Fall hikes are a sensational time to explore the wilderness, and it is not always about the leaves changing color. Leaves shimmering in the bright fall sunshine are spectacular; however, taking a trail beyond the tree line into open alpine tundra in the fall is a rainbow of stunning reds and gold.
Fourteen trails we loved in the fall and found popping in colors unique to high altitude in autumn and lots of shimmering Aspens. These trails in Sept/Oct are quiet, with fewer hikers than in other famous fall color-searching spots.
ISABELLE LAKE & GLACIER TRAIL
Brainard Lake Recreation Area / Ward, CO
Isabelle Glacier Trail is hiking into a Colorado postcard. Unmatched in its scenic beauty from beginning to end. It’s a hike that screams, “This is Colorado.” You can hike to gorgeous Isabelle Lake for a more leisurely yet beautiful day or be adventurous and hike onto Isabelle Glacier. One of my top hikes!
NOTE: In Late June to Mid Oct this is a fee area and reservations are required as of late Sept. 2021. Located in the Brainard Recreation Area > CLICK HERE for more information. > CLICK HERE for reservations.
TIDBITS
Isabelle Lake
4.2 miles out & back
Rated: moderate
Isabelle Glacier
8.4 miles out & back
Rated: strenuous
Restrooms
No bikes, no horses
Dogs ok
CRATER LAKES TRAIL
Rollinsville, CO
Crater Lakes is in the heart of the James Peaks Wilderness and is the perfect day hike or backpacking weekend. Nestled just below the Continental Divide, the setting is unbeatable.
TIDBITS
6.5 miles out and back
Rated: Moderate
Restrooms at Trailhead
The trail starts on South Boulder Creek Trail
No bikes
Open to dogs on leash & horses
WATROUS GULCH TRAIL
Bakerville, CO
Watrous Gulch to Mount Parnassus is a challenging and sensational hike to the Summit of 13,580′ with breathtaking views across some of the highest peaks in Colorado. Shorten your day to the saddle just before climbing Mount Parnassus and still see incredible peak views in golden meadows.
TIDBITS
7.3 miles out and back
Rated: Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 3,290′
Summit – 13,580′
Portable Toilets
Large parking area – starts at Herman Gulch Trailhead
Nearest Town: Georgetown, CO
Watrous Gulch Trail begins at Herman Gulch Trailhead
CRYSTAL MILL HIKE
Marble, CO
The Iconic Crystal Mill and the historic town of Crystal are the main attraction but hiking the 9 miles there and back is packed with pristine views along the Crystal River, passing colorful Lizard Lake and the fantastic White River National Forest surrounding you. You can go by 4×4, horse, or bike, but hiking is magical and much more rewarding.
This hike was in early October, and the road was quiet. No 4×4 traffic, only hikers. I imagine it’s pretty dusty and noisy in the summer months. Still vibrant in fall colors in October.
TIDBITS:
9 miles out and back
Rated: easy/moderate
Open: only in summer and fall months
High 4×4 off-road traffic
Family friendly
Rough, rocky & muddy
No restrooms
Bring: water & snacks!
Dogs ok on leash
RESTROOMS: Portable Potties are available at Beaver Lake State Wildlife Area before reaching the town of Marble.
LOCATED: 7 miles from Marble, CO. From Carbondale, CO, travel 28 miles on CO133 to the town of Marble. When in Marble, stay on the paved road through town to where the pavement ends. You will see a red house on your left. Park here and start hiking up the dirt road. (Crystal City Road #314). Or drive .06 miles farther up the dirt road to the top of the hill and park in a small lot. High clearance is recommended.
AMERICAN LAKE TRAIL
Aspen, CO
American Lake Trail has got it all. Just minutes from beautiful Aspen, CO, this hike is what Aspen is about. Incredible aspen groves line the trail for the first mile, soon leading into a dense forest of pines and spruces, arriving at an alpine lake with sweeping high peaks views. Wow, stunning!
TIDBITS
6.4 miles out and back
Rated: Strenuous
Elevation gain: approx: 2000′
Highest elevation: 11,390′
No restrooms
Dogs ok on leash
Nearest Town: Aspen, CO
Known for Wildflowers in Summer and Aspens in Fall.
Osprey Backpacks – My favorite
Counter Assault Bear Spray – Be safer!
BLUE LAKES & PASS TRAIL
Ridgway, Ouray, Telluride, CO
There is nothing like a hike in the rugged beauty of the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. Hiking Blue Lakes Trail was above and beyond our expectations. If you are looking for a trail that won’t disappoint? This is it! Wow, I loved this hike! Summer is sensational with wildflowers, yet crowded. Fall is spectacular, with stunning high alpine fall colors and fewer crowds.
From Ridgway, CO, head west on Hwy 62 for 4.8 miles and take a left on CR-7/ FR851. (marked Dallas Creek Road). Follow CR-7 for 2 miles to the intersection with CR-7A. Stay to the right on CR-7, 9 miles to the trailhead from Hwy 62. (Note: rough road but doable for a 2WD in summer).
Altitude Sickness is Real – Acclimate, hydrate, and know the signs of altitude sickness before your day hike or backpacking adventure > Colorado High Altitude Hiking Effects and Advice
CHICAGO LAKES TRAIL
Evergreen / Idaho Springs, CO
Chicago Lakes Trail is a high-altitude delight as it winds its way to two alpine lakes into the Mt. Evans Wilderness. Wildflowers, wildlife, and views are abundant in summer. Fall and Winter hold magic as the snow settles in on the peaks. A favorite local trail!
TIDBITS
Trailhead is located at Echo Lake.
Trail #52
12 miles out & back
Rated: strenuous
Elevation gain – 2,536′
Upper Lake Elevation – 12,868′
Restrooms
A popular area so sometimes parking is tricky. Come early.
