Fall Hiking Trails in Colorado

When planning a hiking trip in Colorado during fall you will find that there are hundreds of choices in the Rocky Mountains. Fall in the Colorado Rockies is the time when people journey to the mountains to see the spectacular views of the changing aspens. If you are willing to hike you will enjoy fantastic views of not only golden groves of aspens, but also snowcapped mountain peaks, winding rivers, cascading waterfalls and amazing rock formations. In addition to the stunning scenery there are also many opportunities for wildlife viewing. Here are five of the best hiking trails in Colorado during the fall season.

Abyss Trail - The Abyss Trail is located in the Mount Evans Wilderness just north of Grant Colorado 50 miles west of Denver. This trail is an easy to medium hike for the first four miles with an altitude gain of only 400 feet. The first four miles will reward you with spectacular views of large aspen groves, beaver ponds and a spectacular river. The terrain starts as deep woods and opens up as you gain altitude. The last 3 miles of the trail are more difficult gaining another 2600 feet. The trail ends around 13,000 feet at Abyss Lake. If you make it to the last three miles make sure you look back for some incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Two Elk South Trailhead - The Two Elk South Trailhead is located 2 miles south of Minturn Colorado on highway 24. Two Elk Trail is 11 miles one way and is moderate in difficulty. The views on this trail are of the Gore and Sawatch ranges and the back bowels of Vail Ski Area including many opportunities to see the changing aspen. Two Elk Creek follows the trail for the first 8 miles providing some fantastic picture opportunities. Bringing a map of the area will enable you to take many of the adjoining trails leading into the Vail Ski Area. If you take one of these side trips expect a much more difficult hike but you will be rewarded with some majestic views of the surrounding mountain peaks.

Fern Lake Trail - The Fern Lake Trailhead is located in Rocky Mountain National Park 4 miles in from the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station west of Estes Park Colorado. Fern Lake Trail is an easy to moderate hike at a fairly low altitude for the first two miles, but increases significantly in difficulty as you progress. The trail follows the Big Thompson River and winds through several aspen stands. You'll walk through Arch Rocks just before you reach The Pool at 1.9 miles. The Pool is a spectacular whirlpool where the Big Thompson River meets Fern Creek and Spruce Creek. After you pass The Pool, the hike is considerably more difficult but rewarding as you approach Spruce Lake and Loomis Lake at about 6 miles in.

Gem Lake Trailhead - Gem Lake Trailhead is located a mile north of Estes Park Colorado on Devils Gulch Road. Gem Lakes Trail is an excellent family hike and is best in the fall when the aspens are brilliant. Although there are occasional steep areas, this is a fairly easy hike for people of all ages with amazing views of Estes Valley and the Continental Divide. When you reach Gem Lake you will find that it is bowl carved out of the granite with no source other that rain. Gem Lake has a great beach that is perfect for a picnic lunch. For both Gem Lake and Fern Lake hikes keep you eye out for the elk. The Estes Park area is well known in Colorado for it's large Elk population. Fall is the time of the Elk's rut and is the best time to see elk in the area. While enjoying the incredible views on the trails be sure to listen carefully and you may hear the elk bugling.

Lost Lake Trail - Lost Lake Trail is located five miles north of Vail Colorado on Red Sandstone Road in the Eagles Nest Wilderness. This is an easy hike accessible by the entire family. Fantastic aspen views are abundant as you journey to either Lost Lake or Piney Lake. I recommend the left turn on the trail to Piney Lake instead of Lost Lake. When you arrive at Piney Lake you can stop and enjoy the scenery or continue on the Upper Piney River Trail or the Piney Lake / Soda Lake Trail to the north. Both of these trails provide amazing views of the south of Holy Cross, Vail and Beaver Creek. Although this is an excellent fall hike you should make this an early fall hike and check weather conditions before you begin.

While the Colorado Rocky Mountains can provide stunning beauty in the fall, hiking in the fall requires extra precautions as the weather changes quickly. It is not uncommon to experience hot sunny weather at the beginning of your hike and end your hike in snowfall. Check local weather before you plan any hike during the fall in Colorado. If you are hiking on any of the above trails in the fall you should bring a pack with emergency supplies. At the minimum you should have a map of the trail and area, extra warm clothing, rain gear, food, water and a first aid kit.