Colorado is home to four seasons of vast wonders, with its mountain views, wide-open spaces, and opportunities to connect with the land. It’s no surprise the state attracts hikers, mountain bikers, skiers, and road-trippers from around the world. But Colorado’s beauty is on full display in fall, when the landscape transitions into a golden masterpiece—a dream for any outdoor enthusiast. To fully capture the magic of fall in Colorado, we talked to three members of the Colorado Mountain Club, an inclusive community dedicated to mountaincraft education, adventure, and conservation.
Fall road trips are an excellent way to explore Colorado’s diverse landscapes. The best person to ask about the state’s scenic driving routes is Matt Enquist. As the author of Colorado’s Best Hikes for Fall Colors, Enquist has driven all over the state in search of the best destinations to see the changing leaves. He lives in a hiking, skiing, and climbing haven—the San Luis Valley, in south-central Colorado. The area is home to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and the impressive Sangre de Cristo Range.
Outside: Colorado is packed with beautiful driving routes. What do you love most about fall road-tripping in Colorado?
Matt Enquist: I love the fresh, cool air and the hunt for the perfect campsite. There’s no time to be outside like in the fall. The beauty of the changing leaves, the perfect weather, and the opportunity to get outside before a long winter truly make fall the best time of year.
Out of all the fall road trips you’ve been on in Colorado, which one is the most memorable?
When I was writing my book, my research took me all over the southwestern part of the state. The drive from Durango up to Ouray along the famed Million Dollar Highway, through Ridgway, and down into Telluride via Last Dollar Road was truly incredible. The route has jaw-dropping color at every turn, prominent peaks, and some of the best camping I’ve found. Ouray is full of hot-spring pit stops, Ridgway has great food, and Last Dollar Road is an adventure in and of itself. The dispersed camping overlooking Wilson Peak and its sea of yellow, red, and orange aspen leaves is world class.
The cool fall days in Colorado are perfect for mountain biking. And Riley Hanlon knows the state’s mountain biking trails well as a Colorado Mountain Club member and a freelance filmmaker based in Golden. Home to miles and miles of glorious mountain biking areas, including North Table Mountain and White Ranch Park, Hanlon loves spending time riding with family near the Front Range and beyond.
There’s nothing quite like biking through colorful aspens in the crisp autumn air. Can you describe your perfect fall ride in Colorado?
Riley Hanlon: It’s finally time for layers and warm drinks! After the heat of summer, I get so excited for brisk fall mornings. I enjoy having cozy layers and hot coffee for the drive to wherever I’m riding and getting to start with some layers on for the ride, shedding them as I go without ever getting too hot. My perfect fall ride in Colorado also includes finding the best spots to fly through golden aspens!
If you could only recommend one Colorado mountain biking destination to someone planning a fall visit, what would it be and why?
People staying in the Rocky Mountain Front Range—from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins—tend to focus on getting out to Crested Butte or other far-out destinations, but I personally love Winter Park. You can get some lift assist at Trestle Bike Park if that’s your thing. Or get laps on the trail systems off Vasquez Creek for some easy-access rock rolls and great flow through aspen groves. And afterward you get to stroll through the village or get a beetroot latte from Moon Frog Cafe (my favorite!). It’s an enjoyable day trip from the Front Range or a good first or last stop on a camping trip out in the mountains.
When it comes to finding scenic fall hiking trails in Colorado, Urszula Tyl knows exactly where to go. As a trip leader for Colorado Mountain Club, Tyl spends a lot of time safely guiding hikers into beautiful areas. She also enjoys exploring new trails and backpacking in Colorado’s pristine wilderness. Her vibrant energy and zest for getting people together outside made her the perfect person to ask about fall hiking in the state.
Colorado is a well-known hiking destination with a seemingly endless selection of trails to explore. Why is the state’s fall hiking unlike anywhere else?
Urszula Tyl: There are many reasons I look forward to fall hiking in Colorado. Fall brings pleasant temperatures, making it a perfect time to enjoy a hike. As summer ends, so does the monsoon season, which brings less risk of afternoon storms and more time on the trail.
Colorado also has spectacular fall foliage. The aspens all around the state begin to change color and create a beautiful contrast against the green pine forests and mountain landscapes. You don’t have to go far to get a glimpse of fall color. However, many areas across the state, such as Rocky Mountain National Park, are especially breathtaking to see. If you visit RMNP in fall, you might hear elk bugling, too.
There are a variety of ways to experience the magic of fall in the state. Whether you’re looking for a multiday adventure, a morning hike in the mountains, or a cool evening stroll along the river, the options to get out and explore around the state are seemingly endless. There are trails for everyone in Colorado, including accessible trails in Staunton State Park.
To experience the magic of Colorado trails in the fall, what area do you recommend visitors explore and why?
For a truly magical fall hiking experience in Colorado, I recommend exploring the Raccoon Trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. This trail offers a fantastic opportunity to witness the vibrant fall colors of the aspens among the rugged mountain peaks and pine trees.
The 3.1-mile Raccoon Trail is easily accessible to anyone staying in the Front Range and provides beautiful panoramic views throughout the hike. As you meander through the colorful foliage, you’ll find serene spots that capture the essence of fall in Colorado.
After your hike, unwind in nearby Golden, where there are plenty of food options available. One of my favorites is the Golden Mill, a food hall with a diverse range of dining options, plus beer, cocktails, and wine on tap. Enjoy a variety of foods, from Mexican to sushi, and take advantage of the rooftop with views overlooking Clear Creek.
Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and 28 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state’s breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments, 26 scenic and historic byways, and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, visit Colorado.com or call 1-800-COLORADO. Follow Colorado on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