Chicago Lakes Trail enters the Mt. Evans Wilderness
Open to horses and leashed dogs
Nearest Towns: Idaho Springs / Evergreen
Chicago Lakes Trailhead begins at Echo Lake Park
Important to keep hydrated on any hike in Colorado
BLACK POWDER PASS TRAIL
Boreas Pass / Breckenridge / Fairplay, CO
Black Powder Pass Trail at the Summit of Boreas Pass near Breckenridge, CO. is a 3.2-mile, slightly challenging trail. A hike to a panorama of gorgeous high-peak views! Pack a lunch, check out the railroad relics of yesteryear, and wander up Black Powder Pass.
TIDBITS
3.4 miles out & back
Rated: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,000′
Located: Summit Boreas Pass – 11,481′
Nearest Town: Breckenridge, CO
19.8-mile point-to-point dirt road. Easily accessible by car.
Closed in winter, (approx: Oct-May) popular for snowshoeing and XC skiing when closed to traffic.
SILVER DOLLAR & MURRAY LAKE TRAIL
Guanella Pass / Georgetown, CO
Silver Dollar Lakes Trail on stunning Guanella Pass is an authentic Colorado experience! Beautiful dense pine forest to high above timberline reaching spectacular views while passing one alpine lake, being greeted by a 2nd alpine lake, and reaching the 3rd lake at 12,178 in elevation.
TIDBITS
Trail #79
3.3 miles out and back to Silver Dollar Lake
4.3 miles out and back to Murray Lake
Rated: Moderate
Silver Dollar – 11,950′ elevation
Murray Lake – 12,178′ elevation
Camping: Guanella Pass Campground
Open to leashed dogs, horses
Nearest town: Georgetown, CO
Hiking in Colorado, you want to be prepared with appropriate hiking gear. > Day Hiker Checklist
LOWER CATARACT LAKE TRAIL
Green Mountain Reservoir / Heeney, CO
Lower Cataract Lake Trail Loop is “oh so sweet”! An adventure for both young and old. The perfect casual day hike or beginner snowshoe trek. The fall foliage in fall is gorgeous against the deep blue sparkling water.
TIDBITS
2.5-mile loop
Rated: Easy
Trail # 57
Family and dog friendly
Open to: Hiking, Snowshoeing, Fishing
Start Elevation: 8,652’ Minimal elevation gain
Restrooms
Finding the trailhead: From Silverthorne: Travel north on Hwy 9 out of town towards Green Mountain Reservoir. Just before the reservoir turns left onto Heeney Rd. Travel 5 miles, turn left on Cataract Creek Rd. The road is dirt and slightly narrow and rough in spots but passable. Go past the Surprise Lake Trailhead to the Lower Cataract Lake Trailhead and parking.
BRIDAL VEIL FALLS to BLUE LAKE in BRIDAL VEIL BASIN
Telluride, CO
Bridal Veil Basin to Blue Lake will leave you stunned with its scenic beauty. The famous 365′ Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado, is the first highlight of many more to come as you hike deeper into the Bridal Veil Basin.
Hiking in the San Juan Mountains never disappoints! Located at the edge of town in Telluride, CO.
TIDBITS
Rated: Moderate/strenuous
Start at Bridal Veil Falls Trailhead
8.7 miles out & back
Start Elevation: 10,400′ End 12,220″
Portable Potties
DARK CANYON LOOP
Kebler Pass / Crested Butte, CO
Dark Canyon, Irwin, and Dyke Trail Loop are located on Kebler Pass, which is known for its massive aspen trees in the fall. But, not to leave out its sensational wildflowers in the summer months. Beautiful hike with endless views, incredible forests, beaver dams, and rugged mountains. Glimmers in Aspens!
TIDBITS
5.9 Mile Loop
Rated: Moderate
Restroom
Open to dogs, horses
PATAGONIA has a Nano Puff Vest and a Nano Puff Jacket I have owned for years and carry with me year-round in Colorado’s High Country. Warm, lightweight, packable, and comfortable. The vest is my most prized possession. I have all the colors. You will have your vest and jacket for years of hiking.
Perfect for Colorado Fall Weather!
HOPE LAKE TRAIL
Telluride / Ophir, CO
Hope Lake Trail is one of the most sought-after trails near Telluride, CO, and we enjoyed discovering why and loved it!
High peaks hover above us as we hike through green/golden lush forests, crossing creeks, views all around, and beautiful alpine tundra to a crystal clear alpine lake high above the treeline in a basin lined with 13ers.
TIDBITS
5.3 miles out and back
Rated: Moderate
Start Elevation: 10,750 ft.
Lake Elevation: 11,880 ft.
Open to hiking, horseback.
Closest town: Telluride, CO
No restroom
Dispersed camping along FR #627
MINNIE MINE TRAIL
Breckenridge, CO / French Gulch Area
The most colorful hike in Breckenridge, Minnie Mine Trail, is an easy hike through reds, oranges, and golds with exceptional views of the mountain peaks while hiking through some of Colorado’s most historical remnants of mines.
We started our hike 3 miles down well-maintained French Gulch Road past the B&B Mine Trailhead & across from the historical > Reiling Gold Dredge.
TIDBITS
1.8-mile loop
Rated: Moderate
No restroom
Dog friendly
Family-friendly
Hike, Bike, Snowshoe
Exceptional fall colors
Views of Breckenridge Ski Resort
VISIT GHOST TOWNS IN THE FALL
These are random photos from various Colorado Ghost Towns in Colorado. Crispy air, crunchy leaves, and fall colors enhance the historic areas; fall is our favorite time to explore them.
> Colorado Ghost Town Guide: to find the best! By Kenneth Jessen.
Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).