Quick Info
Season: September through October. Best for: Aspen color, last-chance fourteeners, uncrowded trails. Conditions: Perfect temps, stable weather, shorter days. Watch for: Early snow at high elevations and wildlife activity.
Fall is many Colorado hikers' favorite season, and for good reason. Temperatures are perfect - cool mornings, warm afternoons - without summer's brutal sun or winter's bitter cold. The daily afternoon thunderstorm cycle that plagues July and August fades away, leaving stable, reliable weather.
The crowds thin dramatically after Labor Day. Trailheads that required 5 AM arrivals in summer have parking available at reasonable hours. Rocky Mountain National Park drops its timed entry requirement in October. You can actually enjoy solitude on popular trails.
Best Fall Hikes
Aspen grove trails at Kebler Pass, Maroon Lake, and Gothic Road offer easy access to peak color. Short hikes through the gold. Best late September when entire hillsides glow yellow.
Late season fourteeners are still accessible in September - the last window for most peaks before snow. Stable weather and smaller crowds. Get after it before winter shuts them down.
Rocky Mountain National Park delivers spectacular fall color along the Bear Lake corridor and Wild Basin. Elk are bugling. No timed entry needed in October. Magic combination of color, wildlife, and accessibility.
Front Range foothills like Golden Gate Canyon, Staunton State Park, and White Ranch have color without the long drive. Close to Denver, less crowded than high country, and rideable weather into November.
Fall Hiking Tips
Dress in layers. Mornings can be near freezing, afternoons in the 60s or 70s. Bring a warm layer you can shed. Wind protection is important at elevation.
Still start early at popular fall color spots - they fill by 8 AM on weekends. Early starts also mean better light for photography. The golden hour lasts all morning in fall.
Expect early snow at high elevations. September storms can blanket fourteeners. Check conditions before summit attempts. Be prepared to turn around if weather changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is peak fall color?
Typically late September to early October, but timing varies by year and elevation. Higher areas peak first. Check color reports before traveling - one week can make the difference between gold and bare branches.
Can I still hike fourteeners in fall?
September yes, October maybe. First significant snow often hits by late September. Check recent conditions and trip reports. Some years stay hikeable into October; others close early. Be flexible and prepared.
What about wildlife?
Wildlife is very active in fall. Elk are rutting and can be aggressive. Bears are feeding heavily before hibernation. Give all wildlife space. Make noise on trails. Carry bear spray in backcountry.
How cold does it get?
Mornings can be in the 20s-30s at elevation, warming to 50s-60s by afternoon. Valleys and Denver stay warmer. Dress for 40-degree temperature swings during a single hike.