New England maples versus Colorado aspens: which region in the US boasts the best fall colors?

Some locations will always be compared. In this series, two passionate writers go head-to-head to share why you should explore their selected destination.

We're finally pulling on our sweatshirts in the mornings, and you know what that signals. It's time to book that autumn foliage tour and immerse yourself in the cozy beauty of nature's grand display. But which cabin in the woods will you ignite that first fire in? Which trails will you wander through during the day?

Will you wear classic duck boots, jeans, and a wool sweater to trek through New England's vibrant red and orange hills, or will you slip into your Patagonia puffer and hiking boots to bask in Colorado's golden scenery? No matter what stirs your imagination, these two Dinogo Planet writers will have you pondering whether to tap a maple or hear the whispers of the aspens.

Reasons why New England is the ultimate destination for autumn colors

Having grown up and currently residing in Upstate New York, travel writer Lauren Breedlove has spent years exploring the entire New England region. After attending college in Burlington, Vermont, and becoming a photographer, she has traveled extensively through the Northeast each autumn to capture the stunning foliage. Her writings on New England have appeared in several publications, including Dinogo Planet. 

While New England offers beauty all year long, there’s one season I ensure I’m not traveling elsewhere: fall. I’ve experienced autumn in various locations, including Colorado, and while each place has its charm, nothing compares to fall in New England. Crisp mornings by a serene lake, where fog lifts to reveal a vibrant foliage reflection in the still water. Hiking boots crunching over fallen leaves on the way to a mountain summit, my camera racing to capture the excitement of endless peaks draped in a rustic autumn quilt. The crackle of a campfire as the sun dips behind mountains splashed with zesty reds, deep golds, and fiery oranges. As I mentioned, it’s truly unbeatable. 

New England boasts a vibrant cocktail of hues 

I appreciate aspens too. Those bright, sunny trees that grace Colorado in the fall are breathtaking—but in New England, our fall foliage offers a much richer variety. Our extensive forests and mountains come alive with a vivid palette, thanks largely to our collection of maple trees; special mention to the red and sugar maples for their striking reds and oranges. Other contributors to the stunning array include beeches, birches, oaks, and hickories. Some trees even display multiple colors at once! It’s not just about color variety; it’s also about intensity. New England benefits from the perfect blend of environment, temperatures, and rainfall, creating remarkable pigments. Don’t just take my word for it—the throngs of visitors flocking to New England each September and October speak volumes.

Sure, Colorado's major peaks might be taller, and I’ll concede that. But New England isn’t flat by any means. We have giants like New Hampshire’s Mount Washington, Maine’s Katahdin, and Vermont’s Mount Mansfield, along with challenging hikes and diverse terrain. Plus, there’s the coast! It’s not every day you can enjoy the ocean breeze while admiring a foliage spectacle. Although New England has its big cities, it also offers vast expanses of wild backcountry. In Maine’s secluded Baxter State Park, you’re more likely to encounter a moose than another hiker. It feels easier to escape the hustle and find solitude here. In Colorado, many backcountry trails demand four-wheel drives and can be difficult to navigate, but in New England, you can access most trails with a standard car, making adventures more attainable. We can also witness foliage in different states throughout the season since the colors begin in northern Maine and gradually move south. New England in autumn is perfect for road-tripping.

Autumn in New England is a whole experience

Autumn is more than just the vibrant leaves (though they do matter!). It’s about the entire ambiance, and New England captures that perfectly. Sorry, Colorado, but fall feels cozier here. We’re dotted with quaint, historic towns that will enchant you with handcrafted scarecrows, roadside farm stands, and pumpkins decorating the porches of nearly every Victorian or Colonial home. Old churches and covered bridges are plentiful, and charming general stores are delightful surprises, offering fresh cider, donuts, and, of course, our beloved maple syrup.

Why Colorado stands out as the ultimate destination for fall foliage

After relocating to Colorado over a decade ago, writer Sarah Kuta has developed a fascination with leaf-peeping. From mid-September to mid-October, she dedicates her weekends to exploring the Colorado Rockies, soaking in the breathtaking views of the state’s golden-yellow aspens.

As summer comes to a close, I eagerly anticipate the first brisk morning that heralds the onset of fall in Colorado. This moment also signals the start of one of my favorite activities: leaf-peeping. I embark on scenic drives, hike, mountain bike, picnic, and ride gondolas at ski resorts— all to fully immerse myself in Colorado’s vibrant fall foliage.

Colorado is renowned for its quaking aspen trees—there's even a notable mountain town and ski resort named after these tall, white-barked wonders. Aspens (Populus tremuloides) are among the few deciduous tree species resilient enough to thrive in the Colorado Rockies. They flourish at elevations ranging from 5,600 to 11,000 feet above sea level, covering 5 million acres—about 20 percent—of the state's forests, according to the Colorado State Forest Service.

You might assume that aspens display a consistent golden-yellow color. However, upon closer inspection—and by observing trees in various locations and at different times during fall—you'll find their foliage showcases a spectrum of colors, from bright yellowish-green to vivid orange and even deep red. These varying shades arise from a mix of weather influences and the genetic makeup of the trees.

Aspens are typically mixed with evergreens, creating a stunning contrast between dark green needles, golden leaves, and the bright blue sky (as Colorado enjoys almost constant sunshine). This combination results in an exceptionally beautiful color palette. When a gentle breeze rustles through, it makes the aspen leaves ‘dance’ (or ‘quake,’ which is the origin of their name). I could spend hours gazing up at the shimmering leaves fluttering in the sunlight—truly, nothing feels more magical. Just thinking about it brings me a sense of calm.

Aspens are vital to the ecosystem

Aspens are not just beautiful; they're also scientifically intriguing—another reason I’m a fan. Since mountain summers are brief, aspen seeds often lack the time to germinate. Instead, these trees produce suckers from their roots, which grow into new trees. This unique reproductive method means all the aspen trees in a given area are clones, sharing a common root system. For example, in neighboring Utah, a cloned aspen grove known as “Pando” is among the largest living organisms on Earth, with around 40,000 trees covering 106 acres.

Aspens thrive in sunny spots where other trees might struggle to survive, including areas ravaged by wildfires. Once they establish themselves, these trees create essential dappled shade, fostering growth for other plants. Moose and elk enjoy snacking on aspen leaves and bark, while the trunks provide nesting sites for woodpeckers and other birds. On a camping trip a few years back, I observed a moose skillfully stripping leaves from branch after branch in an aspen grove.

The optimal time to witness Colorado’s aspens

From mid-September to mid-October, Colorado’s aspens put on a stunning display, although the exact timing varies each year based on weather conditions. The trees at higher elevations are the first to change colors, followed by those at lower altitudes.

If you visit almost any mountain town in Colorado during this period—like Aspen, Breckenridge, Crested Butte, Silverthorne, Leadville, or Winter Park—you’re likely to spot some stands of golden aspens. I also suggest taking a road trip along one of Colorado’s Scenic & Historic Byways, many of which now have charging stations for electric vehicles.