11 Fantastic Fall Hikes in Colorado that You’ve Never Heard of

Last Updated on February 1, 2024 by foxintheforest

The Aspens have a special kind of sound as they turn their fiery yellows and reds. Flickering like flames in the wind brings these magnificent dying appendages to life. This list of the best fall hikes in Colorado gives you an insider’s look into where to go to see the show without the crowds.

The autumn season in Colorado is a must-see event on any Rocky Mountain bucket list. There are countless things to do in Colorado in fall, but hiking should be at the top of your list.

After spending 13 years combing the Rocky Mountains, I’ve assembled this incredible list of the best fall hikes in Colorado.

About this Guide to Fall Hikes in Colorado

If you want to experience fall in Colorado like a local, not a tourist, then you’ve come to the right place. I’m a total pro when it comes to getting outdoors without the crowds in Colorado.

For the past decade, I’ve tracked the fall colors in Colorado – I even timed my wedding to peak leaf displays in the Rockies. So you’re definitely in the right place if you want to experience the beauty of fall in Colorado without the hordes of crowds

Inside this guide to fall hikes in Colorado you’ll find:

  • Info about peak fall colors in Colorado
  • The best time to view the aspens in Colorado
  • Incredible fall hikes in Colorado without the crowds
  • Info on each trail’s difficulty, mileage, estimated time, and other important info
  • Map of fall hikes in Colorado
  • Colorado hiking areas to avoid during fall
  • Tips for hiking in fall
  • Additional planning resources

The 2023 Fall Foliage Predictions in Colorado

I get asked a lot about when the leaves change in Colorado. It turns out that each year is a little different. However, there are a few general rules of thumb.

Usually, prime viewing from most of the state (with the exception of the southern mountain ranges) is around the third week of September.

This year is a little different. As always, I give weekly (try to do this twice a week – starting after the weekend and then again right before) updates for what the colors look like across the state so you can time the best fall hikes in Colorado with prime color displays!

10/19 Update:

Denver/Boulder Front Range Corridor: Leaves are turning and at peak colors.

Kenosha Pass, Kebler Pass, Crested Butte, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Mt Evans, Gueanella Pass, Leadville, Buena Vista, Vail, Breckenridge, Independence Pass, Telluride, Ouray, Ridgeway, and Aspen: All past peak, leaves are knocked off the trees.

Local Tip: If you’re planning to peep the leaves along the I-70 or Highway 285 corridor, you will rarely go wrong with the third weekend in September.

fall hikes in colrado

When is the Best Time to View the Aspens in Colorado?

Each year the aspens show their magic at slightly different times. This is largely due to rain and weather patterns throughout the year. In general, the leaves start to turn between the second week of September through October.

Leaf Peeping Season, as it’s often referred to, in Colorado starts in the northern end of the state and slowly works its wait down south. Peak season for aspen viewing in Colorado’s most popular hiking areas is typically between the second and fourth week in September.

The Top Fall Hikes in Colorado that You’ve Never Heard of

Let’s dive into the best fall hikes in Colorado to put on your bucket list this year. This custom list of hikes gives you the best of hiking in the Colorado mountains during the fall season. Each hike offers something a little different. All hikes on this list are dog-friendly unless noted otherwise.

Related: Local Tips for Hiking in Colorado

1. Ptarmigan Lake at Cottonwood Pass

If you’re looking for majestic mountain views without the crowds, make your way to Ptarmigan Lake. The trail itself is moderate, with a few steep sections, but nothing too difficult.

There are several lakes along the trail, each one worth exploring. If you’re lucky to catch an early snowfall here, it’s a real treat! The bright fall colors contrast greatly with the snow-dusted peaks and it’s one of my fave secret hikes in Colorado.

Round Trip Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain:
1,500 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Average Time:
3 hours
Dog-friendly?
yes
Red Tape:
The trail is right off of Cottonwood Pass and easy to access, just be sure to check for any road closures.

Local Tip: Don’t forget to check out the top of Cottonwood Pass for an amazing fall drive in Colorado.

best fall hikes in colorado - cottonwood pass
Seriously, you can’t make this up!

2. Segment 4 of the Colorado Trail For Fall

Segment 5 and Segment 6 of the Colorado Trail get absolutely mobbed during the Aspen season. Unless you want to be on the trail with literally hundreds, maybe even thousands of people, avoid this area like the plague.

Instead, consider tackling Segment 4 of the Colorado Trail. As one of the best spots for fall colors in Colorado, you’ll definitely get your fair share of fall.

This will be a tough hike. There are plenty of long grinds on this hike, as the elevation gain is over 3,200 feet. However, you will hike through pristine Aspen groves.

Go ahead, take a minute and walk into the middle of a grove, stop and listen to the serenity around you.

After climbing, the hike opens up to a stunning alpine meadow. The variety of grasses will have you sailing in a sea of color. It’s a magical experience that’s just a stone’s throw away from Denver.

