The Ultimate Cheat Sheet on Colorado’s Fall Hot Spots
Top 10 Colorado Fall Destinations
Hiker’s Fall Guide To Colorado
Not many people enjoy watching summer fade away, but when the leaves change color, there’s a whole new reason to welcome the changing seasons. Here’s a few of the must-see locations Colorado has to offer:
Rainbow Gulch
This 2.6 mile trail guides you along a stream leading to Rampart Reservoir, home to some of the most beautiful aspen groves. The Trailhead, located off Rampart Range Road, is roughly a 45 minute drive from downtown Colorado Springs so pack yourself some snacks.
Catamount Reservoir
This trail starts off in Green Mountain Falls and leads through the Garden of Eden with aspens to spare. It’s well worth the 25 minute drive from downtown Colorado Springs to end up in the serenity of Catamount Reservoir.
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
The 1.8 mile Soaring Kestral Trail is known for an abundance of colors and gorgeous views of the valley. If you’re planning on taking on this hike, know that the daily admission to the park is $7 per vehicle and dogs are not allowed.
Gold Belt Scenic Byway
If you’re looking for more landmarks to snap a couple pics of on the journey, this is the way to go. This 131 mile journey takes approx. 5 hours to drive and is about an hour drive from downtown Colorado Springs but the journey takes you along the sites of former gold camps and provides wonderful views of Pikes Peak, Royal Gorge, and Phanton Canyon.
Mueller State Park
Grab a map from the visitor center and begin exploring the 55 miles of trails and over 5,000 acres of scenery this park has to offer. The meadows and forests are well worth the 45 minute drive from downtown Colorado Springs and $7 per vehicle entry fee.
Shootin’ Star Trail at Florissant fossil Beds National Monument
Over a stream and through the meadow, to Ponderosa Pine Forest we go. This 1.6 mile trail was named after a historic ranch and is a 50 minute drive from downtown Colorado Springs and is only $5 for any hikers 16 or older.
Dome Rock State Wildlife Area
50 minutes away from downtown Colorado Springs is a whopping 10.5 mile loop with sites to see for anyone down for a challenge. The main attraction is the giant granite dome rock, after which the area was named, but canyons, meadows, beaver dams, and aspen groves are also featured.
The Crags
Before taking this trail on, pay attention to the signs because another trail along Devil’s Playground to Pikes Peak branches off the Crags trail. Aside from that this 4 mile trail, an hour away from downtown Colorado Springs, holds a lovely view of Pikes Peak as well as all the wonderful colors the leaves have to offer.
Seven Bridges
This trail is roughly 1.5 miles each way through beautiful forests and continues on .4 miles to Jones Park with all the aspens imaginable. Only a 25 minute drive from downtown Colorado Springs this is the perfect anytime hike.
