Everybody loves fall, whether they’re the most excited about the scary movies, chilly nights, pumpkins, or the start to the school year. Through it all, the bright red, yellow, and orange leaves always produce smiling faces and immaculate vibes. Living in Boulder, Colorado it would be a crime not to utilize the overwhelming amount of gorgeous hikes right at our fingertips. Here is a list of 10 hikes near Boulder that are known for their (especially) amazing fall views.
10. Hessie Trailhead
Hessie Trailhead is in Eldora, CO. The trail opens up to beautiful views of Aspen trees, which are the most beautiful this time of the year. For students, there are shuttles running from Nederland High School to the Hessie Trailhead every fifteen minutes until 6:00 p.m.! However, this free service has ended for the season as of last weekend. The hike is about four miles long and is only moderately difficult.
This trail is completely covered in Aspen trees and is bright yellow right now. It’s located in Nederland, CO and is 7.2 miles long. The trail is moderately difficult, so it’s the perfect place to go for a day-long hike.
Forest Lakes is a 6.5-mile out-and-back hike along, well, forest lakes. Although there aren’t too many aspens there, plenty of trees are still changing colors. However, this trail is rated difficult, so make sure you’re prepared for a workout.
7. East Portal Trailhead: Wind River and Glacier Basin Route
This 5.5-mile loop trail is a nice chill way to spend a fall day. The trail is moderate and has many flowers and has plenty of deciduous trees. It’s located in the Rocky Mountain National Park, so make sure you have the necessary reservations.
6. Gregory Canyon, Range View and Flagstaff Trail Loop
Gregory Canyon, Range View and Flagstaff Trail Loop is a moderate 3.5-mile hike and opens up to beautiful views of the snow capped mountains and the yellow trees. The trail is also dog-friendly. This is a very popular trail, so it may be crowded.
This park and trail are the perfect place to go to have a picnic with your friends. It’s a very flat trail with small ponds scattered throughout that, at this time of the year, will reflect the yellow and orange fall foliage. You can even bring your puppy (as long as they’re on a leash)!
4. Long Canyon
Long Canyon is a short hike with some mild elevation gain. The good news is it’s so tucked away that there are rarely many people on it. At the top of the hike, you get a view of all of Boulder, including all of its beautiful fall trees.
3. Towhee and Homestead Trails
The coolest thing about this loop trail is that it is absolutely covered in sumacs. In October, sumacs turn flaming red, so it really is a sight to see. Plus, the trail is only 3 miles and pretty flat.
When hiking this 4-mile out-and-back trail, it’s going to feel like all of Colorado is underneath your feet. The view is astonishing with mountains as far as the eyes can see. Even better, during this time of the year those mountains will be bright yellow.
Walker Ranch is an eight mile long moderate trail that runs through the valleys of mountains west of Boulder through Flagstaff. In the fall, you’ll find yourself walking through yellowing trees, and next to the river that runs along the trail. Dogs are also welcomed on the trail!
Most of these trials are only moderately difficult, but offer amazing views both of Boulder and the fall foliage. Whether you spend the day sitting at the entrance to a trail hanging out with your friends, or you want to go on an all day intense hike, don’t miss out on the colorful fall leaves. After all, in just a couple weeks everything will be frozen over and you will much prefer to curl up in seventeen blankets with a mug of hot tea.