7 Insider Tips for Hiking Colorado in Fall: Avoid the Crowds and Savor the Season
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Hiking in October in Colorado along Wilkerson Pass
Colorado in Fall: 7 Tips to Experience the Beauty Without the Hassle
Every year in Colorado there is a fury of online activity starting in early August.
Will this be the year to explore fall trails and catch every moment of Colorado’s fleeting peak foliage?
News stations list peak leaf changing maps, social media groups start sharing the previous years pictures and Coloradans lose their minds on the interstates, determined to get their fall hiking fix.
Why this frantic pace?
In the 28 years I’ve lived here, fall has never lasted longer than 6 weeks.
Yep, one little month and a bit at best. The clock is ticking and we are all desperate to get our Colorado fall hikes in.
What you don’t hear, until you’re in the thick of it, are the insanely long lines of traffic, the impatient drivers, crowded aspen lined trails and unfortunately, lack of Leave no Trace along the way. *Left behind dog waste bags have become a major issue.
I’ve learned a few things over the past decades about finding the best Colorado fall hikes. An introvert, I’m all about avoiding crowds.
Here are a few of my Colorado Leaf Peeping secrets!
Summer hiking leads to fall aspen beauty
Fall Hiking in Colorado | Tip 1 | Hike Summer trails with Fall in Mind
Every state has them - those well known trails that everyone flocks to. We love them too! In Colorado, some of our favorites, Aspen Alley in Breckenridge and Abyss Trail near Guanella Pass are stunners.
But depending on when you head there, expect to share those trails with hundreds of your new best friends, their dogs and poop bags.
Here’s an easy first tip: During summer hikes, take note of trails lined with aspens. We've discovered some of the best fall trails simply by revisiting those same aspen-filled paths when the leaves turn golden. If you're scouting for the perfect autumn hike, summer is the best time to find it!
Add a “Summer to Fall Hikes” tab in your map app
My All Trails fall hikes list.
We love AllTrails—it makes it easy to create a quick hike list and add notes.
I like using talk-to-text on the drive home. I make notes regarding traffic, trailhead parking size, bathroom availability and where the aspens are along the trail.
Making a hike list ahead of time makes it easy to remember trails for those fall hiking days.
Fall hiking along an aspen lined trail near Frisco makes Colorado in fall sublime.
Fall Hiking in Colorado | Tip 2 | Know the Best Time to Hit the Trail
As a newcomer to working a shift job, I’ve realized how tough it is for many to take time off during the week to see Colorado in fall. Sure, weekday traffic might be lighter, but that doesn’t help if you can’t get the time off.
If you’re in the same boat as me, here’s what I do.
Plan to hit the trail early—before dawn—or in the late afternoon around 3 PM for the best fall hikes in Colorado. It might be a bit colder, but the light is just as fantastic.
Goofing off on fall trails in Mueller State Park.
When our kids were little, we’d leave around 3 pm on a work day, headed to Mueller State Park, about a 45 minute drive. We had the park to ourselves, incredible golden hour light and a chance to get out all the afternoon wiggles before bed.
I spend most of my summers hiking in Summit County on some of the best trails near Breckenridge. I noticed the insane traffic every fall seems to bring to this area.
But when I head out around 4:30 AM, I reach those hidden delights and make my way back just as everyone else is slowly starting their fall weekend hikes.
You don’t have to be a super early riser to see peak foliage in Colorado. But you do need a plan.
Hiking in October in Colorado near Heeney is a sight to behold.
Fall Hiking in Colorado | Tip 3 | Time It Right for Peak Aspen Gold
Navigating the peak foliage in Colorado frenzy is an adventure in itself. While I’m not big on social media, online groups are a goldmine for scouting autumn leaves—a virtual treasure trove for trail lovers.
If social media isn’t your thing either, try joining local Colorado hiking groups online for just the fall season. It’s a great way to dodge the crowds flooding the passes and find hidden gems for fall hiking. Just 10 minutes a week can lead you to stunning, less-traveled trails.
Not only can you discover great trails, but you’ll also get a sense of when and where peak foliage in Colorado is happening.
Keep an eye on local news stations, too. Their fall leaf predictions—while not always perfect—are surprisingly reliable for timing your hikes.
One year, Summit County got an early September snowstorm, and looking for aspens while hiking in October in Colorado was a moot point—the leaves were long gone.
Timing is everything when it comes to fall hiking!
Bridge crossing along Abyss Trail near Guanella Pass.
Fall Hiking in Colorado | Tip 4 | Seek Out Less Crowded Trails
Avoiding popular trails is the easiest way to skip the crowds. A quick search for "best fall hikes" in Colorado will often bring up the same handful of spots—and we’ve shared some of them too.
While these places are definitely worth a visit, knowing when to go (or when to avoid) can make your hike a lot more peaceful.
After all, the best fall hiking in Colorado should be about calm and serenity, not stress.
Get our Fall Hikes & Drives PDF
All our favorites in one place. Click, download, and start exploring!
Golden aspens along fall trails.
Trails within state parks tend to be less congested
One cherished fall hiking spot for me is Castlewood Canyon, nestled just outside Castle Rock between Denver and Colorado Springs. It’s a birding paradise with cool historical ruins to explore, and the fall colors here are breathtaking.
