We’ve sorted through our over 150 trails near Denver to locate the best hikes for taking in the Fall colors during September and early October in Colorado. If you want to go straight to our Top 10, then be sure to visit our Top 10 Fall Hikes Near Denver post. You can explore hikes by title or by map. The hikes that feature waterfalls are marked with a waterfall icon on the map.

Preview of Infographic for Top 5 Fall Hikes Near Denver

5 Favorite Fall Hikes Near Denver

We teamed up with Camping World, who created this great infographic of 5 of our favorite Fall hikes near Denver. Explore our 30+ Top Fall Hikes Near Denver page to get driving directions, trail maps, and hiking tips for these 5 hikes and more ...
alberta falls waterfall in granite canyon with cascades in foreground in rocky mountain national park

Alberta Falls Hike at Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park is full of waterfalls and this hike takes you to one of the most accessible waterfalls in the park. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular, short destination hikes in the park, and for good reason. If you only have time for one short hike on the East Side of RMNP, this is a ...
Hiker on summit of bear peak near boulder colorado

Bear Peak Near Boulder

Bear Peak is a demanding 7.4-mile hike (round trip) through the broad meadows of South Mesa, up through the rocky trail of shadow canyon, to the granite summit with sweeping 360 degree views of the Colorado Front Range. Hikers can summit South Boulder Peak on your way and make a loop hike out of your adventure by returning via Fern ...
sunrise on bergen peak hike near evergreen colorado with elk meadows in foreground and bergen peak in background

Bergen Peak Hike Near Evergreen

The hike up Bergen Peak follows a challenging 4.6 mile trail in the Elk Meadows near Evergreen, Colorado. With both loop hike and out-and-back options, you'll take in views from Bergen's summit of the surrounding Colorado foothills, western mountains, and eastern plains. This makes a great adventure in the Fall to take in the changing colors of the aspen trees ...
why do aspen trees turn red?

Best Time to See Changing Aspens in Colorado

When Do the Aspens Change in Colorado? The peak color of changing aspens only lasts for about a week in Colorado. However, the shoulder weeks bring to the state about a month of golds, greens, oranges, and reds from mid-September to mid-October. So, the best answer to the question, "When is the best time to see the fall colors of ...
Golden Gate Sate Park Blue Grouse Trail Landscape

Blue Grouse Trail at Golden Gate Canyon Park

The Blue Grouse Trail is a short, 1.6-mile hike on the western edges of Golden Gate Canyon State Park. A pleasant trail with little gain in elevation and mellow terrain makes this a great escape from the city. The Blue Grouse Trail is a perfect hiking trail for spotting wildlife, from birds to deer, viewing fall colors and wildflowers, and ...
booth falls near vail header

Booth Creek Falls Hike Near Vail

Booth Creek Falls is a 60-foot waterfall located in the Eagles Nest Wilderness near Vail, Colorado. The journey to the waterfall requires a strenuous, 2-mile hike along the banks of Booth Creek. Explore the full Booth Creek Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and tips and details to help you enjoy this adventure near Vail. Trail Snapshot: ...
buffalo creek waterfall at wellington lake slide waterfall cascading over granite slab on hike near denver

Buffalo Creek Falls at Wellington Lake

This waterfall isn't even on the map, and it's become my favorite waterfall hike near Denver. In fact, this is the only post that I'm tempted to keep to myself, because not only is there great hiking, but Wellington Lake may be the best camping spot within 90 minutes of Denver. There is a hitch though: it's a privately held ...
Canyon Loop Trail - Betasso Preserve, Boulder

Canyon Loop Trail – Betasso Preserve, Boulder

This hike at Betasso Preserve near Boulder, Colorado makes for a perfect evening escape to watch the sunset over the town below. You'll cross through meadows dotted with wildflowers then under stands of Ponderosa pine that eventually open up to views to east. Explore the hiking trail profiles and map link below for details. Trail Snapshot: Canyon Loop Trail at ...
chicago lakes from above with storm brewing near mt evans colorado

