Colorado’s fall hiking season offers some of the year’s most spectacular outdoor experiences, with golden aspen groves, crisp mountain air, and stunning Front Range views. From easily accessible trails near Fort Collins and Golden to challenging mountain hikes west of Denver, the region provides hiking opportunities for every skill level during the peak autumn months.
Fort Collins Area Fall Hiking
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
- Distance: 5.8 miles round trip to summit
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Highlights: Panoramic views of Fort Collins and reservoir
- Fall features: Mixed aspen and evergreen forests
Arthur’s Rock Trail (Lory State Park)
- Distance: 3.4 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Classic rock outcropping and valley views
- Fall features: Beautiful color changes in oak brush and aspen
Devil’s Backbone Trail
- Distance: 3.1 miles one way
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Highlights: Unique rock formations and accessible for families
- Fall features: Prairie grasses and distant mountain views
Greyrock Mountain Trail
- Distance: 6.2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Highlights: Summit views and granite formations
- Fall features: Aspen groves in protected valleys
Golden Area Fall Hiking
Mount Galbraith Loop
- Distance: 3.2 mile loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Views of Golden and Denver metro area
- Fall features: Gamble oak and scattered aspen
Lookout Mountain Trail
- Distance: 2.5 miles round trip to Buffalo Bill’s grave
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Highlights: Historic site and sweeping valley views
- Fall features: Mixed deciduous forest color
North and South Table Mountain
- Distance: Various trails, 2-6 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Highlights: Unique mesa formations and close-to-town access
- Fall features: Prairie and foothill ecosystem transitions
Clear Creek Trail
- Distance: 20+ miles total (various access points)
- Difficulty: Easy (paved trail)
- Highlights: Creek-side walking and biking path
- Fall features: Cottonwood trees and riparian vegetation
Denver Metro Area Fall Hiking
Mount Evans Road and Trails
- Distance: Various options
- Difficulty: Easy to challenging (depending on altitude)
- Highlights: Drive to 14,000+ feet elevation
- Fall features: Alpine tundra colors and aspen at lower elevations
Kenosha Pass
- Distance: 2-4 miles (various trails)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Highlights: Some of Colorado’s best roadside aspen viewing
- Fall features: Massive aspen groves and mountain views
Guanella Pass
- Distance: Various trail options
- Difficulty: Easy to challenging
- Highlights: Access to 14ers and alpine lakes
- Fall features: Stunning aspen corridors and alpine scenery
Roxborough State Park
- Distance: Multiple trail options, 1-4 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Highlights: Red rock formations and diverse ecosystems
- Fall features: Gamble oak, sumac, and prairie grasses
Fall Hiking Timing and Conditions
Peak Aspen Season:
- Higher elevations (9,000+ feet): Mid to late September
- Mid-elevations (7,000-9,000 feet): Late September to early October
- Lower elevations (6,000-7,000 feet): Early to mid-October
Weather Considerations:
- Temperature swings of 40+ degrees possible
- Snow possible at higher elevations after mid-September
- Afternoon thunderstorms still occur but less frequently
- UV exposure remains intense at altitude
Trail Conditions:
- Leaf fall can make trails slippery
- Early season snow may affect higher elevation access
- Hunting seasons begin in some areas (check regulations)
- Shorter daylight hours require earlier starts
Essential Fall Hiking Gear
Layering System:
- Base layer for morning chill
- Insulating layer for temperature regulation
- Waterproof outer layer for weather protection
- Extra layers in pack for elevation changes
Safety Equipment:
- Headlamp or flashlight (shorter days)
- First aid kit
- Navigation tools (map, compass, GPS)
- Emergency whistle
- Extra food and water
Colorado-Specific Considerations:
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (high altitude UV)
- Extra water (dehydration occurs rapidly)
- Microspikes or light traction for possible ice
- Warm hat and gloves for higher elevations
Wildlife and Safety Considerations
Fall Wildlife Activity:
- Elk bugling season (be aware of aggressive males)
- Bear activity increases before hibernation
- Mountain lion presence year-round
- Moose in wetland areas
Safety Protocols:
- Make noise on trails to avoid surprising wildlife
- Store food properly and pack out all trash
- Travel in groups when possible
- Check weather and avalanche conditions for high-elevation hikes
Photography and Scenic Opportunities
Best Photography Times:
- Early morning light on aspen groves
- Late afternoon for warm-colored light
- Overcast days for saturated colors
- After storms for dramatic lighting
Iconic Colorado Fall Scenes:
- Aspen groves with mountain backdrops
- Golden leaves against evergreen forests
- Red rock formations with autumn colors
- Alpine lakes reflecting fall colors
Accessibility and Family Options
Easy Family Hikes:
- Clear Creek Trail (Golden) – paved and level
- Lily Lake Trail (Estes Park area) – short loop with mountain views
- Brainard Lake area (Nederland) – high-elevation aspen viewing
- Various reservoir trails for gentle terrain
Moderate Family Adventures:
- Many of the Golden area trails work well for active families
- Fort Collins foothills trails offer good introduction to mountain hiking
- State parks provide well-maintained trail systems
Planning Your Fall Hiking Season
Weekly Considerations:
- Weekends see heavy traffic on popular trails
- Weekday hiking offers solitude and parking availability
- School groups often visit popular areas on weekdays
- College student activity peaks on weekends near Fort Collins
Seasonal Progression:
- Early September: High-elevation color begins
- Mid-September: Peak aspen season at altitude
- Late September: Mid-elevation color peaks
- Early October: Lower elevation and prairie colors
- Mid-October: Season typically ends with weather changes
Colorado’s fall hiking season provides unparalleled opportunities to experience the state’s natural beauty during its most colorful time of year. Whether you’re exploring the foothills above Fort Collins, hiking the accessible trails around Golden, or venturing into the high country west of Denver, the autumn months offer ideal conditions for outdoor adventures with family and friends.
Sources:
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife Trail Information
- U.S. Forest Service – Colorado Trail Conditions
- AllTrails.com – Colorado Fall Hiking Reports
- Colorado Mountain Club – Seasonal Hiking Guides
