The Beauty of Fall in Colorado

As the leaves change, Colorado transforms into a vibrant canvas of reds, oranges, and yellows. It's a magical time to explore the outdoors! Whether you're hiking with your furry friend or simply enjoying the scenery, the fall season offers countless opportunities for adventure.

1. Abyss Trail

You don't need to do this entire hike to find pretty views; just head out and explore the Aspens along the route! This is one of my favorites because the variety of views is diverse. You can see a flowing river, a wide expansive field, and a forest of Aspens!

2. Kenosha Pass

This is the most popular place for fall foliage near Denver. Close to here, you can pull off on the side of the road and fly your drone for some nice shots. Otherwise, from the parking lots, there's plenty of space. You can walk up to the Aspens directly from the parking lot, which is nice. There are always crowds here, though, so aim for a weekday!

3. Raccoon Trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park

This is a classic, must-do trail in the fall! It's perfect for an afternoon hike after work since it's close to Denver and Boulder! Dogs are allowed, and it's a stunning spot to capture those amazing fall Aspen shots. The drive is so scenic leading up to the trailhead.

4. St Mary's Glacier

This one is less on the radar for other people since it's usually very popular in the summertime. I like the views off the side of the road leading up to this hike. That's where I captured the beautiful one of my pup! The colors are easily accessible and still nice from the glacier, too. The parking fees have increased since I lived in Denver, so it's hard to still recommend this spot with how expensive it is now (it's like $20 parking).

5. Loveland Pass Lake

I often write about this place in my blog because it's one of my favorite parts of Colorado. I love how close it is to Denver, how easy it is to access, and the wide-open views. The fall is a gorgeous time to stop by here, not for Aspens, but just for a range of colors and mountain views.

6. Denver City Parks

If you want to see fall foliage in Denver, then check out the many city parks! I love Sloan's Lake for some nice colors. I also did a little photoshoot and drone shoot below from Inspiration Point Park in the city. It's a cool little place that usually doesn't attract many other people!

Other Places Not Near Denver

If you are willing to drive, you should make your way to Silverton. This is where you'll get the dramatic contrast of snow and fall that you see on social media a lot. I like Last Dollar Road for the easy access and views. The Million Dollar Highway is also a scenic place to enjoy the colors. I also like some of the colors by the Twin Lakes area. Vail ski resorts (Beaver Creek below) is also great! I had a trip planned there that year, but a snowstorm came a few days before and blew all the Aspens away, so it was pretty bare. But that's Colorado for ya! It's still much less expensive in the shoulder seasons, and we did some ATVing.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide inspires you to explore the stunning fall foliage in Colorado! There’s nothing quite like the experience of hiking with your dog, surrounded by the vibrant colors of autumn. Remember to pack your camera and capture those beautiful moments! Happy adventuring!