Another smart move? Look for areas with paid parking or reservation systems
Peak foliage in Colorado can draw big crowds, but parks like Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park and Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs manage visitors through reservations, so you’ll encounter fewer people despite the beauty.
Summit County can get pretty busy, especially on weekends. For a quieter experience, try heading up to Vail, where you’ll find spectacular trails often enjoyed only by locals. I’m partial to the Eagles Nest Wilderness area for a more remote hike.Summit County can get pretty busy, especially on weekends.
For a quieter experience, try heading up to Vail, where you’ll find spectacular trails often enjoyed only by locals. I’m partial to the Eagles Nest Wilderness area for a more remote hike.
PRO TIP! In mountain towns, stop by a local coffee shop, grab a cuppa joe, tip generously and ask about their favorite hiking trails. Not only do the workers appreciate it, but the local tips you’ll get are worth every penny!
Fall hiking in Colorado often has unpredictable weather.
Fall Hiking in Colorado | Tip 5 | Pack Smart for a Great Hike
While picking the perfect fall hiking outfit for those picture-worthy Colorado moments is fun, packing the right essentials matters more. Fall weather can be unpredictable, and traffic can slow you down, especially if you're heading out early.
By August, I always have an emergency kit ready in my car—tucked neatly in a plastic bin—so I’m set for whatever the trail (or the road) throws my way.
My Fall Car Kit includes:
Waterproof warm blanket *Use code “COHH” to get 10% off our favorite - Dagmi Blankets
First aid kit
Jug of water
Snacks like granola bars
Warm hand packets
Old jacket, hat, and gloves
I keep my hiking essentials in the car year-round—it saves me money and keeps me warm and ready to roll. Whether it’s a big Colorado hike or a quick stroll, I always check the trail, the weather, and—most importantly—make sure I’ve got enough water.
Knowing what to bring on a hike is key—in fact, it’s so important we wrote a whole post on what to pack for a day hike in Colorado.
Hiking mountain fall trails can be very different than ones within city limits like North Cheyenne Canyon or Red Rock Canyon in Colorado Springs. No matter where you hike, knowing what to wear is a huge piece of comfort and safety. We put together a Colorado Hiking Capsule Wardrobe, giving you exactly what to wear for each season.
PRO TIP! During peak foliage in Colorado weeks, I keep my backpack in my car, loaded and ready to go. Often I’ll drive, see a trailhead and spontaneously hike. Having All Trails or COTREX downloaded assures me I have access to a map just in case.
Fall Hiking in Colorado | Tip 6 | Try Something New, Follow the Clues
Spice up the best fall hiking in Colorado with a twist of treasure hunting. Colorado's diverse landscapes host hidden geocaches.
Grab a GPS device or use a geocaching app, and turn your hike into a treasure hunt, discovering hidden gems along the way.
People get really into geocaching. So much so that some of the best trails and views are found in this niche space. I’ve discovered a few magnificent unmarked trails from geocaching!
One of our favorite local hikes for Geocaching is near Palmer Lake. Hiking in October in Colorado at the Palmer Reservoirs gives you a front row seat to this type of treasure hunting. This area has several geocaching spots along the ridge.
You get to walk through some insane aspen groves while playing a little search and find!
Fall Hiking in Colorado | Tip 7 | Relish Every Moment
There have been times when I’ve been hit with major FOMO—because let’s face it, fall in Colorado moves fast, and there’s always so much you want to do in such little time.
Taking a break along one of Colorado’s beautiful fall hiking trails near Woodland Park.
Last year, I only had one week to really get out and explore fall trails, and let me tell you, I made it count.
My husband and I headed up to Breckenridge for an overnight trip and stumbled upon the best fall hikes in Colorado near Frisco. We basked in the colorful fallen leaves and the mountain views.
Sure, some of the leaves had already fallen, and the best part of Colorado fall had come and gone.
But there we were, the only ones on the trail, soaking up the peace and beauty.
It was pure bliss.
Embrace the Rhythm of the Season
Fall hiking in Colorado is fleeting, so don’t stress about conquering every trail. Pick one or two favorites and just soak it all in. The peak foliage in Colorado is amazing, but the journey—along with the changing colors—is what really makes it unforgettable.
Seek Out Hidden Gems
Want to skip the crowds? Ask a local for their best leaf-peeping spots. Trust me, there are lesser-known trails and viewpoints that’ll leave you in awe of the fall colors without the hustle.
Slow Down and Savor
Take a moment to breathe in the crisp air and enjoy the vibrant colors around you. It’s like a yoga practice on the trail—pause, stretch, and really feel the season. This mindful approach to fall hiking in Colorado will make each step more memorable.
Capture the Moment
Fall Reminder photo circa 2015
Every fall season, I make sure to capture the moment by bringing along a camera or journal to document my favorite fall scenes.
Often, I’ll print out these photos, add a little note and the date of the hike, and hang them on my work bulletin board. It’s a sweet reminder all winter long of how magical Colorado fall hikes can be.
At the end of the day (or the season), remember that it’s not about checking off every trail on your list.
It’s about finding that one perfect hike, that one perfect fall walk.
Let the season gently wind down into winter, and let those golden moments be enough.
Fall in Colorado is a quick, dazzling affair, so grab it by the colors and make it unforgettable with these tips.
Aspen leaves along trail to Loud’s Cabin in North Cheyenne Canyon