Falling for Fall: My Favorite Hiker Attire for Autumn Adventures in Colorado

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What to Wear for Hiking in Autumn: Colorado's Quick Fall Fix

Fall in Colorado is seriously the best!

Fewer crowds, cooler weather, and the trails practically beg you to explore them. Plus, with the summer rush over, you get the mountains almost to yourself—just you, the aspens, and maybe a curious squirrel or two if you know where to hike.

One of my favorite things about fall hiking here is how the temps can vary so much depending on where you are. Near Denver, it might still feel like summer, but head up to Breckenridge and suddenly it’s jacket weather.

Mountain views along Meadow Creek Trail near Breckenridge

In the fall, we love hiking the Meadow Creek Trail in Breckenridge, especially midweek when the trail’s nearly empty. And on those sunny days, the Women’s Trail in Woodland Park is perfect for a tank top and pants.

The higher the elevation, the crisper the air, so picking the right hiker attire is key.

It’s all about layers—figuring out what to wear for hiking can make or break your comfort on those high-altitude adventures.

Thankfully, the cooler temps make it a perfect time to break out those favorite hiking clothes for women and men, because let’s face it, fall hikes are made for cozy gear and stunning views.

Hiking in autumn is all about balance—one second you’re warm, the next you need that extra layer, and that’s part of the fun. When it comes to fall outfit female hikers love, there’s nothing better than switching out the summer closet for those cozy, comfy layers perfect for the season.

Fall hiking attire blends in perfect at Castlewood Canyon State Park near Colorado Springs

Fall Hiking - What Fabrics Should I Wear?

Every year, I look forward to pulling out my favorite fleece, soft joggers, and trusty beanie. And let’s be real: the excitement of fall means at least one weekend getaway to the mountains for a crisp, golden hike.

There’s just something magical about hiking through the trees with the leaves crunching beneath your boots.

Hiking near Beaver Creek, Colorado in early September. 

Best Fabrics For Hiking in Autumn

For fall hikes, fabrics like merino wool, polyester, or nylon are your go-tos for staying comfy and dry.

Tags can be a bit mysterious but super important! Look for wool blends, bamboo, or other moisture-wicking fabrics to handle surprise rain or snow.

Fabric blends are especially great for fall—lightweight long sleeves work for early fall, and as temps drop, merino wool keeps things cozy.

Fleece? That’s perfect for easy layering when the sun decides to peek out again!

 A hoodie and sweats are perfect for short and easy hikes. 

Our favorite Brands for Fall Hiking Attire

  • Prana fabrics are favorites for their versatility and comfort *I wore a pair of Prana joggers 4 days straight on urban hikes in Pittsburgh. Logging 10 concrete miles/day, I loved that this pant held up to all kinds of weather and environments.

  • Free Fly’s fabric choices are favorites of mine. Their bamboo blends are buttery soft, breathable, and temp-regulating, ensuring comfort no matter the weather. Plus, the anti-odor properties and sun protection makes them perfect for long hikes.

  • Patagonia is a brand I love for their commitment to sustainability. Patagonia incorporates recycled materials and organic cotton into their fabrics. Their Capilene fabrics keeps me dry, while the warm, lightweight fleece is perfect for those chilly days. It feels great to hike comfortably while knowing I’m supporting a brand that cares about the planet!

    *I wore almost all Patagonia fabrics for my Kilimanjaro summit trek - easy to pack tight and super comfy to wear in all types of weather!

Top Picks for Your Fall Hiking Wardrobe

I used to piece together my fall hiking outfits like a patchwork quilt—hodgepodge layers that never quite worked. But after discovering Free Fly last year, I’ve fallen in love with the quality, comfort, and durability of their pieces. It’s taken time to build a cohesive hiker attire collection that keeps me warm and stylish on the trails. *That effort has been 100% worth it!

Layers are the name of the game

By the end of a day hike, my backpack is overflowing with all the extra layers I shed along the way. But honestly, it’s the perfect excuse to show off those favorite fall pieces.

On most early season fall hikes in Colorado,  layers end up around my waist or in my pack. 

Basic Top Layers

Tank Tops

Love my Lululemon Swiftly Racerback Tank

For fall hikes, I love my Lululemon Swiftly Racerback Tank. It’s lightweight, breathable, and great for layering when the temps change.

REI Co-Op Merino Base Layer Tank

I love wool blends for hikes, especially when the weather’s iffy—I know I’ll stay warm even if I get wet. This REI merino tank is soft, breathable, and holds up great for fall hikes while keeping odors in check during hot summer days. Lightweight, durable, and perfect for layering, it’s super versatile on the trail.

Short Sleeves

Black Diamond Lightwire Tech shirt

The Black Diamond Lightwire Tech Shirt is one of my absolute favorite trail shirts. It’s soft, breathable fabric is great for everything from hiking to everyday wear. The fit is great, especially with a backpack, and it wicks sweat like a champ. We love it so much, we wrote a whole gear review on it.

Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Short Sleeve

The Patagonia Capilene Short Sleeve was perfect for my fall hikes in Aspen—lightweight, breathable, and great for layering in cooler temps. It wicks sweat and dries fast, which made it just as reliable on our hot Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike. Whether it's warm or cool, this shirt’s got you covered!

Long sleeves

Wearing Lululemon Swiftly Long Sleeve on this gorgeous fall hike. 

  • Bamboo Free Fly

    I can’t skip the Waffle Long Sleeve and Bamboo Fleece Zip Hoodie. They add warmth without the bulk, making them essential for my fall hiking outfits—perfect for both trails and cozy gatherings with friends.

