of gold. Soon, color will spill down the sides of the Mesa, and by Powderhorn’s Color Weekend, we’ll be able to take the scenic chairlift for a different perspective.

The Grand Mesa's Best Color Window Is Short

Colorado's Grand Mesa Is Turning Gold: See the Photos

Read More: 25 Colorado Views That’ll Leave You in Awe This Fall

The Grand Mesa will experience at least a "chance" of rain each of the next several days. Depending on rainfall and overnight temperatures, fall colors could peak sooner than expected. Fall colors are exciting, but please remember to keep an eye out for wildlife and leaf-peepers along the Byway. You never know what you will see along the way, so drive carefully and be prepared to slow down.