As summer transitions into autumn, Colorado transforms into a dazzling display of colors. The state’s diverse landscape, from the towering Rocky Mountains to the rolling foothills, offers an array of opportunities for leaf peeping. If you’re eager to witness the stunning fall foliage in all its glory, there’s no better way to do it than by hitting the trails.
In this post, I’ll guide you through some of the best leaf peeping hikes in Colorado, where you can experience nature’s vibrant masterpiece.
Aspen / Snowmass Area
The town of Aspen is named so for a reason, and it’s a must-visit area for leaf peepers. With its namesake trees in abundance, the Aspen/Snowmass area transforms into a golden wonderland during the fall.
Maroon Bells Scenic Trail
1.9 miles | 160 ft. of elevation gain | Easy | Hike info
The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is often hailed as one of the most picturesque spots for leaf peeping in the state. The Maroon Bells Scenic Trail is an easy, short hike that takes you from the front of Maroon Lake, where most pictures are taken, along the shore of Maroon Lake, to a waterfall and to the Bells themselves. It’s a great way to get some of the best leaf views without having to hike too far.
Make sure to get a reservation! Vehicle reservations are available from May 15-October 31 and shuttle reservations are available from May 26-October 22. Thisis pretty much the only way to get to the Bells during these months, unless you want to hike/bike the road in.
Crater Lake Trail
3.5 miles | 688 ft. of elevation gain | Moderate | Hike info
If you’re looking for a slightly longer hike in the Maroon Bells wilderness, the Crater Lake Trail is a great option. This 3.6-mile hike takes you a bit past where the Maroon Bells Scenic Trail ends. It passes through meadows and a waterfall before arriving at the serene Crater Lake, which is nestled beneath the Maroon Bells.
Vista Trail
5.0 miles | 1,519 ft. of elevation gain | Moderate | Hike info
The town of Snowmass Village is only a short 20 minute drive from the town of Aspen and has a plethora of hiking opportunities. The ski resort in Snowmass turns into a paradise for hikers and bikers in the summer and fall. There’s even a huge grove of aspen trees on the mountain which are perfect for leaf peeping season. The Ditch Trail goes right through this grove! It’s a moderately difficult hike as it does travel up the mountain.
Crystal Mill via Crystal City Road
9 miles | 1,391 ft. of elevation gain | Moderate | Hike info
This trail is located a bit outside of Aspen in the town of Marble, which is about an hour drive from downtown Aspen. Crystal Mill is a can’t miss Colorado staple and is especially beautiful in the Fall when all the Aspen leaves are changing colors. The trail itself is a road so you could drive it if you have a good 4×4 vehicle with clearance, or an ATV. Or you can hike it! You’ll see people doing all of those options.
Kenosha Pass
For a more accessible leaf peeping adventure, Kenosha Pass in the Pike National Forest is an excellent choice. Located just a short drive from Denver, this area offers sweeping views of golden aspen groves against the backdrop of the Kenosha Mountains. This area gets very, very crowded on weekends in the fall, so it’s best to go during the week or early in the morning!
There are two very long hikes on either side of the road, and you can go as far as you’d like to!
The Colorado Trail, Segment 6
Easy to Moderate | Hike info
This whole trails is about 30 miles and rated difficult, but the part of the trail near Kenosha Pass is pretty easy. It’s a fairly flat hike up until about 6 miles in.
Kenosha Pass to Lost Creek Wilderness
Easy to Moderate | Hike info
This whole trail is also about 30 miles and it’s pretty flat for the first 15 miles. So this is also an easy option!
Guanella Pass
Guanella Pass, situated not far from the charming town of Georgetown, is another prime leaf peeping destination. The Guanella Pass Scenic Byway offers a leisurely drive through vibrant aspen forests, and hikers can choose from a variety of trails. This area can also get very crowded, so it’s better to go early in the morning to find parking.
Abyss Trail to Helms Lake
11.7 miles | 2,404 ft. of elevation gain | Hard | Hike info
This trail travels through forests of both pine trees and aspens before opening up to a beautiful valley filled with color. The entire hike is on the harder side, but you can go as far in as you’d like and it’s not as tough. You’ll get lots of color views no matter what!
Burning Bear Trail
7.5 miles | 1,253 ft. of elevation gain | Moderate | Hike info
This is another great option on Guanella Pass, right across the road from the Abyss Trail. It’s a bit shorter and easier, and tends to be less crowded than the Abyss Trail. So if you’re looking for a quieter hike while still getting plenty of peeping opportunities, this is a great option for you!
Crested Butte
Though the drive from Aspen to Crested Butte can take anywhere from 2-3.5 hours, it is much closer to it on a map. Therefore, it also is teeming with Aspen trees and is stunning in the fall. There are many different hiking options for all skill levels, especially if you take a drive up Kebler Pass. This drive alone will provide colorful scenery.
Dark Canyon, Irwin, and Dyke Trail Loop
5.9 miles | Moderate | 1,476 ft. of elevation gain | Hike info
This trail is a little bit of a drive (about 30 minutes) outside of the town of Crested Butte. The drives bring you towards Kebler Pass, which provides beautiful views before you even get to the trailhead. The hike itself is fairly short but does have some swings in elevation, so be prepared for a bit of a workout. This area and hike are especially beautiful during the fall when you can see all of the aspen trees changing colors!
Conclusion
Colorado’s fall foliage is nothing short of spectacular, and the best way to experience it is by embarking on one of these leaf peeping hikes. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll through the aspen groves or a challenging hike with sweeping vistas, Colorado has something for everyone. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera, and get ready to immerse yourself in the kaleidoscope of colors that make autumn in Colorado a truly magical experience. Don’t forget to plan ahead, check trail conditions, and respect the environment while you enjoy the beauty of the changing leaves. Happy leaf peeping!
