7 Time-Tested Secrets: Colorado Fall Hiking Tips from a local
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Every year in Colorado there is a fury of online activity starting in early August. Will this be the year to see the BEST aspen leaf colors?
News stations list leaf peeping maps, social media groups start sharing the previous years pictures and Coloradans lose their minds on the interstates, determined to get their leaf peeping adventures filled.
Why this frantic pace?
In the 26 years I’ve lived here, fall has never lasted longer than 6 weeks.
Yep, one little month and a bit at best so the clock is ticking and we are all desperate to get our golden aspen leaf fill.
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.
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 so I can forest bath and explode those T Cells!
Here are a few of my Colorado Leaf Peeping secrets!
Summer hiking eads to fall aspen beauty
Hike Summer trails with Fall in Mind
There are the standard fall trails that everyone flocks. Yes, Aspen Alley and Abyss Trail are stunners as is Guanella Pass. But you’ll be sharing those trails with hundreds of your new best friends, their dogs and poop bags.
In summer months, note what trails have tons of aspens. We’ve found the best fall trails by simply going back to summer trails loaded with aspens.
MAP APP TIP!
Download your favorite map app (we are fans of All Trails), tagging the trail name to your list.
I love hiking in Summit County with some of the best trails near Breckenridge. I despise the insane traffic every fall seems to bring to this area.
However, heading out around 4:30 am gets me to those hidden delights, heading back just as everyone is rousing for their slow fall weekend.
2. Weekday Hiking is Best, Weekends work very early or very late.
As a newcomer to working a shift job, I’ve realized just how improbable it is for many to take off during the week to see the fall leaves.
Sure, there will inevitably be lighter traffic during the work week but it doesn’t matter if you don’t get the time off.
Don’t dismay.
Plan to hit the trail early - before dawn and later afternoon, around 3 pm. Sure it will be a tad colder but the light is just as fantastic.
3. Find out when is the best time to view the aspens in Colorado.
Navigating the fall foliage frenzy is an adventure in itself. Join online groups scouting autumn leaves – a virtual treasure trove for trail enthusiasts.
DID YOU KNOW? Even if social media isn’t your jam, consider joining local Colorado hiking groups online; it's your secret weapon against the masses flooding Colorado's passes.
In just 10 minutes a week, you can unearth hidden trails and stories from fellow hikers.
Keep an eye on local news stations, too; despite occasional weather forecast misses, their fall leaf predictions are surprisingly reliable.
and…brace yourself for Colorado's weather.
Some years, the leaves near Colorado Springs in Divide and Woodland Park stay stunning for days.
Yet, as October unfolds, Colorado might throw in a surprise blizzard, transforming your dreamy fall pictures into a snowy spectacle.
4. Find trails and hiking areas to avoid this fall. *less crowds
While it might feel like solving an elementary math problem, avoiding popular trails is the common core approach to dodging crowds.
In Colorado, a simple search for "best fall hikes" often leads to identical lists.
We've even posted a few ourselves.
These spots are undoubtedly worth a visit, but being prepared can ease the stress. After all, hiking is meant to be a calming and cathartic experience, right?
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.
Seek out areas with paid parking or reservations.
Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park and Colorado Springs Pikes Peak are great examples of the reservation system wokring for you. While you'll encounter others, there's a daily cap on visitors.
Expect Summit County to be bustling with activity, especially on weekends. For a quieter experience, head just up the road to Vail, where spectacular trails await, often with only locals in sight. *I’m partial to Eagles Nest Wilderness area for more remote hiking.
DID YOU KNOW? When in mountain towns, swing by a local coffee shop, be generous with your tip, and inquire about their top hiking trails.
Not only do hourly workers deserve the extra appreciation, but the information they share is well worth the cost!
5. Knowing what to bring on a fall hike in Colorado makes the hike not just good, it becomes GREAT!
While curating the perfect fall outfit for those adorable Colorado photos is undoubtedly enjoyable, prioritizing essentials is key. Depending on your departure time, brace yourself for potential traffic and unpredictable weather conditions.
As early as August, I ensure my car is equipped with an emergency kit neatly stored in a plastic bin.
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
Keeping these essentials in my car at all times not only adheres to my budget but also ensures warmth and preparedness.
Whether heading on a lengthy Colorado hike or a short stroll, always remain mindful of the trail, prevailing weather conditions, and your hydration needs.
RELATED LINK: What to Pack for a Day Hike in Colorado
6. Hike & Seek Geocaching
Spice up your fall hike 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.
A FAVORITE LOCAL FALL HIKE!
The Palmer Reservoirs, has several geocaching spots along the ridge.
You get to walk through some insane aspen groves while playing a little search and find! Around September there are large groves of raspberry bushes in the area.
7. Final Insider Secret: Relish Every Moment of Colorado’s Fall
There have been years I’ve had extreme FOMO.
Because fall happens so fast in Colorado, it’s easy to get overhwelmed with how much you want to do with such little time.
Embrace the Season’s Rhythm: Recognize that fall hiking in Colorado is fleeting. Instead of trying to conquer every trail, focus on one or two favorites. Enjoy the journey and immerse yourself in the changing scenery.
Seek Out Hidden Gems: Use leaf peeping tips from a local to discover lesser-known trails and unique viewpoints. Locals often know the best spots away from the crowds, where the fall colors are breathtakingly beautiful.
Slow Down and Savor: Take a yoga and hiking approach by grounding your senses. Pause regularly to breathe deeply, stretch, and absorb the crisp air and vibrant colors. This mindful practice will enhance your fall hiking in Colorado experience, making each moment more memorable.
At the end of the day (or season), settle on the delight of finding one trail, going on one fall walk. It’s not about conquering all the best Colorado fall trails. Instead, allow the season to simple be a slow wind down to winter.
Each fall in Colorado is a brief but dazzling affair, so seize the moment and infuse your hikes with these out-of-the-ordinary tips for a truly unforgettable autumn adventure!
Fall Reminder photo circa 2015
Capture the Moment
Every fall season I capture the moment by bringing a camera or journal to document your favorite fall scenes. Often I’ll print these photos out, add a little note and date of the hike and frame in my phone for decor. It' makes a beautiful remember of the short but gorgeous fall in Colorado season!
Now that you know what to do, explore where to go with our guide to see Colorado’s best aspens fall colors!
