This post is about the 10 best fall foliage hikes in Colorado to see this autumn.
Fall in Colorado is a spectacular sight to be seen. The fall foliage season is the perfect time to visit the Colorful State and enjoy miles of trails, yellow aspens, scenic drives, and mountain views. On this list you’ll find my favorite places to see the best fall colors during this time of year. At the bottom of this post you’ll also find the best places to stay in each nearby mountain town.
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Know Before You Go
- The window for fall peeping is erratic. Seeing the fall colors at their peak in Colorado can be unpredictable. While there are suggested times to go, it varies and can’t be predicted well ahead of time, especially if you plan on visiting different parts of the state on the same trip. Higher elevations will change quickly while lower elevations stay lush and green. Keep an open mind and remember anywhere you visit, despite the color of the leaves, will be beautiful still.
- Watch out for wildlife. Fall is typically the mating season for deer in the rockies, so keep an eye out and don’t disturb any wildlife you see on the trail. This goes for dangerous animals as well like bears. Keep a distance and bring bear spray with you and know how to use it in case of an encounter.
- Colorado is very popular in the fall. This means some trails might be pretty crowded or traffic might be crazy getting to the trailhead. Try to plan extra time for this in your travels.
- Dress in layers. A lot of these hikes are in high elevations in the state meaning cooler temperatures. Dress in layers so you can always take some off if you get hot but you’re prepared in case it gets too cold up in the mountains.
Best Fall Hikes to Take in Colorado
Horseshoe Trail
Location: Golden
Total distance: 1.8 miles out & back
Usage: Very High
Degree of difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 927 feet
This hike begins at Frazer Meadow Trailhead which is a short drive from the visitor center in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. This trail is littered with beautiful aspen groves that turn a rich yellow color in the fall. This is a incredibly popular area so try to get here early for less crowds and parking availability. It can get pretty chilly on this trail as its at a high elevation.
Abyss Lake Trail
Location: Grant
Total distance: 16.7 miles out & back
Usage: Medium
Degree of difficulty: Hard
Elevation gain: 3,379 ft
This trailhead is found off of Guanella Pass Road, a gorgeous scenic drive that gets quite busy in the fall season. Be aware of this and try to leave early for the hike to beat traffic and crowds. Expect snow at the higher elevations on this trail and look out for wildlife like moose. Although a long and pretty difficult hike, the views here are spectacular and perfect for leaf peeping.
Gibson Lake
Location: Grant
Total distance: 7.4 miles out & back
Usage: Heavy
Degree of difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 2,060 feet
The Gibson Lake trail is located along Kenosha Pass which is one of the most popular parts of Colorado to see fall colors. While there is a reason for this popularity (it is an absolutely breathtaking drive) expect crazy traffic and crowds here and be sure to leave as early as possible in order to find parking for the trailhead and avoid getting stuck in traffic. There are lots of trails along this scenic byway but Gibson Lake is one our favorites. If you want to avoid large crowds and traffic, maybe pass on this one.
Gibson Lake travels westward up the Lake Fork drainage and across South Platte River. The trail is often muddy with a possibility of snow patches.
Herman Gulch
Location: Silver Plume
Total distance: 6.5 miles out & back
Usage: Heavy
Degree of difficulty: Hard
Elevation gain: 1,755 ft
The Herman Gulch trail is a section of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. This is a difficult hike starting quite steep in Arapaho National Forest, then leveling out as you trek along the trail. Check trail conditions before heading out in case of snow or other hazards at the higher elevations. It is recommended to go early in the day to avoid crowds and give yourself time to climb the steep elevation gain. Typically visited for its wildflowers and alpine lake views, Herman Gulch is also great for fall foliage and beautiful aspens.
Gem Lake
Location: Estes Park
TOTAL DISTANCE: 3.2 mi out and back
USAGE: Light
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Moderate
ELEVATION GAIN: 987 ft
This hike is located inside of Rocky Mountain National Park so some planning is required before visiting. The park requires timed entry permits before entering so go on to their website here to book one for the time you’re planning on entering the park. There’s typically always parking available here and its a pretty low traffic hike. The climb up is a bit brutal but worth it for the views of Gem Lake. There are also awesome views of the Estes Park valley along this trail.