Mileage: 16.1 miles one-way. It’s best to shuttle cars unless you can hike over 30 miles in a day. Another option would be to hike from the start of the segment up to the valley, have a snack, relax and enjoy the variety of vegetation, then head back.
Elevation Gain:
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult depending on mileage
Average Time: 7.5 hours one way
Dog-friendly? yes
Red Tape: None

fall colors on the colorado trail

3. Chicago Lakes

Located less than an hour from Denver, this trail offers a huge bang for your fall color buck. The drive in is beautiful and you can relax at the lake after your hike.

Make your way down a steep series of switchbacks (remember, you’ll have to come back up) and meander through a beautiful alpine valley alive with color. Make one final push to the upper lake and be rewarded with sweeping views and plenty of beautiful scenery of Chicago Lakes.

Mileage: 9.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,142 feet
Difficulty: Difficult
Average Time:
4.5 hours
Dog-friendly?
yes on leash
Red Tape:
none

4. Burro Trail to Windy Peak in Golden Gate State Park

When most people picture fall in Colorado, the first thing they think of is the aspens in autumn. With a place like the Burro Trail to Windy Peak, it’s easy to see why.

However, I’ll be the first to admit that this is certainly a heavily trafficked trail on the weekends. The Burro Trail gets my vote for the best weekday escape for fall foliage in Colorado.

Golden Gate Canyon is only about 20 minutes from Golden. When I went here on a Friday morning I had the entire place to myself and it was magic, making it my favorite fall hike near Denver (and one of the best hiking trails near Evergreen too)!

Another great spot to immerse yourself in the glory of the turning Aspens. Although this trail is rated as difficult on AllTrails.com, it is more of a moderate trail. The top of Windy Peak offers a stunning view of the foothills, complete with Colorado fall colors that will make you weak in the knees.

Trail Facts: Burro to Windy Peak is a 6.4-mile loop trail with about 1,900 feet of vertical gain. Located just off of Drew Hill Road, it’s easily accessible for any vehicle. There are other beginner trails you can loop in the area that offer stellar views without the gain.

Mileage: 6.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,900
Difficulty: Moderate
Average Time:
3.5 hours
Dog-friendly?
yes on leash
Red Tape:
$10 fee to enter the park. Pay at a self-pay station

Related: Must-Do Dayhikes Near Denver for Any Ability

5. The Upper Piney Falls Trail

Upper Piney Falls is simply one of the best fall hiking trails in Colorado. Located in one of the best places to spot fall colors in Colorado, Upper Piney Falls is a must-see.

Start off near a picturesque lake and make your way through an enchanted aspen forest until you reach a breathtaking waterfall.

The payout is big early on as you climb meander your way through a stunning aspen grove. Get there early and enjoy the morning light as it percolates through the flickering aspen leaves. Ambitious hikers can continue down the trail to reach a climber’s cut-off trail that heads toward the mighty Kneeknocker Pass.

Local Tip: The Kneeknocker Pass is a difficult, bushwhack that’s ultra-rewarding for avid hikers (9.1 miles with plenty of bushwhacking and 3,221 feet of gain).

Mileage: 5.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 731 feet
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Average Time:
3 hours
Dog-friendly?
yes on leash
Red Tape:
An hour-long drive down a washboard road (suitable for passenger vehicles) is required to reach the trailhead.

best hiking trails in colorado

6. Salmon and Willow Lakes in the Gore Range

Fall in Colorado goes beyond the fantastic aspen foliage. High Alpine lakes have their place in the best fall hikes in Colorado. It’s rugged, remote, and beautiful. Salmon and Willow Lakes is no exception.

So, not a TON of Aspens, but you’ll get other color displays up here (and you can enjoy the groves at the Dillion Reservoir nearby).

As one of the more popular areas in the range, it’s still not too crowded. For starters, there’s no overnight parking at the nearest trailhead.

What it lacks in ease, it makes up for in beauty. Although I wasn’t here in the fall, I could tell by the slight tinge in color that this place would be magnificent come mid to late September.

East Thorne and Red Peak dominate the valley with their impressive ridgelines and striking dihedrals. The trail culminates at upper Willow Lake, where you come face-to-face with the iconic Zodiac Spires. Colorado, you are simply sexy.

Most of the approach is through deadfall and beetle kill pine. Be prepared for little shade and a lot of stepping over downed trees. You didn’t think this would be easy, did you? It’s the Gores after all.

Mileage: 11.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,716 feet
Difficulty: Difficult
Average Time:
6 hours
Dog-friendly?
yes on leash
Red Tape:
No overnight parking allowed at the trailhead. Limited parking is available.

Related: The Most Incredible Alpine Lake Hikes in Colorado

best fall hikes in Colorado
You can just see the tinge of color at the start of September.

7. Caves to Lookout Point in Crested Butte

Alright, so this trail is STELLAR in the fall. We opted to hike this in early fall with plenty of smoke, so we didn’t technically see the changing colors, but given that you’ll literally be hiking through aspen forests and then have wide expanses of open space overlooking rolling hills that are covered in aspen groves. You’ll get killer views this is a must-see fall hike in Colorado.

