Kenosha Pass
Front Range, Colorado · 9,984 ft
Typical peak
Sep 13 – Sep 21
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best at sunrise
The Colorado Trail crosses the highway here and runs straight into a dense aspen stand, with South Park opening below to the southwest. Backlit trunks in the first half mile of trail are why Denver photographers arrive before six.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
extreme
Expect heavy peak-weekend traffic; consider a weekday or arrive before dawn.
Getting there
Park in the Forest Service lots on either side of US 285 at the pass, 4 miles northeast of Jefferson, and pick up the Colorado Trail at the road edge.
What turns here
- quaking aspen
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 17Typical color progression for Kenosha Pass. No change from Aug 10 to Aug 27. First color from Aug 27 to Sep 5. Approaching peak from Sep 5 to Sep 13. Peak from Sep 13 to Sep 21. Past peak from Sep 21 to Oct 1. Bare from Oct 1 to Oct 15.
Leaves are typically down on Nov 1, 2026. Color starts around Aug 27.
This season so far
First frost
Sep 10
26 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
49°F / 27°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Kenosha Pass on September 17, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:19 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 86° | 6:46 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 35 min of low, warm light | 7:21 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:57 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 35 min before sunset | 6:33 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 273° | 7:09 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:35 PM |
Times in America/Denver · day length 12h 23m · computed from NOAA solar equations.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of the sun for translucent leaves. Turn your back to it for flat, accurate color.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.
Nearby locations
Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.