Dallas Divide Overlook Colorado
Iconic Colorado pass renowned for its stunning mountain vistas and spectacular fall foliage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak fall colors
Dallas Divide Overlook Colorado
Best Time
Peak fall colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Colorado pass renowned for its stunning mountain vistas and spectacular fall foliage.
"One of my favorite places on this earth."
🎯 Chase the Fall Colors
Aim for early to mid-October for the most vibrant fall foliage. Check local reports for peak timing!
🚗 Explore Beyond the View
Don't just stop at the overlook! Drive County Road 12 for different perspectives and summer wildflowers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Mountain Vistas
Breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Spectacular Fall Foliage
Witness the mountainsides ablaze with vibrant yellow, orange, and red aspen trees.
Wildflower Patches
Discover colorful wildflowers, particularly near the parking area, adding charm in summer.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Fall Colors
Beyond the Overlook
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Chase the Fall Colors
Aim for early to mid-October for the most vibrant fall foliage. Check local reports for peak timing!
🚗 Explore Beyond the View
Don't just stop at the overlook! Drive County Road 12 for different perspectives and summer wildflowers.
How is the drive from Denver to Telluride? Any tips or important things to know? Thanks! Going in a week and a half.
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best light and dramatic mountain views.
🅿️ Ample Parking
The large parking lot makes it easy to stop and enjoy the scenery, even during busy times.
Any suggestions on the best route for driving to Telluride from the springs? Any must sees along the way?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Chase the Fall Colors
Aim for early to mid-October for the most vibrant fall foliage. Check local reports for peak timing!
🚗 Explore Beyond the View
Don't just stop at the overlook! Drive County Road 12 for different perspectives and summer wildflowers.
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best light and dramatic mountain views.
🅿️ Ample Parking
The large parking lot makes it easy to stop and enjoy the scenery, even during busy times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Dallas Divide Overlook for its breathtaking mountain scenery and spectacular fall colors, calling it one of their favorite places on earth. While beautiful in summer with wildflowers, the autumn foliage is the main draw. Some suggest it's a great stop if passing through, implying other nearby mountain trails might offer more immersive experiences.
"Beautiful stop. Nice spot to rest a minute and soak in the view. However, we had spent several days traveling trails in the mountain range that eclipsed this view. Suggest stopping if you are just passing through."
Christi Barrett
"Beautiful in summer, very green, got skunked on good light when we went, got a great pic from county road 12 near ridgway another night. Neat patch of yellow wildflowers near the right side of the parking lot makes a great foreground. Huge parking lot, would return in fall for the color show."
Jenn Richardson Photo
"Such beautiful changing of the colors I was so blessed to get to take this ride"
Beth Perez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dallas Divide Overlook is located on State Highway 62 between Ridgway and Telluride. It's easily accessible by car, with a large parking area right off the highway. The drive itself offers stunning scenery, especially if you're coming from Denver, though it's a long journey.
While the overlook itself is usually accessible, winter conditions can make driving in the San Juan Mountains challenging. Roads can be icy or snow-covered, so ensure your vehicle is equipped for winter travel and check road conditions before heading out.
The drive from Denver to Dallas Divide Overlook is approximately 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. It's a scenic route that takes you through various Colorado landscapes.
Yes, Dallas Divide Overlook is on the route between Ridgway and Telluride. It's a convenient stop if you're traveling to or from Telluride.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Dallas Divide Overlook is a public viewpoint and does not require an entrance fee. You can stop and enjoy the views freely.
Dallas Divide Overlook is an outdoor viewpoint and is accessible 24/7. However, the best viewing times are during daylight hours, especially sunrise and sunset.
No advance booking is necessary as there is no admission fee or structured entry system for the overlook.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. Fall colors in October provide incredible opportunities for vibrant shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain vistas. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating specific peaks. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions.
The main overlook provides a fantastic vantage point. For unique foregrounds, look for the patches of wildflowers in summer or the vibrant aspen groves in fall.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Fall Colors
Beyond the iconic overlook, the drive along State Highway 62 and County Road 12 offers numerous pull-offs and viewpoints that provide different perspectives of the colorful landscape. Many visitors find that exploring these less-crowded spots can lead to even more intimate and rewarding photographic opportunities. The contrast between the bright foliage and the deep blue Colorado sky is a photographer's dream.
Summer Scenery and Wildflowers
Visiting in summer offers a more serene experience with fewer crowds compared to the peak fall season. The cooler morning temperatures are pleasant for exploring, and the longer daylight hours allow for extended sightseeing. The drive to the overlook is equally scenic in summer, showcasing the verdant beauty of the San Juan Mountains before the autumn transformation begins.
Social
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