Overall the trail is mostly moderate (and also constantly uphill) but the views of the surrounding aspen-covered hillsides and distant mountains are absolutely jaw-dropping.

Round trip distance: 9.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,532 feet
Difficulty: moderate
Estimated time: 4.5 hours
Dog Friendly? yes on leash
Red Tape? none

8. Rabbit Ears Peak

Dropping into Steamboat Springs you’ll see a peculiar rock formation out in the distance. Known as Rabbit Ears Peak, this unique rock outcropping features gorgeous views and plenty of eye-popping fall color.

We ventured here for my 30th birthday and had a blast wandering around the peak and enjoying the mostly open trail.

Round trip distance: 5.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 974 feet
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Estimated time: 2.5 hours
Dog Friendly? yes
Red Tape? none

colorado fall hikes

9. Eccles Pass in Frisco

Eccles Pass to Meadow Creek near Frisco brings you sweeping views of the rugged Gore Range. These mountains are like fortresses (I’ve climbed several and oftentimes they don’t let you pass) but if you’re up for a challenge with plenty of fall views, check out Eccles Pass.

Round trip distance: 9.8 miles
Elevation gain: 2,795 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Estimated time: 5 to 6 hours
Dog Friendly? yes on leash
Red Tape? none

10. Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail

The Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail has a bit more traffic than the others on this list, but it’s well worth the romp to scope out the fall colors. Located right in Telluride, the Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail has plenty of spanning views that let you ogle at the changing colors.

Round trip distance: 3.1-mile loop
Elevation gain: 1,213 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated time: 2 hours
Dog Friendly?
Yes on leash
Red Tape? None

11. New York Mountain Trail Near Edwards

For a truly “out there” experience that also happens to give you a bird’s eye view of the changing Aspens, hike New York Mountain.

This route is mostly scree and rock hopping, but with Aspen-laden hillsides nearby, it’s an excellent way to grab a bird’s eye view of fall.

As one of my favorite fall hikes in Colorado, it’s a rugged journey to the trailhead, but it’s completely worth the effort.

Round trip distance: 9.3 miles
Elevation gain: 2,890 feet
Difficulty: Difficult
Estimated time: 4.5 to 5 hours
Dog Friendly? no
Red Tape? 4WD required to reach the trailhead.

Map of the Best Fall Hikes in Colorado

Get oriented with this look at a map of amazing fall hikes in Colorado that you’ve got to check out this season. Check out the interactive map for more info.

map of the best fall hikes in colorado

Trails and Hiking Areas to Avoid this Fall if You Don’t Like Crowds

The one thing that blows my mind is just how many people get out and look at the fall colors in Colorado each year. Some trails and areas have traffic jams that last over an hour and see record-breaking crowds in the tens of thousands.

It’s awful to see some of these places get completely over-run and can really take away from the fall hiking experience. If you seek solitude, avoid hiking in the following areas of Colorado during the fall season:

Granted, if you’re looking for the best colors, these places certainly have a lot to offer. However, for those that want solitude, this is not the place. You’ll find packed trailheads even during the week. If you absolutely must visit, my advice would be to show up before the sun comes up.

fall in colorado

Tips for Fall Hikes in Colorado

Fall hiking in Colorado requires a little bit of pre-planning. First, don’t expect to have the trail to yourself. Fall is arguably the most popular time for people to hike in Colorado, right next to wildflower season.

A lot of people go on scenic drives this time of year, and the most popular places to view the aspens have a tremendous amount of traffic, taking away from some of the magic.

Fortunately for you, this guide focuses on the best fall hikes in Colorado without the massive crowds.

Lastly, always practice Leave No Trace and be sure follow any wilderness regulations.

These fall hikes in Colorado are guaranteed to have you feeling like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. Get out and enjoy the fall hiking season in Colorado without the crowds this season.

What to Bring

What to wear:

  • Sunshirt
  • Noncotton socks
  • Hiking footwear with good traction that you are comfortable wearing all day. 
  • Non-cotton shorts for hiking
  • Or non-cotton, pants for hiking. Convertible pants are great too!
  • Non-cotton shirt for hiking

What to pack:

Traveling to Colorado? Here are a few things you can’t miss:

Best fall hikes in Colorado. The complete guide to autumn foliage viewing near Denver, Aspen, Breckenridge, and Vail. Things to do in fall in Colorado. Fall colors hikes in Colorado. #colorado #hiking #travel
Best fall hikes in Colorado. The complete guide to autumn foliage viewing near Denver, Aspen, Breckenridge, and Vail. Things to do in fall in Colorado. Fall colors hikes in Colorado. #colorado #hiking #travel
Meg Atteberry
Meg Atteberry

Meg is a long-time Colorado local and outdoor industry professional. She's spent the last 15 years hiking, climbing, mountaineering, and canyoneering all over Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada in search of the best views. She's written for Outside Magazine, REI, Backpacker Magazine, and appeared on the Weather Channel.

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Meg Atteberry standing on a mountain sticking her tongue out

Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Toddler mom, queer, and neuro-spicy her favorite things to do are climb in the alpine and camp in the desert. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure.