Whether you're wandering along a serene alpine lake or trekking a forested alpine trail, uncover unforgettable views on these hiking trails that are perfect for fall.
But what’s the best time to find this autumnal scene? Since the aspen, oak, cottonwood and maple leaves don’t change all at once across the state, planning your trip around this autumnal scene can be challenging. We recommend picking your trip dates first, then locating where the color is peaking as it gets closer and heading in that direction. Local news stations post frequent fall-color updates starting in September and the National Forest Service often has up-to-date information as well. Find a map of national forests in Colorado.
Pro Tip: Before you head out, remember that fall can bring afternoon thunderstorms, so it’s best to plan your hike for the morning. Then you’ll be back on lower ground and fueling up on a well-earned lunch by the time those start. Read up on other tips for hitting Colorado’s hiking trails like a pro by choosing an adventure that matches your abilities, staying hydrated, sticking to the path and more.
Hahn’s Peak
Near Steamboat Springs
Along this moderate 3.7-mile trail, shimmering stands of golden aspen trees — Colorado’s most beloved fall-color icon — roll through the valley below Hanh’s Peak’s summit. The hike offers a mix of slopes, switchbacks and treelined ridges before ending at a fire-lookout tower. Here, you’ll find the best panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Mount Zirkel and Steamboat Lake — all blanketed in the dazzling colors of fall. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Wyoming!
Crag Crest National Recreation Trail
The difficult Crag Crest National Recreation Trail’s routes have steep elevation gains and are best for more experienced hikers, but you’ll enjoy a leafy path alongside a handful of lakes that mirror the changing colors that surround them. A portion of the trail includes a narrow, rocky ridge that opens up to unfettered, 360-degree views of the surrounding Grand Mesa (the largest flat-top mountain in the world).
Three Lakes Loop
The easy-to-moderate 3-mile Three Lakes Loop passes through tunnels of aspen trees, past gently flowing waterfalls and nearby crystalline alpine lakes and streams. Many anglers bring poles along, as there are plenty of excellent places to drop a line and soak in the cool breeze of the changing season. The trailhead is reached from Kebler Pass, a scenic drive near Crested Butte thought to be home to the world’s largest aspen grove.
Rainbow Gulch
Near Colorado Springs
Rainbow Gulch trail in Woodland Park is a wide and easy 1.4-mile trip for hikers of many abilities. Besides the hues of aspen colors, you’ll see glimpses of famed Pikes Peak and other snowcapped mountains in the distance. Tote along a picnic to enjoy at Rampart Reservoir where the peacefulness of the wilderness surrounds you. The reservoir also makes this a good spot for birders, who may see golden eagles, American three-toed woodpeckers and other species.
Sprague Lake Loop
Near Estes Park
This easy, .7-mile, trail loops around one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s sparkling alpine lakes and is accessible for wheelchairs, walkers and strollers. The trail, portions of which roll along on a wooden boardwalk, has benches and space to pull aside and snap some pics at the most scenic outlooks. While a rugged, all-terrain wheelchair isn’t needed on this hike, one can be rented for free at the Rocky Mountain Conservancy.
Willow Lake Trail
The difficult 4.8-mile Willow Lake Trail in southern Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo mountain range leads through thick forests of fir and aspen trees. Along the trek, you’ll hop across streams, do a bit of bouldering and cool off near a 100-foot waterfall. Keep an eye out for two nearby fourteeners — Kit Carson and Challenger peaks — the tallest of the spiky, sawtoothed summits that are typical in this part of the state.
American Lake
The moderate-to-difficult 3.1-mile American Lake trail twists and turns up a steep climb through an aspen grove. It soon levels off as it passes through a forest of dense conifers before going above treeline to reach the scenic grand prize of a turquoise-hued lake surrounded by jagged ridges. As you traverse the landscape, keep an eye out for elk, deer and marmots on your way to the lake.
Lily Pad Lake
Weaving between aspens and pines, Lily Pad Lake trail is a lush, 3.3-mile moderate hike with minimal elevation gain and a couple of bridge crossings above flowing creeks. As you pass the creeks, watch for beaver dams and ponds, the presence of which drew fur trappers to the area in the 1800s. Dip your toes in the lakes (there’s actually two and they really are covered in bright-green lily pads) as a refreshing reward before heading back to the trailhead. For easy access, consider taking the free Summit Stage’s Wilderness Loop shuttle, which has a stop at this trailhead.
Bergen Peak
A challenging 3.7-mile hike that’s easy to get to from Denver, Bergen Peak trail is packed with switchbacks, ups and downs, a steep elevation gain and the whistling of aspen leaves overhead. Once you near the top, there’s a bit of rock scrambling to reach the summit, but it’s worth the effort: Its location in the foothills offers views of peaks to the west and panoramic vistas all the way to downtown Denver to the east.
Jud Wiebe Trail
You can get on the short, but steep, Jud Wiebe Trail right from downtown by heading north on Aspen Street, across a gravel road and following signs to the trail head. On this moderate 3-mile hike, you’ll, of course, see aspens making their seasonal change, but three things specific to Telluride as well: Views of its out-of-a-postcard downtown, Bridal Veil Falls and a handful of ski runs getting prepped for the snowy season. Several benches along the way allow you to pause and take in all that alpine beauty.
