Colorado is a beautiful place to visit no matter what time of year. However during the fall months, the aspen trees change to a golden yellow, bringing gorgeous colors to Rocky Mountain forests. These five hikes vary in difficulty but will all reward hikers with stunning views of changing fall foliage. Visit Colorado in September and October to experience fall through these five stunning foliage hikes.
Kebler Pass doesn’t only have the largest aspen grove in Colorado, but the entire country. Therefore it's only fitting to kick things off with a place that offers some of the best fall foliage in Colorado. Once the aspen trees turn yellow in autumn, it’s time to visit this remote part of the Centennial State. One of the most popular hikes in the area is Three Lakes Loop. This 4.7-mile hike brings you to an alpine lake with views of the area’s snowcapped mountains. On the hike, pass through a number of aspen groves and view forests teeming with fall colors.
A visit to the Maroon Bells, North America’s most photographed mountains, is always a good idea no matter what season it is. However this area bursts with new color every autumn because golden aspen trees cover the forest here. Take a trek on the Maroon Lake Scenic Loop or West Maroon Trail. The trail leading to Maroon Lake is an easy three-mile hike. For those looking for a challenge however, try the West Maroon Trail, which is a 13-mile hike from Aspen to Crested Butte.
Guanella Pass is known to have excellent fall colors. No matter if you want to drive up the pass or hike in the area, you are sure to get great views of the aspen trees. A popular hike in the area is Mt. Bierstadt, which is known as the easiest 14,000-foot mountain to hike up. This seven-mile roundtrip hike starts at the Guanella Pass Trailhead. Even if you don’t feel like hiking all the way to 14,000 feet, hike up the trail as much as you would like to embrace stunning fall foliage.
Located in Vail with a trailhead off of I-70, this fall hike is a bit strenuous but will most definitely grant you views of yellow aspen trees. The hike to Booth Falls is an uphill challenge, but it’s worth every bit of effort. As you start climbing to the falls, embrace the yellow grove of aspen trees located after the first mile. Now it is only about a two-mile hike to the 60-foot waterfall. If you want to hike further, you have the option to hike another 2.5 miles to reach Booth Lake.
Kenosha Pass, located between Grand and Jefferson, is home to a number of trees that change their leaves during the fall, especially aspens. For an easy yet rewarding hike of fall foliage, choose to take a walk on the Kenosha Pass Trail. This three-mile path is the most popular portion of the famous Colorado Trail, which runs from Denver to Durango. Kenosha Pass Trail is a popular destination, so don’t expect solitude but do expect to catch views boasting miles and miles of yellow aspen trees.