    These pieces aren’t just for hiking! I’ve found myself reaching for them when I travel too.

  • Lightweight Long Sleeves

    Years ago I discovered the Lululemon Swiftly Relaxed Long-Sleeve Shirt. I have several in my closest now, perfect for those chilly mornings when you need your arms covered. I also wear mine as a sunshirt in summer months.

  • Lightweight Fleece Layer: Free Fly’s Gridlock

The Gridlock Fleece is perfect for those crisp days when you want to stay warm without feeling like a burrito. It’s just the right weight—ideal for layering on the trails or relaxing at home.

Koen Prana Pants are my go to for autumn hkes! 

Pants for Hiking in Fall

Let’s talk about the Prana Koen Joggers—my secret weapon for women's fall outfits! These joggers are lightweight and super flattering, making them ideal for those brisk autumn hikes.

But they’re not just for the trails; they seamlessly transition from a cozy walk in the park to cheering on my team at football games.

What I love most is their comfort and functionality. The durability of these joggers means I can wear them time and again without worrying about wear and tear.

Exploring North Cheyenne Canyon in my Free Fly HIgh Mile Joggers.

These Highmile Joggers are a game changer for unpredictable temperatures. On recent hikes in North Cheyenne Canyon, we started around 40 degrees and warmed up to almost 80. They kept me comfortable the entire time—never too hot or too cold!

These Lululemon Dance Studio Mid-Rise Joggers are my weekly go-to.

I love the color options, and these joggers are super versatile—perfect for everything from lounging to running errands. The lightweight, stretchy fabric is great, whether I’m out for a walk or just hanging out. All-around solid choice! *Heads up, they run a bit tight, so I’d size up for a comfier fit.

Kuhl Hiking Pants give you flexibility for all kinds of fun! 

The Kuhl Resister Air Joggers were my go-to for hiking the Mighty 5 in Utah—I wore them nonstop!

They’re perfect for everything from hitting the trails to grabbing dinner afterward.

Super versatile and flattering, with a comfy fit that’s easy to adjust thanks to the drawstring waist.

These joggers really nailed that balance between outdoor performance and casual style.

My Patagonia Nano Puff is perfect for leaf crunching fall hikes! 

Mid Layers

The Patagonia Torrentshell is a must for misty autumn hikes. 

  • Smartwool Vest

    I bought this Smartwool vest for my daughter back in middle school (she’s now a college grad!), and it’s still holding up beautifully. It’s now in my closet as the perfect extra layer—lightweight, warm, and reliable. Plus, it washes like a dream and never loses its cozy, wind-resistant charm.

  • Patagonia Torrentshell Rain Jacket

    I can't hike in Colorado without my Patagonia Torrentshell! Every family member owns one—it’s that good! A bit pricey, but it keeps you dry in rain and snow, perfect for hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing. Check out my full review to see why it’s a must-have!

  • Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket

    The Patagonia Puffer Jacket is an investment, but it’s often on sale! It’s super lightweight, making it easy to stash in your backpack. Tanya and I wear this jacket year-round, and for autumn hikes, it’s the perfect weight to throw over a long sleeve when the fall air turns chilly. Dive into my full review to discover why this jacket is a must-have!

Footwear

  • Darn Tough Socks

    When I’m deciding what to wear for hiking, Darn Tough socks are always on my list. They keep my feet just right—not too hot or cold—and the wool isn’t scratchy at all. The lifetime warranty makes it a smart choice for outdoor adventures!

  • TOPO Running Shoes

    As I’ve gotten older, my feet have changed, and finding the right shoes for hiking has become even more important. My TOPO Terraventure 4 WP shoes have been a game-changer with their wide toe box—giving my toes room while keeping bunions at bay—but still offering a snug heel fit. They’re a more neutral shoe and have quickly become my trail BFF for all my autumn hikes.

    Choose versatile options like TOPO running shoes that can handle everything from sunny strolls to rocky trails. The right footwear is key to enjoying every moment of hiking in autumn! *After plenty of hiking on Colorado trails, we’ve put together this simple footwear guide to help!

Hiking Autumn Accessories

I carry my Smartwool glove liners in my backpack year-round! Made of a cozy wool blend that’s not scratchy at all, they add warmth without bulk.

I can wear them comfortably while still using my phone—perfect for chilly hikes and cold-weather adventures!

  • Beenie

Live in Colorado for any length of time, and you'll quickly realize that to be a true native, you need at least one item from Melanzana, the famous outerwear store in Leadville.

While in-store appointments are booking eight months out, you can snag a few pieces online. Their beanie adds a perfect pop of color to any fall hiking outfit, and I wear mine all year long! *I love my Melanzana hat - lightweight, bright and easy to stash in a side pocket or backpack.

Sun hats are critical for fall hiking in Colorado! 

After recent skin issues (PSA: wear sunscreen, people!), I've upped my sunhat game with a broader-brimmed hat to protect my shoulders as well.

Although my beloved Columbia sunhat is no longer available, there are plenty of fun options out there. Being closer to the mountains means being closer to the sun, so make sure to cover up!

More Fall Hiking Tips

As fall comes and goes in a flash here in Colorado, don’t miss out on the beauty of hiking in autumn.

With the right fall outfit female hikers need—layers that handle warm afternoons and chilly, leaf-covered paths—you’ll be ready for anything. From crisp air in the mountains to sunny days in Colorado Springs, versatile hiker attire makes all the difference.

We’d love to hear from you!

What’s your favorite fall outfit female hikers swear by? Let’s share ideas and make the most of the season!

Melodie Monberg