Crater Lake
Location: Aspen
TOTAL DISTANCE: 3.5 Mile out and back
USAGE: heavy
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: moderate
ELEVATION GAIN: 688 ft
This is one of my favorite hikes in Colorado and is probably one of the most iconic of the Colorful State. Crater Lake is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. This not-so-hidden gem is moderately challenging and popular meaning reservations are required to do the hike.
Visiting earlier rather than later is recommended if you want to beat the crowds. There are some steep sections of the trail but the rest isn’t too bad. Consider doing the Maroon Lake scenic loop as well for more vibrant colors and breath-taking views.
Horse Ranch Park Loop
Location: Crested Butte
TOTAL DISTANCE: 5.9 mi loop
USAGE: Light
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Moderate
ELEVATION GAIN: 1,476 ft
Horse Ranch Park Loop is located off of the incredibly beautiful scenic byway, Kebler Pass. Driving along this road should give you a much-needed autumn fix itself. Something great about this hike is it’s typically much less crowded during the fall. This loop is a great hike through groves of aspen trees, wildflowers, vibrant colors and spectacular views of mountain peaks. This gorgeous trail tends to have mosquitos so bring some bug spray. Its a moderately challenging route with the possibility of seeing some horses along the way.
Sprague Lake Loop
Location: Estes Park
TOTAL DISTANCE: 0.7 miles round trip
USAGE: Heavy
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Easy
ELEVATION GAIN: 34 feet
The easiest and shortest trail on this list, Sprague Lake Loop is another hike inside of Rocky Mountain National Park. Be sure to plan ahead and get a timed entry permit before visiting. This flat trail is great for sunrise or sunset. There’s also an opportunity for wildlife viewing here, especially moose.
Mt. Bierstadt
Location: Georgetown
TOTAL DISTANCE: 7.2 mi out and back
USAGE: moderate
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: hard
ELEVATION GAIN: 2,736 ft
Mt. Bierstadt is a difficult hike climbing one of Colorado’s easier fourteeners. The trail begins at the Guanella Pass Trailhead in the Mount Blue Sky Wilderness Area. There is significant elevation gain along the trail so be sure to take your time and let your body get acclimated to the change. Watch out for thunderstorms and rapid weather changes. Hiking early in the day is your best bet on beating the storms. There are lots of mountain goats, marmots and mountain sheep in this area. Despite the challenges, this is a great spot for seeing golden aspens. Be sure to pack plenty of water.
Snodgrass Mountain
Location: Crested Butte
TOTAL DISTANCE: 6.09 miles Round Trip
USAGE: Heavy
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Moderate
ELEVATION GAIN: 1,421 feet
Snodgrass Mountain trail is a moderate hike featuring great views and golden hues. This entire trek is full of postcard views and beautiful fall colors. This is one of those trails that the trail is more beautiful than the views at the summit. There’s plenty of wildflowers and aspen groves. This is a popular spot to see changing aspens for a good reason. Be sure to check the weather forecast and trail conditions before visiting to be sure you’re properly prepared.
Suggested Lodging in Colorado
Denver
Courtyard by Marriott Denver Airport
The Courtyard is a great affordable option in Denver that is close to the airport. This hotel has a restaurant and bar, gym, free wifi and parking available. This is a nice option for those looking for something low cost but has all the basic amenities.
Click here to book.
Estes Park
Hotel Estes
Hotel Estes is a great option for those looking for a nice place to sleep at an affordable price without sacrificing amenities. There is free breakfast here along with a pool, spa tub, free wifi, comfortable beds, and pet friendly options. It is also in a great location close to Rocky Mountain National Park and downtown Estes Park.
Click here to book.
Aspen
The Inn At Aspen
The Inn at Aspen is one of the more affordable options in the area. There is a bar and restaurant here as well as ski-in / ski-out access with ski storage. Just a few steps from Buttermilk Mountain, spend your time inside relaxing in the spa tub or pool in the summer.
Click here to book.
Crested Butte
Lodge at Mountaineer Square
If you’re looking for an option with ski access in Crested Butte, the Lodge at Mountaineer Square is a great place to stay. There is a free ski shuttle along with a bar and lounge, internet access and luxury lodge style rooms for an affordable price.
Click here to book.
Related Links
- See Fall Colors in Rocky Mountain National Park
- 4 Best Fall Hikes to do in Breckenridge, Colorado
- 5 Best Towns to Stay in Near Rocky Mountain National Park
