For a few short weeks each year, the San Luis Valley trades its summer greens for gold.

Aspen-covered mountainsides turn brilliant yellow, cottonwoods along the rivers glow in shades of gold and orange, and familiar drives through the Valley suddenly look completely different.

The trick is knowing when — and where — to go.

Fall color in southern Colorado generally begins at the highest elevations first and gradually works its way down toward the Valley floor. That means there really isn't one “peak weekend” for the entire San Luis Valley. If you're willing to follow the color as it moves downhill, you can often enjoy several weeks of beautiful fall scenery.

When Should You Go?

As a general rule, start watching the higher country by mid-September.

The second half of September is usually prime time for many of the mountain areas surrounding the Valley, with color often continuing into the first part of October at lower elevations.

Weather makes a difference. Temperature, moisture, drought conditions, elevation and even a single windy storm can affect when the leaves change and how long they remain on the trees.

Rather than choosing one date weeks in advance, consider making several shorter fall-color trips as the season progresses.

Conejos Canyon — One of the Valley's Best

One of the finest fall drives in southern Colorado is right here in the San Luis Valley.

From Antonito, follow Colorado Highway 17 west through the Conejos River Canyon toward La Manga and Cumbres passes.

The scenery changes dramatically as you climb. Cottonwoods line portions of the river corridor, while higher elevations bring increasingly large stands of aspen.

The Colorado State Forest Service has specifically recommended Conejos Canyon for fall-color viewing. For those with an appropriate high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicle, Forest Road 103 toward Osier can provide even more opportunities to get into the aspen country.

You certainly don't have to leave the pavement, however. Highway 17 itself can provide a spectacular fall drive.

Best bet: Mid- to late September, watching the higher elevations first.

Cumbres Pass

Continue west on Highway 17 and you'll eventually climb toward Cumbres Pass, at more than 10,000 feet.

Because of that elevation, this is one of the places to begin watching early in the season.

The combination of golden aspens, evergreen forests, open mountain meadows and the historic railroad makes the Cumbres area particularly photogenic.

And there is another way to see this country.

Seeing the Colors From the Train

For those who would rather leave the driving to someone else, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad offers a completely different view of the fall colors.

The train travels through high-country forests, mountain meadows and remote stretches between Antonito and Chama that simply can't be seen from the highway. During peak color, the combination of golden aspens, rugged mountains and a historic steam locomotive can make for a memorable trip.

South Fork and Wolf Creek Pass

On the western side of the Valley, South Fork makes an excellent starting point for another fall-color drive.

Head west on U.S. Highway 160 toward Wolf Creek Pass and you'll climb from the upper Rio Grande into heavily forested mountain country.

Aspens scattered among the darker evergreens can turn entire sections of the mountainsides gold.

There are numerous places along the route where the changing elevation means the colors can vary considerably during a single drive.

Best bet: Generally the second half of September, although higher elevations can begin changing earlier.

The Silver Thread Scenic Byway

For a longer outing, it's difficult to beat Colorado Highway 149 from South Fork toward Creede and Lake City.

This is the Silver Thread Scenic & Historic Byway, and fall may be its most beautiful season.

The highway follows the Rio Grande through mountain country before continuing north from Creede toward Lake City. Along the way are forests, cliffs, historic mining country and extensive stands of changing aspens.

You don't have to drive the entire byway to enjoy it. Even a leisurely drive from South Fork to Creede and back can make an excellent fall afternoon.

Those wanting to make a longer day of it can continue north toward North Clear Creek Falls, Spring Creek Pass and Lake City.

Best bet: Generally the second half of September into early October, depending upon elevation and weather.

Creede and the Upper Rio Grande

Creede deserves more than simply being a turnaround point.

The upper Rio Grande country surrounding town offers plenty of opportunities to find fall color, and the contrast between golden trees, rugged cliffs and old mining country creates some wonderful scenery.

There are also backcountry roads around Creede that can provide additional views. Anyone heading away from the main highways should check current road conditions and make sure the route is suitable for their vehicle before setting out.

Great Sand Dunes

Fall color may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, but autumn can create some remarkable contrasts.

Golden cottonwoods and aspens against the dunes, Sangre de Cristo Mountains and deep-blue autumn sky can make this one of the Valley's most unusual fall landscapes.

The Montville Nature Trail can also offer opportunities to see fall color without making a long mountain drive.

Don't Forget the Valley Floor

You don't necessarily have to climb into the mountains to enjoy the show.

As the season progresses, watch the cottonwoods along the Rio Grande, Conejos River and other waterways throughout the San Luis Valley.

Their color generally arrives later than the high-country aspens, extending our fall-color season after some mountain groves have already lost their leaves.

Sometimes a simple drive along the back roads of the Valley can be every bit as beautiful as one of the better-known mountain routes.

Follow the Color Down the Mountain

If you're hoping to see as much fall color as possible, think of autumn in the San Luis Valley as a moving target.

Mid-September: Start watching Cumbres Pass, La Manga Pass, Wolf Creek Pass and other high-elevation areas.

Late September: This is generally the heart of fall-color season in the mountains surrounding the Valley. Conejos Canyon, South Fork, Creede and the Silver Thread should all be on the list.

Late September into early October: Follow the color downhill and begin watching lower mountain slopes, river corridors and cottonwoods across the Valley floor.

Mother Nature, of course, gets the final say.

A mountainside that is mostly green one week can be brilliant gold the next — and nearly bare after a windy storm.

Three Fall Drives to Put on Your List

Before You Head Out

Fall weather in the mountains can change quickly. Check the forecast and road conditions before leaving, especially if you're traveling into the high country or onto forest roads.

Cell service can also be limited or nonexistent in some areas.

And when you find that perfect mountainside covered in gold, use a designated turnout or safe parking area rather than stopping along the roadway.

Most importantly, don't wait too long.

Fall color in the San Luis Valley doesn't last forever.

For a few short weeks each year, the mountains surrounding us put on one of Colorado's great natural shows.

And some of the best seats are right here at home.