Best Hikes For Fall Colors in Colorado

Fall colors in Colorado peak (on average) in the last few weeks of September and linger into early October the farther south you go.

This is a very busy time in the mountains in Colorado so go on weekdays and early to avoid crowds, practice Trail Etiquette and Leave No Trace. Let’s keep our trails in great shape! If you’re new to hiking start here before you hit the trails for the first time.

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Difficulty Levels: Beginner Friendly, Approachable, Not-So-Approachable and Difficult

2.6  Miles / 688 ft. Elevation Gain
Vail, Colorado
Approachable & Dog-Friendly

Wandering through Aspens and ski runs, Strawberry Lane is hard to beat when it comes to fall colors. Wander for a mile or so before heading back or take the left on Cabin Trail to go to the top of Gondola One.

1 hour and 15 minutes from Denver

16. Old Dillon Reservoir

1.7  Miles / 213 ft. Elevation Gain
Dillon, Colorado
Beginner-friendly & Dog-Friendly

Perfect for beginners or a quick stop on your I-70 drive for aspen-lined trails and views of Lake Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne.

1 hour and 15 minutes from Denver

15. Rainbow Lake, Miner’s Creek

Frisco is the place to be for fall colors! This hike is beautiful with plenty of Aspens and a lake at the end. Then grab a drink on a rooftop downtown and take in all the beautiful colors of fall. Frisco is also one of my favorite weekend getaways.

1 hour and 15 minutes from Denver

14. Maroon Bells & Crater Lake Trail

You can’t talk about fall colors without mentioning Aspen and the famous Maroon Bells. I’ve yet to be lucky enough to be there in the fall, but if you’re lucky enough to snag a shuttle spot you absolutely can’t miss out.

3 hours from Denver

13. Browns Creek Waterfall Trail

This is absolutely worth the drive down near Buena Vista & Salida! The first mile or so is a little steep and rocky but then it levels out through a forest to the waterfall. Pops of golden Aspens stick out from the otherwise green of the pines with epic mountain backdrops.

4 Hours from Denver

12. Colorado Trail at Kenosha Pass

A choose-your-own-adventure just off of one of the most impressive spots for fall colors – Kenosha Pass! This is great for beginners, just turn around when you’ve had enough. This is one of, if not the most popular spots for fall colors – so plan for lots of traffic if you’re going on a weekend. 

1 hour & 15 minutes from Denver

11. Abyss Trail

Don’t be put off by the mileage – I only did about 3-4 miles in and then back out for the incredible views. It’s not too steep, but the fall colors that make this hike so amazing don’t start until about 2.5 miles in so don’t be discouraged by the green and brown start to the trail.

1 hour & 15 minutes from Denver

10. Berry Picker Trail

Up a ski hill, winding through Aspen trees – Berry Picker Trail is steep and difficult at times but totally worth it for the views. Plus, you can take the gondola down for free if you don’t want to hike back down!

1 hour & 30 minutes from Denver

9. Legault Mountain

I love that this hike has you walking through Aspens to start, then at the peak you have incredible views where you see the deep greens from the pines & then the golden Aspens peak through!

40 minutes from Denver

8. Mason Creek Trail

Head anywhere in Staunton State Park for some of the most incredible views and a few fields of Aspens along the way! Mason Creek trail is a favorite, but definitely a bit steep at times. If you want a real challenge, make your way over to Elk Falls!

45 minutes from Denver

7. Eagle’s View Trail

Just a quick drive from Denver, Conifer is one of my favorite spots for fall colors. Eagle’s View Trail is one that’s a little less busy, has beautiful colorado and a gorgeous view at the top too!

 45 minutes from Denver

6. Acorn Creek Trail

4.7 Miles / 1,000 ft. Elevation Gain
Silverthorne
Approachable & Dog Friendly

Acorn Creek blew up Summer of 2023 for its epic wildflowers, but I can’t wait to see how it looks when the leaves start to change! It’s challenging but doable and the views are completely worth it.

 1 hour & 30 minutes from Denver

5. Tenderfoot Trail

One of my favorite trails overlooking Lake Dillon! I hiked this during peak wildflower season, but took note of all the Aspens to come back and hike in the fall. The golden Aspens with the lake in the background make it a can’t miss.

 1 hour & 15 minutes from Denver

4. Raccoon Trail

There’s not much I love more than a trail completely lined with Aspens! Golden Gate Canyon State Park is perfect for fall hikes and Raccoon Trail offers plenty of color and views. There’s almost no cell service in the park so have your directions and trail info ready before you go.

1 hour from Denver

3. Gem Lake Trail

Gem Lake is one of my all-time favorites in one of my favorite towns! The views themself are incredible year-round, but the amount of Aspens makes this hike perfect for September! If you want to stay a few days, check out my recomendations for a weekend in Estes Park.

 1 hour and 30 minutes from Denver

No surprise Frisco has another spot on the list! I missed the fall colors when I hiked Meadow Creek last fall but made a note to come back and wander through the golden Aspens when they’re at their peak this time around. Seriously, spend a weekend in Frisco in late September.

 1 hour and 15 minutes from Denver

1. Upper Piney River Trail

I hiked Upper Piney just after the colors peaked last year so I can’t wait to go back and see the colors in their full glory! Aspens line the trail for most of the way and it’s absolutely stunning. It makes the 40 minute drive on the dirt road totally worth it.

2  hours & 30 minutes from Denver

Bonus: Fall Colors Road Trip to Black Hills, South Dakota!