6 fall color hikes within an hour of Denver

DENVER ( KDVR ) — While Colorado is known for its hiking no matter the season, fall offers new sights and dazzling displays that can only be found once a year.

While “ rushing for gold ” can be fun, it can also be stressful if you’re unsure where to go. Those who have experienced Colorado’s fall color season know parking can be one of the hardest aspects. Parking anywhere in Colorado’s state or national parks that aren’t designated for that can destroy vegetation, ignite wildfire and block emergency vehicles. It could also lead to a ticket.

There are a few main attractions for “leaf-peeping” across Colorado, although perhaps the most well-known are aspen trees, which have bright yellow leaves. Scrub oak adds rust-colored texture to the state’s tapestry, and Colorado’s cottonwood trees, which are in the same genus as aspens, also shine during the fall.

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Here are six trails within an hour of Denver that offer some of the state’s brightest colors.

Castlewood Canyon Falls Trail

This 1.1-mile loop trail near Franktown is rated “easy” on AllTrails and offers views of Cherry Creek as it cuts through Castlewood Canyon. The area is part of the state parks system and is in Colorado’s Black Forest region.

Castlewood Canyon’s unique rock formations have been studied by geologists , who learned that the formations are held together by “a rind of opal and chalcedony,” which is often called agate. With an abundance of wildlife, unique geology and a range of natural flora throughout the park, it’s a great place to enjoy Colorado’s leaf season.

Silver Dollar Lake and Murray Lake Trail

Are you hoping to see an alpine lake alongside your leaf-peeping adventure? The Silver Dollar Lake and Murray Lake Trail near Guanella Pass is a moderately challenging out-and-back trail that’s popular for birding, fishing and backpacking.

Both of the lakes on this trail are above tree line, offering views from above of Colorado’s quaking aspens among the Rocky Mountain peaks and valleys, which are often the main attraction for leaf-seeking visitors.

Barr Lake Loop Trail

Perhaps mountains aren’t in your plans for the fall — or at least avoiding Interstate 70 and the associated traffic — and Barr Lake State Park in Brighton offers that relief, along with majestic views of the Rocky Mountains, brightly colored cottonwood leaves and a plethora of bird species .

The park’s main trail is the Lake Loop or Lake Perimeter trail, which is a 9-mile trail surrounding Barr Lake. The trail is mostly flat, and the park has a track chair program for visitors with disabilities.

Fountain Valley Trail

Among Colorado’s foothills are several unique rock formations, and Roxborough State Park is home to some of the most dramatic red rock formations near Denver. With species of Gambel oak, Rocky Mountain Maple, box elder, dogwood, cottonwood, peachleaf willow and more, the park is awash with colors and textures during the fall season .

The Fountain Valley Trail is located close to the visitor center and is about 2.5 miles long with minimal ADA accessibility.

McClintock Trail to Enchanted Mesa

Head to Boulder’s famous Flatirons for a popular trail with cottonwoods, willows and bushes lining the path. The 1.6-mile loop trail connects to a network of trails in the area, so you can make the adventure longer or shorter as you wish.

Also in the area is Eldorado Canyon State Park , which is a very popular park that has vehicle reservations on weekends and holidays through Sept. 15. The park’s river-dug canyon has leaf-viewing opportunities throughout. While approaching both of these hiking areas, you’ll pass hillsides covered with sumac, which will appear as a deep red during Fall.

Snowshoe Hare Trail

Golden Gate Canyon is notably among the most popular state parks near Denver for leaf peeping — even the name alludes to the park’s gold-lined roadways and trails as the aspens produce their annual show.

The Snowshoe Hare Trail stops by “Dude’s Fishing Hole” as well as historical buildings that have been marked with signage. The trail also offers views from overlooks and mountain prairies. Parking fills up fast, and roadways are often snarled with traffic, so an early start might be needed to be able to snag a parking space and hike.

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