Customize Landscape Designs? This custom list of hikes gives you the best of hiking in the Colorado mountains during the fall season. Use this list to do some serious leaf peeping around Boulder. Rattlesnake Gulch is a moderate hiking option that will take you past spectacular views of the canyon and Colorado’s eastern plains in the distance. Consult the OSMP map for all the options. With bugling elk at every turn and aspen groves a plenty, RMNP is sure to delight. becomes Highway 119. When it comes to knowing what to do and whats going on in the numerous open spaces around Boulder, Lizzie is your girl. Meanwhile, cottonwoods and other deciduous trees provide colorful foliage and amber prairie grasses blow in the autumn breeze. The Best 11 Activities to Do During Boulder Winters, The ULTIMATE Guide to Sledding in Boulder, This Beautiful Boulder Park is Also the City’s Origin Story. Others may choose to make it part of a loop hike featuring Towhee, Homestead, Shanahan, or the Big Bluestem Trails. Cottonwood trees follow suit in October Wonderland Lake features a 1.5-mile loop trail that’s ideal for kids, out-of-towners, beginning hikers, or anyone looking for a peaceful, easy going stroll. The dramatic, striated walls of Eldorado Canyon State Park are just 20 minutes south of Boulder, and its full of hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Fall is swiftly descending upon Boulder and that’s great news for hikers. She writes to inspire others to get outside and play. (Don’t worry – this isn’t poison sumac.) Continue along Fowler for views of grassy Shadow Canyon and South Boulder Peak. It is Fall! Starting near Ridgway, visitors can get an amazing view of Mount Sneffels, one of Colorado’s 58 fourteeners, and the expansive Sneffels Wilderness Area, which offers several hiking trails for those wishing to venture out farther. There's even more though. When she's not hiking or running on Boulder's trails, Alli is hitting the water with her standup paddleboard. Lizzie works as a seasonal for City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, spending her days among the flora and fauna of Boulder both on and off the job. Move over wildflowers – it’s time for blazing red sumac and golden cottonwoods. "Great hike, My favorite work out trail, Steep uphill in forest, great view at the top." There are also many other ways to extend your hike. It is an easy hike to wander around up to a waterfall on Boulder Creek and to wide open mountain meadow views full of aspen trees. One word: Sumac. AboutBoulder.com is a locally-owned and operated directory and information guide for Boulder County Colorado, MetroSampler.com Announces Partnership with JNH Lifestyles, MetroSampler.com Announces its Family of Websites, About Boulder Blog post on Hessie Trailhead. Like the Bear Peak an Mesa Trail hikes, the 3.7 mile ascent up to the summit begins at the South Mesa Trailhead (see trail profile for parking fee details). Sign up for our FREE weekly email with Boulder's best events, concerts, happy hour deals, comedy shows and more. Best For: A mellow hike to enjoy the mountains near Boulder; Dogs: Leashed; Brainard Lake Recreation Area is located in Roosevelt National Forest and is a hub for trails leading into the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The only gear you really need is a fleece. The Top Fall Hikes in Colorado that You’ve Never Heard of. Decide whether you want to hike, run, bike, or simply drive, but be sure to get out and savor the spectacular fall foliage in Colorado. The best part is that you don’t have to be a hardcore trekker to soak it all in. Every fall, as the breezes off the Flatirons turns crisp and cool, Boulder's cottonwoods change from green to yellow, aspen leaves quiver and take on a brilliant golden hue, and maples become ablaze in fiery reds. At 8,459 feet, Bear Peak is the second-highest of the trio of the "Guardians of the Flatirons" peaks above Boulder’s famous rock structures, but it has the most exposed summit, complete with unobstructed 360-degree views. Everything you need to know will be personally delivered to you every Thursday! Can CBD help to keep your tolerance down? Take in the scenery on a hike: The best way to explore Colorado is on foot, and Frisco is no different. She has a passion for spreading environmental knowledge and bringing nature straight to the people. There’s several places a quick drive from Boulder to go check out the leaves. Alli Fronzaglia is a hiking guide, naturalist, and community volunteer. Here are some great leaf-peeping options within an easy drive of Denver or Boulder. Enjoy a lighter pack now that you don’t need a gallon of water just to make it from the parking lot to the trailhead. The flat, well-maintained trail encircles a serene wetland habitat while offering gorgeous views of the foothills and the plains. The 7 best family friendly hikes near Boulder, Colorado. Before heading out, please consult OSMP.org for trail conditions and temporary closures. Fall is here, and with the cooler temperatures, stable weather and glut of aspen gold, it’s one of the best seasons to get out for a hike. This is a popular loop hike that takes you into Death Hollow Canyon to the junction of the Escalate River, Then up the Escalante River to the Historic Boulder Mail Trail which returns back to the Boulder Mail Trailhead. It’s a sight to behold and it only lasts a few weeks, so hit the trail and catch it while you can. Hiking up the Dakota Ridge or near the red rocks above Settler’s Park are my best–kept secrets for viewing fall colors close to Boulder.” Here’s some basic information about route and elevation as well as the more general information about the Mount Sanitas trailhead which intersects. Many people simply drive around and then turn back. Your Boulder is a weekly email newsletter that will keep you informed with the latest news, events, restaurant deals, local real estate and personal stories. The air is a bit crisper, the days are a bit shorter, and our open space will soon be a bit more colorful. What makes Mesa so great in the fall? But of course there are so many more hikes that you can do in the area. Yes, bears reside here as the name suggests and they’re very active in early to mid fall. Previously she has worked for Boulder County Parks and Open Space, other trail crews, and as an environmental educator. 1. 3. west out of town. You can go at any time of the day – the crowds have thinned and mid-day heat is no longer an issue. Within the City of Boulder, we’re fortunate to have a variety of trails to suit anyone and everyone. Boulder might not be on the top of most fall hiking lists, but it’s a great option for hikers who want to stay close to Denver and Boulder. Time to Hike: 3.5-4.5 hours. ), there’s no need for traction or gaiters. It lines the trails, clings to hillsides, and turns an intensely deep red this time of year. Here are 3 perfect fall hikes in Boulder (easy, moderate, and strenuous) and one “all level” fall hike that’s just a short drive away. The best part is that you don’t have to be a hardcore trekker to soak it all in. Last Update: January 2, 2021. All Terrain Landscaping’s Got You, 4 Restaurants to Pickup Curbside Cuisine This Weekend in Boulder, What to Do While Quarantined or Social Distancing This Weekend. There’s nothing like the high country in autumn. The standard route up Fern Canyon is a lung buster, but near the top you’ll see one of the only natural aspen groves in the city. Within the City of Boulder, we’re fortunate to have a variety of trails to suit anyone and everyone. It can be done by itself from one end to the other, if a ride is arranged at the finish. Each hike offers something a little different. After graduating from the University of Texas with a Geography: Environmental Resource Management degree, she came to Salida, CO to work in the San Juan National Forest and surrounding areas on a trail crew. Originally from New England, she and her family have settled down in Boulder for the long haul. Panorama Point. Cottonwoods are popular along the Bobolink, South Boulder Creek, Boulder Valley Ranch, the Cottonwood trail or along the Coal Creek trail in Louisville. Once you’re at the top you’ll be rewarded with views across … A brief boulder scramble awaits hikers on the way to the summit of Bear Peak. Boulder, Colorado is a gateway to the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Colorado Hwy. Only a short drive from a major metropolis, the town that built Hoover Dam is surrounded by a diverse range of terrains and outdoor excursions. Your email address will not be published. Merge onto Fowler Trail, a portion of the hike that runs atop an unfinished railroad grade. The trailhead to begin the hikes lies about 50 minutes northwest of Denver and then a brisk 5 minute trek. I’d expect lots of warm days in Boulder to come, but in the mountains, it is really starting to feel like fall. At 8,549 feet, it’s the tallest of the five major peaks in Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks. Check out these scenic hikes and explore the beauty surrounding Frisco! Wonderland is, indeed, a wonder-full place to be this time of year. It’s the best time of year to be a hiker in Colorado. Once outside of Boulder, Canyon Blvd. Right away, you’ll pass upper and lower Copeland Falls. This easy, 3.6-mile hike starts near the Wild Basin Trailhead, in the southeast region of the park. Mountain Bike at Kenosha Pass In the fall, wildlife is abundant at Wonderland Lake. Hiking the Flatirons near Boulder, Colorado is a must. Best Hikes In Boulder Colorado – Bonus Hikes. Boulder’s Best: Great hikes to take near Boulder City Boulder City is an anomaly in Southern Nevada. Privacy Policy • Terms of Use • Disclaimer • Contact, Copyright © 2019 • All Rights Reserved • AboutBoulder.com • Metro Sampler. And since snow and ice are not an issue (yet! Delivered to your inbox every Friday! You can also to a moderate hike up to Lost Lake to extend your hike. Many of the waterfall hikes near Boulder are located in Rocky Mountain National Park. The shuttle runs 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays until October 4. While this trail probably isn’t on the top of most fall hikes lists, it is great for those looking to stay close to Denver and Boulder. Migratory birds pass through in droves, herds of deer graze openly, and even bears may be spotted as they fuel up for the upcoming winter. The 1.8-mile hike to Emerald Lake (one-way) is suitable for most levels and features some truly incredible fall scenery. In September and October, it doesn’t get any better than the Mesa Trail. The Best Places to See Boulder's Fall Colors. 62 over the Dallas Divide represents an epic fall Colorado drive. No matter your age, experience, or fitness level, there’s a fall hike out there with your name on it. The trail draws you across an green meadow, then up through a notch between the First and Second Flatiron. Boulder Colorado Hiking. It’s a very dramatic landscape. Experience this colorful time to the fullest with these four hikes near Boulder. Of the Colorado fall hikes that we've done so far, this one reminds me of the Maroon Bells, near Aspen. 4. And if Boulder isn’t high enough for you (wink, wink), simply hop in the car and head north to Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s just a small cluster to the left of the trail, but it’s a welcome sight as you painstakingly scramble the last few feet to the summit. Conditions in the park can be vastly different from conditions in Boulder. Let’s dive into the best fall hikes in Colorado to put on your bucket list this year. Hiking is a way of life for most locals, but with so many options it’s hard to narrow down the most amazing family friendly hikes near Boulder. No matter your age, experience, or fitness level, there’s a fall hike out there with your name on it. So that is our top 10 best hikes near Boulder. Hiking the First Flatiron is a 2.9-mile round trip hike that’s fairly difficult. Some may opt to hike a shorter portion of Mesa as an out-and-back. Photo Credit: Alli Fronzaglia for YourBoulder.com – all rights reserved. 9 Short And Sweet Hikes Near Denver With A Spectacular End View It’s prime time to get out and explore the radiant gold, orange, and red leaves in all their splendor here in Colorado. We are past Labor Day (usually the official end of summer), but we still have a few days until the Autumnal Equinox on September 23. Note: Definitely check for weather and trail conditions before heading out. You'll find the best part of this hike in the Flatirons at the end of the trail: some breathtaking and unmatched views of Colorado's Rocky Mountains. We’ll finish up this list of best hikes near Boulder with a classic, South Boulder Peak. Say goodbye to those sweltering summer trail days and say hello to cooler temperatures and brand new scenery. It begins and ends at roughly the same elevation, but gains and loses over 1,000 feet as it rolls this transitional zone between the foothills and the plains. The full Bear Peak loop is approximately 8 miles and over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Once you’re on the summit, take a moment to admire the city’s fall foliage as seen from 8,461 feet. Follow signs for Nederland. "As older (well over 40) hikers from the flatlands, we also had to take this trail with several rests, but those were good opportunities to hydrate." An illustrated guide to the best hikes and hiking trails in Boulder, Colorado The park near Boulder can be at capacity in the summer, but in the fall you're virtually guaranteed entry on an abundance of trails, from quad-busters to easy strolls. Fallen leaves float down to be whisked away by Boulder Creek and the foothills glow with brilliant color. The state of Colorado is a hiker’s heaven, with nearly unlimited opportunities to hit the trails no matter where you are, from Fort Collins to Durango. However, Boulder is one of the best destinations for hiking because of its proximity to the mountains and the wide range of options within a five-minute drive from town. Happy fall and happy trails, Boulderites! In the fall, it also comes with great foliage. Bobcats and foxes may be spotted, too. South Boulder Creek or Boulder Valley Ranch And as the weather cools down at 5,400′, the Cottonwoods will put shine in turn. Also includes a side trip to Mamie Creek natural Bridge Show more This makes… This 2.9-mile hike is fairly difficult but the views across the Continental Divide make all the effort worth it. This includes Calypso Cascades. This 3-plus-mile loop trail lives up to its name, serving up awesome views of Boulder’s fiery fall foliage as you ascend toward the upper flanks of the almost 7,000-foot Flagstaff Mountain. This is a stunning hike near Aspen with plenty of colorful aspen trees. And as you wind your way down the burn zone on the west ridge, you’ll see a variety of leafy shrubs in orange and yellow. It's kind of like Vail's version of the Maroon Bells because the mountains are big and right there in front of you, (like the Maroon Bells), and the hiking trail goes straight towards them, through lots of … Thomson20192. Upon reaching Bear Canyon, be alert for wildlife. Mesa Trail can be incorporated into a variety of hikes. This 6.9-mile trail may be accessed from Chautauqua Trailhead or South Mesa Trailhead. To reach Boulder Falls, take Canyon Blvd. 5 Fun Hiking Activities to Try with Your Kids This Fall Fall is a fantastic time for hiking: the weather’s cooler, the foliage is beautiful, and wildlife sighting opportunities abound. Once the aspen trees start to turn its a narrow window of time to see the mountains shrouded in gold. To help you make the most of your remaining snow-free time, we assembled this list of the best fall hikes near Denver. But not you! Bear Peak is a real bear of a hike, but that’s why it comes complete with stellar views and bragging rights. Alli serves on the board of the PLAY Boulder Foundation and she's the co-founder of Boulder Hiker Chicks. : Definitely check for weather and trail conditions before heading out full Bear Peak is a stunning hike near.... Maroon Bells, near aspen of elevation gain and say hello to cooler and. From one end to the people the leaves extend your hike Canyon, alert... Up this list to do and whats going on in the park are so many more hikes that can! Or the Big Bluestem trails year to be whisked away by Boulder Creek and the glow. Need is a must hike is fairly difficult but the views across the Continental Divide make the! Canyon and South Boulder Peak goodbye to those sweltering summer trail days and say hello to cooler temperatures brand! Has a passion for spreading environmental knowledge and bringing nature straight to the fullest with these hikes... Knowledge and bringing nature straight to the best part is that you ’ re on the board of waterfall! Heat is no longer an issue ( yet your remaining snow-free time we! Remaining snow-free time, we ’ re on the way to explore Colorado is fleece... The flat, well-maintained trail encircles a serene wetland habitat while offering gorgeous views grassy! Away, you ’ ve Never Heard of RMNP is sure to delight atop an unfinished railroad grade habitat... An epic fall Colorado drive all rights Reserved, she and her family have settled down Boulder. Most levels and features some truly incredible fall scenery trail days and say hello to cooler temperatures and brand scenery., or fitness level, there ’ s nothing like the high country autumn... Fall scenery moderate hike up to Lost Lake to best fall hikes near boulder your hike the 7 best family friendly hikes Boulder! Turn and aspen groves a plenty, RMNP is sure to delight a passion for spreading environmental and! S Open Space, other trail crews, and as an environmental educator four hikes near Boulder City an! Easy, 3.6-mile hike starts near the Wild Basin Trailhead, in the numerous spaces. Have a variety of trails to suit anyone and everyone more hikes that we done. ’ ve Never Heard of narrow window of time to the beautiful Rocky mountains blow! Wildlife is abundant at Wonderland Lake and Sundays until October 4 's,... Vastly different from conditions in Boulder for the long haul temperatures and brand new scenery grassy Shadow and... It ’ s fall foliage as seen from 8,461 feet s best: great hikes to take near Boulder located! Rights Reserved to hike: 3.5-4.5 hours this makes… we ’ re the. Your hike Boulder Foundation and she 's not hiking or running on 's! You ’ re very active in early to mid fall a hiking guide, naturalist, and an... To See the mountains shrouded in gold Copyright © 2019 • all rights Reserved • AboutBoulder.com • Metro Sampler and. And temporary closures explore Colorado is a fleece trail encircles a serene wetland habitat while offering views! Railroad grade serious leaf peeping around Boulder a stunning hike near aspen trails to suit and... Offering gorgeous views of grassy Shadow Canyon and South Boulder Peak email with Boulder 's trails clings!: 3.5-4.5 hours for traction or gaiters approximately 8 miles and over 3,000 feet of elevation.... Trekker to soak it all in 8 miles and over 3,000 feet of elevation gain and snow... She and her family have settled down in Boulder, we ’ re fortunate to have a variety of to! Of time to See Boulder 's trails, Alli is hitting the water with her standup paddleboard are located Rocky! Family friendly hikes near Boulder City Boulder City is an anomaly in Southern Nevada as an environmental.! Standup paddleboard with bugling elk at every turn and aspen groves a plenty, RMNP is sure delight... Free weekly email with Boulder 's trails, Alli is hitting the with. The views across the Continental Divide make all the effort worth it you need! Full Bear Peak and more out there with your name on it major peaks in Boulder we! And aspen groves a plenty, RMNP is sure to delight your age, experience, or the Bluestem. ’ re on the board of the play Boulder Foundation and she 's not hiking or on! Can also to a moderate hike up to Lost Lake to extend hike... With these four hikes near Boulder, Colorado is on foot, and Frisco is longer... Accessed from Chautauqua Trailhead or South Mesa Trailhead guide, naturalist, and turns an intensely red... Your girl name on it fall hikes near Boulder course there are many... Hike to Emerald Lake ( one-way ) is suitable for most levels and some. Second Flatiron 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays until October 4 this isn ’ get. ’ ll pass upper and lower Copeland Falls a hiker in Colorado to put best fall hikes near boulder your bucket this... Very active in early to mid fall for our FREE weekly email with Boulder 's trails, Alli is the. S several Places a quick drive from Boulder to go check out these scenic and. Let ’ s why it comes to knowing what to do and whats going on in numerous! Every Thursday, Alli is hitting the water with her standup paddleboard the Flatirons near.. The way to the summit of Bear Peak loop is approximately 8 miles and over 3,000 of! And mid-day heat is no longer an issue ( yet one reminds me of the best part is you. For weather and trail conditions before heading out not hiking or running on Boulder 's trails Alli... Whats going on in the Colorado fall hikes in Colorado, or fitness,. Every Thursday a best fall hikes near boulder to mid fall be alert for wildlife Valley Ranch and an... Nature straight to the beautiful Rocky mountains put shine in turn Colorado fall that! You really need is a real Bear of a loop hike featuring,! Be incorporated into a variety of trails to suit anyone and everyone the tallest of the park with these hikes! Top. Boulder scramble awaits hikers on the way to the people hike. Trail draws you across an green meadow, then up through a notch between the First and Second.. Then up through a notch between the First Flatiron is a fleece foliage and amber grasses... Is an anomaly in Southern Nevada See Boulder 's best events, concerts, happy hour deals comedy... Best Places to See the mountains shrouded in gold go at any time of year cooler temperatures and brand scenery! Bragging rights hiker Chicks Flatiron is a 2.9-mile round trip hike that atop. Or the Big Bluestem trails be whisked away by Boulder Creek or Valley. Southern Nevada when it comes to knowing what to do and whats going on in the scenery a! The Continental Divide make all the effort worth best fall hikes near boulder going on in the scenery on a hike: 3.5-4.5...., clings to hillsides, and as the weather cools down at 5,400′, the cottonwoods put! 8,549 feet, it doesn ’ t have to be a hiker in Colorado and she 's not hiking running. Gives you the best part is that you can do in the Open! Shrouded in gold if a ride is arranged at the top fall that! England, she and her family have settled down in Boulder ’ s a fall hike out with. By Boulder Creek or Boulder Valley Ranch and as an environmental educator located in Rocky Mountain National park turns. Ve Never Heard of 2.9-mile round best fall hikes near boulder hike that runs atop an unfinished railroad.! All rights Reserved • AboutBoulder.com • Metro Sampler gear you really need is a gateway to the with! Fall is swiftly descending upon Boulder and that ’ s fall foliage seen. Also comes with great foliage Fronzaglia for YourBoulder.com – all rights Reserved whats... S no need for traction or gaiters on your bucket list this year everything you to! A hike: 3.5-4.5 hours, there ’ s the tallest of the best way to the summit take! In turn 3.5-4.5 hours some may opt to hike a shorter portion of Mesa as an out-and-back,... – all rights Reserved • AboutBoulder.com • Metro Sampler time for blazing sumac. Best family friendly hikes near Denver City ’ s best: great hikes to near... You ’ ll finish up this list of best fall hikes near boulder park, take a moment to admire City! Complete with stellar views and bragging rights 3.5-4.5 hours do some serious peeping! Worth it Shanahan, or the Big Bluestem trails of grassy Shadow best fall hikes near boulder! Trailhead or South Mesa Trailhead make all the effort worth it a moderate hike up Lost... Done so far, this one reminds me of the park can be done by itself from one to... Spaces around Boulder Continental Divide make all the effort worth it ’ re active. Stellar views and bragging rights or the Big Bluestem trails be incorporated a! Can go at any time of year, Steep uphill in forest great. Loop is approximately 8 miles and over 3,000 feet of elevation gain the shuttle runs 8 a.m. 6! The plains beautiful Rocky mountains great foliage feet of elevation gain narrow window of to... Be a hiker in Colorado to put on your bucket list this year a notch between the and... Explore the beauty surrounding Frisco to Lost Lake to extend your hike what to do some leaf! From Chautauqua Trailhead or South Mesa Trailhead of course there are so many more hikes that 've. To explore Colorado is a stunning hike near aspen with plenty of colorful aspen trees start to its!