Get your hikes in before the snow.
The leaves are changing, and winter will be here before we know it. But before we're stuck watching the latest TV series, or fighting traffic to get to the slopes, there's a least one activity we all should check off our list: a fall hike. Fall in Colorado is among the most breathtaking seasonal changes in the world, and you don't have to go far to witness it. Here are three fall hikes that aren't the Maroon Bells.
Devil's Head
Devil's Head is always a fun one, especially in the fall. As you may or may not know, there is a U.S. Forest Service fire watchtower, which you can climb and take in all of the surrounding views. Sadly, the tower is undergoing some maintenance and is not open, but it's still a great hike!
Trail Name: Devil's Head Lookout Trail
Length: 2.5 miles, out and back
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Elevation Gain: 885 feet
Notes: September 2019 – Tower is closed for maintenance
Kenosha Pass
The trails around Kenosha Pass are crowded, and rightfully so, as they're littered with aspens. The trail network around there is part of the Colorado Trail system, which spans 486 miles so you're welcome to go as deep as you'd like.
Trail Name: Kenosha Pass North
Length: 7 miles, out and back
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,089 feet
Notes: Heavily trafficked trail; going on a weekday is recommended
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Located north of Black Hawk, Golden Gate Canyon is just over an hour from Denver and offers 42 miles of hiking trails. We recommend the Raccoon Trail Loop (moderate difficulty) for breaking-in shoes and sweeping views!
Trail Name: Raccoon Trail
Length: 4 miles, loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 754 feet
Notes: $8 entrance fee
*Bonus Hike: Wilderness on Wheels*
Have family or friends that use a wheelchair and love the great outdoors? See if they'd be interested in taking a roll at Wilderness on Wheels—a 1-mile long, 8-foot wide, boardwalk that follows a stream through the mountains and gently climbs to 9,000 feet as it makes its way through the forest.
Trail Name: Wilderness on Wheels
Lengthy: 1-mile, out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Unknown
Notes: For more information, visit their website, or donate at coloradogives.org.
What are your thoughts? Please let us know in the comments below if there are any fall hikes that we missed on our list.