Chicago Lakes Hike Near Mt. Evans

Want to take in some of Colorado's breathtaking scenery and put some miles under your hiking boots? The Chicago Lakes hike begins at Echo Lake. You'll pass three more mountain lakes as you punch up into the high country of Colorado's Mt. Evan's Wilderness. Explore the full trail profile below for the Chicago Lakes which includes driving directions, map, and ...
rock formations and trees near on tundra near the summit of chief mountain colorado

Chief Mountain Hike

Chief Mountain is a 1.5-mile hike in the mountains just one hour outside of Denver, Colorado. The Chief Mountain trail travels through alpine forest, then breaks out into high-country tundra, eventually gaining panoramic views of surrounding mountains. Chief Mountain gives hikers an incredible vantage point to survey the changing colors of Fall spread out in 360 degrees below. Explore the ...
crags hike spires of pink granite with snowcapped mountains in background and pine trees in foreground

Crags Hike Near Colorado Springs

The Crags Trail takes hikers up a 2-mile gradual hike to the the dramatic granite pinnacles on the shoulders of Pikes Peak to take in views of snowcapped peaks. A shaded creekside hike great for families and out-of-town guests, the Crags shows off summer wildflowers in mountain meadows. Explore the full Crags hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, ...
Crystal Mill Hike: Iconic Colorado

Crystal Mill Hike: Iconic Colorado

You've likely seen the photo, but may not have known how to reach it: Crystal Mill. The legendary Old West structure, built in 1892 during the silver boom, stands tall - yet precariously as ever - in the gorgeous back county of the White River National Forest. The Crystal Mill remains one of the most photographed places in the state, ...
Devils Head Fire Lookout Hike

Devils Head Fire Lookout Hike

If you've not hiked to the top of the Devils head trail and climbed the 143 steps to the fire lookout, then I think you're not allowed to have one of those Colorado Native bumper stickers. The Devils Head trail is the classic Colorado Front Range hike and is just about an hour from the center of Denver. The views ...
snow and evergreen trees on mountainside against blue clouded sky with Devils Thumb rock formation and lake

Devils Thumb Lake

Devils Thumb Lake is located in Indian Peaks Wilderness north of Boulder Colorado and can be accessed via a 6.5-mile (one-way) steep and challenging hike. Wildflowers, alpine meadows, small waterfalls, and cascades all beckon those who have the stamina to explore these heights in the Front Range near Denver. Explore the full Devils Thumb Lake hike profile below for trail ...
view to pikes peak from eagle view outlook at reynolds park near conifer colorado

Eagles View Hike in Reynolds Park

The Eagles View Loop hike in Reynolds Park is a 4-mile, moderate, loop trail to a scenic outlook. The trail ascends through meadows and ponderosa pine forest to views of Pikes Peak and the sawtooth spires and peaks of the Rampart Range. Explore the full Reynolds Park Eagle View Loop hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and more ...
Echo Lake Trail Near Mt. Evans

Echo Lake Trail Near Mt. Evans

Colorado's Echo Lake is looped by an easy hiking trail and serves as a trailhead to even more classic Colorado hikes. When we have friends and family visiting Colorado from out of town, this is one of best destinations for a great views. Go early to Echo Lake to get perfect photos of Mount Evans reflected in the water. Explore ...
cascade waterfall leaping over granite boulders eldorado falls in walker ranch hike near boulder colorado

Eldorado Cascades at Walker Ranch

Eldorado Cascades is tucked back in Walker Ranch near Boulder, Colorado. It's an easy to moderate 1.25 mile hike from the Ethel Harrold Trailhead down to where South Boulder Creek winds through the park and crashes over the boulders blocking its path. Explore the full trail profile below for all the details: tips, trail map, and driving directions to the ...
Eleven Mile State Park Interpretive Trail

Eleven Mile State Park Interpretive Trail

Eleven Mile State Park feels like the proverbial "hidden in plain sight" gem. Situated off the commonly traveled Highway 24 between Colorado Springs and Buena Vista, this loop hike blesses visitors with uncommon beauty. Trekking around the 3.5+ mile trail serves up a superb buffet of Colorado's classic outdoors: aspen and evergreen forests, meadows, rocky crags, vistas of mountain ranges, ...
elk falls waterfall spilling over granite cliff faces with evergreen trees in staunton state park colorado

