Fall Colors Near Denver
It is that amazing time of year again when the Aspens in Colorado turn a golden hue and the air temp drops a few degrees. Thousands of people will head to the high country for a glimpse of nature’s decorations. The roads and trails will be busy but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth the trip. I have put together some of my favorite places to see the Fall Colors near Denver and all of these can be done as a day hike!
One of the things I have noticed over the last few years is that while the roads are super busy, the trails don’t see the same increase in traffic. A lot of the leaf peepers tend to drive to a good spot, get out of the car and take some pictures and then head into their favorite mountain town for some coffee and hot cocoa. That leaves some great spots to see the leaves, with some solitude, just a down the path a bit.
285 Corridor
One of my favorite, and one of the most popular, places to see the fall colors is down the 285 Corridor. Kenosha Pass might be the most popular place for people to go. One option if you are looking for a bit of a longer hike in the area would be Gibson Lake. It is before you get to the pass and is a little less crowded.
Through The Tunnel
If you can make it through the busy weekend traffic of I-70 there are a lot of great views of fall colors on the downhill side of the Eisenhower Tunnel. Boreas Pass in Breckenridge is one of the most popular places that people go. The road is dirt and some people drive it but there is a fun hike to Bakers Tank you can take. Another option is the Meadow Creek To Eccles Pass hike!
Guanella Pass
Guanella Pass might be my favorite driving only way to see the colors. Although the Peak to Peak highway is a close a second. Guanella has some amazing fall foliage from Grant to Georgetown, but if you are looking to get out an hike, The Abyss Trail might be the most popular of the bunch. This one gets super crowded so make sure you get there early and have an alternate plan if you can’t find parking!
The Best and The Rest
Below is a collection of my ten favorite hikes I have done to look at the Fall Colors near Denver. Each hike listed links to the blog I have written about the areas. Enjoy the wonderful fall season in Colorado!
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Fall Colors Near Denver as Day Hikes.
The fall colors near Denver are just a short drive away but these hikes will get you out of the car and seeing the best of the fall sights.
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Colorado Fall Hike: Abyss trail to Helms Lake
The Abyss Trail to Helms Lake was busy but turned out to be one of my favorite Colorado Fall Hikes filled with amazing colors.
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Fall Hike: Boreas Pass and Bakers Tank Loop
The search for fall colors took me to the Boreas Pass and Baker Tank Loop. Boreas did not disappoint with some amazing colors to enjoy.
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Fall Hike: Whiteside #697a Trail
My search for fall colors led me up Guanella Pass to the Whiteside #697a Trail off of Geneva Creek where Yellow and gold leaves were abound.
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Colorado Fall Quick Hit: Peak To Peak
While I love to hike in the fall to see all the colors, for those short on time a good way to see the fall colors is the Peak to Peak highway.
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Fall Hike: Gibson Lake
If you are looking for a great Fall hike to an alpine lake then Gibson Lake might be for you. Great fall colors on a challenging hike.
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Fall Colors Colorado: Kenosha Pass
The Fall is an amazing time of year with all of the leaves changing. For my first view I checked the Fall Colors of Colorado at Kenosha Pass.
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Fall Hike: Meadow Creek to Eccles Pass
The Meadow Creek trail was beautiful with fall colors at the beginning, pine forest, stream, valley, and Eccles Pass. Something for everyone!
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Fall Hike: Hells Hole Trail
Fall colors were out on this hike at Hell’s Hole Trail. The steep forest was also a great workout on a great fall day.
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Fall Color Hike: Kenosha Pass North
Kenosha Pass is a very popular place to see the fall colors and to hike. If you can brave the crowds the views are spectacular.
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South Willow Creek Falls via Mesa-Cortina
The hike to Willow Creek Falls in SIlverthorne was a great hike at the perfect time of year. The fall colors were out in full force and were beautiful.