Searching for fall colors in Colorado? Here are a few of our favorite hikes around the mountainous state with spectacular fall foliage views.
Editor's Note : Colors may peak from mid-September to early October. Always check the forecast, current road conditions, and closures before planning your travels to any one of these fall destinations. High-elevation roads are often inaccessible due to snow, even as early as September.
Classic Maroon Bells Fall landscape scene
Aug 6, 2020
7. Maroon Bells Scenic Loop (Aspen) Experience a golden fall via the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop nestled just outside of the beautiful mountain town of Aspen. The 1.9-mile loop is by far one of the most colorful paths to take for exploring fall foliage in the state. Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock).
RondaKimbrow
Autumn colors
Aug 6, 2020
Aside from being one of the most photographed locations in the entire state, the maroon-colored peaks are stunningly beautiful and surrounded by aspens. To experience the fall glory though you'll need to plan ahead with reservations . Photo Credit: blewulis (iStock).
blewulis
Autumn in Crystal Mill Colorado Landscape
Aug 6, 2020
6. Crystal Mill (Carbondale) Gorgeous fall colors await at Crystal Mill. An old wooden powerhouse, originally crafted in 1893, rises above the aspen-lined falls. The 4.5-mile (one-way) trek favored among outdoor photographers gains 1,391 vertical feet in elevation. Allow for four to six hours for this unique fall trek, including 30 minutes of leisure time for exploring. Photo Credit: kwiktor (iStock).
kwiktor
Autumn in Crystal Mill Colorado Landscape
Aug 6, 2020
The natural beauty of the rushing high country waters is simply remarkable. Photo Credit: kwiktor (iStock).
kwiktor
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Aug 7, 2020
5. Kenosha Pass (Fairplay) Immerse yourself in the colors of fall along Kenosha Pass. At 7 miles long , hikers can enjoy mountain views and gorgeous golden groves. Photo Credit: Cathy McCray (Flickr).
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Aug 7, 2020
The big, bold, and beautiful aspens are a sight to see in the fall season. Photo Credit: Cathy McCray (Flickr).
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Aug 7, 2020
4. Mount Yale (Buena Vista) Peak-baggers can catch color on the 14,196-foot summit of Mount Yale . The out-and-back 9.5‑mile trail located in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness of San Isabel National Forest gains 4,300 feet of elevation, making for a steep, yet beautiful autumn trek. Photo Credit: Randall Ayers; Instagram Randall.ayers
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Aug 7, 2020
3. Huron Peak (Buena Vista) Soak in the colors of fall with another peak-bagging adventure on Huron Peak . Located near the mountain town of Buena Vista, the 14,003-foot summit delivers beautiful forest views. Photo Credit: Blake Letourneau
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Aug 7, 2020
Aspen groves wind up the 4WD road greeting hikers in a whirlwind of color. Photo Credit: Randall Ayers; Instagram Randall.ayers
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Aug 7, 2020
Surrounded by golden groves, the 6.5-mile (starting from upper trailhead) out-and-back trail gains 3,500 feet in elevation. Photo Credit: Randall Ayers; Instagram Randall.ayers
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Aug 7, 2020
Peak-baggers can explore unending groves filled with color in the autumn season. Photo Credit: Randall Ayers; Instagram Randall.ayers
Bear Creek Falls
Aug 7, 2020
2. Bear Creek Falls (Telluride) Get your fall foliage fix at Bear Creek Falls. The 4.5 round-trip path is breathtaking with an elevation gain of 1,092 feet. Photo Credit: Greg Meland (iStock).
Greg Meland
Bear Creek Falls
Aug 7, 2020
Dazzling fall colors surround the rushing waters of Bear Creek Falls. Photo Credit: Greg Meland (iStock).
Greg Meland
Telluride Colorado Bear Creek Trail
Aug 7, 2020
Take in the beautiful changing colors of yellow, red, and orange glowing on the mountainside. Photo Credit: stphillips (iStock).
stphillips
Emerald Lake with Yellow Apens
Aug 7, 2020
1. Emerald Lake (Crested Butte) Prepared to be stunned by the colors of gold bursting around the emerald green waters of Emerald Lake. The 1.7-mile trek offers a beautiful escape for fall leaf-peepers. Photo Credit: DougVonGausig (iStock).
DougVonGausig
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Aug 7, 2020
(Bonus) Grand Lake Grand Lake is another way to see fall colors, but if you want to keep it simple. Take a peaceful stroll around the lake for unmatched views and spectacular fall colors. Photo Credit: Randall Ayers; Instagram Randall.ayers.
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