Elk Falls – New Waterfall Near Denver

Elk Falls in Colorado's new Staunton State Park opened to the public in 2013. This highest waterfall near Denver had been unknown to most, and inaccessible, except to a few. Now it's an adventure waiting for able hikers! If you are a fan of waterfall hikes and you live near Denver, you'll know that it's kind of slim pickings; most ...
elk meadow park south loop header

Elk Meadow Park – South Loop

Elk Meadow Park is a great place to hike with your family, if you have little ones, or if you just want to talk with a friend as you hike and take in great views of Colorado. It is important to know that the adjacent off-leash dog park has been closed. Get all the info you need to hike Elk ...
emerald green lake surrounded by mountains in rocky mountain national park emerald lake hike

Emerald Lake Hike Rocky Mountain National Park

Emerald Lake is one of the most accessible hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are visiting RMNP, and have limited time to visit, the trail to Emerald Lake is an excellent option. You'll pass both Dream Lake and Nymph lake before you end your hike at Emerald Lake and it's stunning views of Hallet Peak. For more information ...
truck driving on scenic highway in colorado with aspen trees in the fall season of the year

Fall Hikes and Scenic Drive Ideas

"Where should I hike this Fall?" Friends text asking for Fall hike recommendations and coworkers stop me in the hallway to ask what trails are best for enjoying the colors of Colorado. During September and early October, we have a short window to see the golden yellows, bright oranges, and the fire reds of the changing aspens. In this post, ...
dirt trail leading toward the flatirons of boulder colorado in chautauqua park wooden fence in foreground and broad meadows

First and Second Flatirons Hike in Boulder

Hiking the Flatirons near Boulder, Colorado is a must. The trail draws you across an green meadow, then up through a notch between the First and Second Flatiron. You'll find the best part of this hike in the Flatirons at the end of the trail: some breathtaking and unmatched views of Colorado's Rocky Mountains. There's even more though. Explore the ...
Forgotten Valley Hike at Golden Gate State Park

Forgotten Valley Hike at Golden Gate State Park

Can you think of a more mysterious name for a hike? Colorado's Golden Gate State Park has many trails, and the Forgotten Valley is a great place to start discovering this gem that is tucked between Golden and Boulder, Colorado. Get all the details on hiking the Forgotten Valley by scrolling down to the hike snapshot and hiking tips below ...
lakeshore of gross reservoir on forsythe canyon hike near boulder

Forsythe Canyon to Waterfall and Gross Reservoir

Looking for a trail that will provide some shade on a hot Colorado day? This hiking trail has shade, plus a waterfall, a stream, a canyon, and lake. It's hard to beat. Forsythe Canyon is just outside Boulder, Colorado (1hr 15min from Denver), and is an easy to moderate hike. Check out our full hiking trail profile for details and ...
Georgetown Railroad Hike & Train Ride

Georgetown Railroad Hike & Train Ride

After the hike, I asked our 7 year-old daughter what she thought of it. Her reply said it all, “Dad, it was awesome!” Here favorite parts were the fairy pond, a small, moss-rimmed pool probably created by miners long ago to hold drinking water, and the gleaming minerals in the rocks she picked up along the trail. I enjoyed the ...
hays creek waterfall cascading over red granitic sandstone near carbondale colorado

Hayes Creek Falls Waterfall

Hayes Creek Falls is a 40' waterfall with multiple cascades located just off CO-133 along the Crystal River near Redstone, Colorado. Accessed via a roadside pull-off, Hays Creek Falls makes for a refreshing stop along the West Elk Scenic Loop, on of the most beautiful scenic drives in Colorado. Trail Snapshot: Hayes Creek Falls Hike Distance 0.1 miles Round Trip ...

Map of Fall Hikes Near Denver

Photo Credit: Open Gate with aspens by Cat Mayer