There’s no better time of year for a road trip than fall. Almost everywhere in the United States, there’s fall foliage to be found if you know where to look. In Colorado, most of our trees are evergreens, but there are also deciduous trees like aspens, maples, oaks, locusts, and others, and they burst into beautiful colors as soon as the weather starts to cool down. If you’re looking for a small town to visit to check out fall foliage this year, then you should head out to Paonia, Colorado, on the Western Slope. This small town of 1,500 residents is tiny, but it’s also charming, welcoming, and colorful. Read on to learn more and get ready to embark on a fun autumn road trip.

Paonia is a small town in Delta County that was first settled in 1880 and incorporated in 1902. Prior to the arrival of European settlers, this area was heavily populated by the Ute people.
Uria Caetano/Google Reviews
This town is small but pleasant. It was named after the Latin name for the peony flower. It's interesting to note that with that in mind, colorful nature has always been a part of Paonia in a way!
David Busian/500px Collection via Getty Images
The fall foliage in this part of Colorado really pops. You'll see yellows, reds, and oranges all over town.
Jeff Parris/Google Reviews
Fall happens fast in this part of the state. Paonia is at 5,682,' which isn't much higher than Denver, but it's surrounded by tall mountains on all sides. Snow can come rather early, and when it does, the leaves quickly drop to the ground.
Daryl Draper/Google Reviews
Everyone loves the sound of crunching through fallen leaves during the autumn, but they're prettier while they're still on the trees.
Tae Darnell/Google Reviews
The colors are so vibrant.
Ashley Ferguson/Google Reviews
Even in Paonia's residential neighborhoods, you can catch an incredible show.
Kevin Matejovsky/Google Reviews
It's interesting to look at the mountains in the distance and to see different colors of leaves at different elevations from afar as winter approaches.
Luana Coonan/AllTrails
Soon, snow will arrive. Head on out to Paonia to enjoy the fall colors before it's too late - you don't want to miss the show!
Margeux Vincent/Google Reviews

You’re going to love taking a road trip to Paonia, Colorado in the fall! Not only will you see beautiful colors in Paonia, but you’ll also see them en route. Have a great trip!

Looking for a packing list for your road trip? Check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List by OnlyInYourState for ideas!

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Paonia, CO 81428, USA