Gas up the car and pack some snacks, because this is the weekend to head for the hills if you’re a devoted Colorado leaf-peeper.

Most of the state is at or near peak, according to observers from north of Steamboat Springs all the way down to Durango. And, as predicted, it’s turning out to be an exceptional fall for foliage.

“People hesitate to say, ‘This is the best I’ve ever seen,’ but I think you can safely say it really doesn’t get much better than this,” said longtime Breckenridge resident C.J. Mueller. “This weekend is going to be nuts.”

The Eagle Valley is seeing similar explosions of colors.

“Even our deciduous trees that aren’t aspen are starting to turn,” said Linda Hiatt, a volunteer at the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail. “I’d say it would be best if people came this weekend, in the Eagle Valley. We’ve got yellows, reds — it’s just stunning everywhere.”

Here’s a quick round-up from folks around the state, working north to south:

North of Steamboat: “Two days ago was probably the real peak,” said D.J. Bessey, a chef at the Hahn’s Peak Cafe, 25 miles north of Steamboat Springs at an elevation of nearly 8,200 feet. “If you go north a couple of miles, it’s pretty much over. It should be good through the weekend, unless we get a good wind or snow.”

Steamboat Springs

“Good bright colors, everything peaking,” said Gregory Koehler, owner of the iconic Rabbit Ears Motel in downtown Steamboat Springs, elevation 6,800 feet. “It won’t be long before leaves start falling. It’s definitely a prime time to come up and visit.”

Breckenridge: “Looking out the window of my house, which is built into a grove of aspen trees, it’s at peak,” said Mueller, who lives above Breckenridge at 10,000 feet. “It’s been spectacular. Boreas Pass is probably a little past peak, but only just a little.”

Vail: “We are really at peak,” Hiatt said. “It’s incredibly beautiful right now. This weekend should be fabulous, all the way from Vail down to Gypsum. You can’t beat this weekend, I don’t think.”

Crested Butte: “We’ve got a little bit of green and a few leaves have fallen, but not many,” said Jerry Lund, who works at the Crested Butte visitors center. “Most everything has turned. I’d call it peak, and I’m telling everybody to come as soon as they can.”

Leaf-peepers are flocking to nearby Kebler Pass, one of Colorado’s best fall foliage destinations.

“I’ve had four people in the visitors center already this morning that are going over Kebler Pass today,” Lund said mid-morning on Thursday.

Durango: The town of Durango is probably a week away from peak, according to Tori Ossola, general manager of the historic Strater Hotel, but higher elevations are in full fall foliage glory.

“I did drive over to Silverton last weekend, and it is just gorgeous in Silverton,” Ossola said. “You can really tell the difference; the higher you go, the golder it gets. It’s just beautiful.”