13 Best Colorado Hikes to Conquer in Late August & September

Here’s a curated guide to the best hiking spots in Colorado, complete with camping, lodging, nearby attractions, and insider tips.

Easy Colorado Hikes for Late Summer & Early Fall

1. Flatirons (Boulder)

The Flatirons are Boulder’s iconic sandstone slabs, instantly recognizable even from a distance.

The hike is short but incredibly rewarding, giving you sweeping views of Boulder Valley and the plains beyond.

In late August and September, the weather here is ideal — not too hot, not too cold — making it a favorite for beginners and casual hikers.

Hiking Fees: Free to hike. Parking at Chautauqua Park costs $5.

Nearby Attractions: Pearl Street Mall, Flagstaff Mountain, NCAR, Boulder Creek Path.

Camping & Lodging: While camping in the immediate Flatirons area is limited, nearby options like Peaceful Valley Campground and Gordon Gulch Dispersed Camping Area are available.

Lodging options include Colorado Chautauqua for a cozy lodge experience and Basecamp Boulder for a modern touch.

2. Hanging Lake

One of Colorado’s most famous hikes, Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs is a gem you can’t miss. The trail is steep but short, leading you to a crystal-clear turquoise lake fed by cascading waterfalls.

By September, the surrounding vegetation starts to show hints of fall colors, making the scene even more magical.

Hiking Fees: $12 per person; reservations required. Shuttle fees may apply during peak times.

Nearby Attractions: Glenwood Springs hot springs, rafting adventures, White River National Forest.

Camping & Lodging: Overnight camping isn’t permitted along the trail, but nearby Glenwood Springs offers options like Hanging Lake Inn and Glenwood Canyon Resort.

Insider Tip: Book your trail reservation well in advance—this spot fills up quickly during summer weekends.

Moderate Colorado Trails Worth the Trek

Rocky Mountain National Park

No Colorado hiking list is complete without Rocky Mountain National Park.

With over 350 miles of trails, this park is bursting with late-summer wildflowers, alpine lakes, and wildlife sightings.

By September, elk begin their rutting season — a unique experience you can witness while hiking.

Hiking Fees: Entrance passes from $15/day to $70/year. Timed entry permits ($2) may apply in peak season.

Nearby Attractions: Estes Park, Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake Trailhead, Longs Peak Trailhead.

Camping & Lodging: Moraine Park, Longs Peak, and Aspenglen Campgrounds. Backcountry camping requires permits. Lodging ranges from riverside cabins to rustic lodges like The Inn on Fall River.

Insider Tip: Watch for wildlife early in the morning or at dusk. Elk, deer, and even moose are common sightings.

4. Maroon Bells

Arguably the most photographed mountains in North America, the Maroon Bells near Aspen are breathtaking in late August and early September.

Hike the trails around Maroon Lake for incredible views of the twin peaks reflecting in the water.

The changing aspen groves around this area add another layer of beauty.

Hiking Fees: $10 parking reservation; shuttle bus $16 roundtrip. Overnight wilderness camping permits: $16/night.

Nearby Attractions: Aspen, Conundrum Hot Springs, Independence Pass.

Camping & Lodging: Silver Queen, Silver Bell, and Silver Bar Campgrounds. Luxury stays and condos in Snowmass Village provide comfort after long hikes.

Insider Tip: Sunset at Maroon Lake is magical, but trails are crowded. Try a sunrise hike for a peaceful experience.

5. Indian Peaks Wilderness

If you want a quieter alternative to Rocky Mountain National Park, head to Indian Peaks Wilderness.

The trails here take you past alpine lakes, flower-filled meadows, and jagged peaks.

Late summer and early fall bring cool, crisp air that makes longer hikes here much more enjoyable.

Hiking Fees: Free entry; overnight backcountry permits $5.

Nearby Attractions: Nederland, Carousel of Happiness, Eldora Mountain Resort.

Camping & Lodging: Pawnee Campground and Arapaho Bay Roaring Fork Campground offer rustic camping. Lodging options include Sundance Lodge and Indian Peaks Lodge.

6. Conundrum Hot Springs Trail

This trail is an adventure and reward rolled into one.

After a long but moderate hike through Aspen forests and meadows, you’ll arrive at natural hot springs sitting at over 11,000 feet.

Hiking Fees: Free trail access; overnight permits $10–$12 per person.

Nearby Attractions: Aspen, Independence Pass, Ashcroft Ghost Town.

Camping & Lodging: Conundrum Hot Springs Campground; Aspen offers luxury hotels like The St. Regis and Hotel Durant.

Insider Tip: Bring a bear canister for overnight stays; human waste bags are highly recommended.

7. Crested Butte Wildflower Trails

Known as the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” Crested Butte still holds on to its beauty even as summer fades. Late August hikes here give you a mix of colorful blooms, while September brings changing aspens that light up the valleys.

Hiking Fees: Free for most trails; guided hikes have additional costs.

Nearby Attractions: Town of Crested Butte, Gunnison National Forest, Taylor Park Reservoir.

Camping & Lodging: Mt. Crested Butte Campground, Campfire Ranch on the Taylor; Westwall Lodge and Purple Mountain B&B for stays.

8. Blue Lakes Trail

Tucked in the San Juan Mountains, the Blue Lakes Trail lives up to its name with vivid alpine lakes framed by towering peaks. By early September, the trail is alive with autumn colors, making it one of the most scenic hikes in the state.

Hiking Fees: Free; some areas may require annual county permits ($10–$130).

Nearby Attractions: Breckenridge, Quandary Peak, McCullough Gulch.

Camping & Lodging: Blue Lakes Campground; condos in Breckenridge like Trails End offer convenient lodging.

Insider Tip: Perfect for a summer day hike. Carry bug spray for areas near the lakes.

Challenging Colorado Hikes for the Adventurous

9. Mount Elbert

As the highest peak in Colorado (14,440 feet), Mount Elbert is a bucket-list climb. The trail is long and demanding, but the payoff is unbeatable. Late August and September offer the most stable conditions for summiting.

Hiking Fees: Free; backcountry permits apply for dispersed camping.

Nearby Attractions: Leadville, Twin Lakes, Ski Cooper.

Camping & Lodging: Elbert Creek Campground, Twin Peaks Campground ($23/night). Lodging options include Winmar Cabins, The Trout Retreat, and Tiny House Leadville.

Insider Tip: Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.

10. Longs Peak

Longs Peak is one of the most famous “fourteeners” in Colorado and one of the most challenging. Hikers attempting this in late summer or early fall get fewer storms and clearer skies, making it slightly safer than earlier months.

Hiking Fees: Park entrance fees apply.

Nearby Attractions: Estes Park, Bear Lake, Mehrauli Archeological Park.

Camping & Lodging: Longs Peak Campground (26 sites), backcountry permits required. Lodging includes The Inn on Fall River and River Spruce Cabins.

11. Ice Lakes Basin

It is famous for its turquoise lakes and dramatic peaks, Ice Lakes Basin is often considered a photographer’s dream.

Hiking Fees: Free; no permit required.

Nearby Attractions: Silverton, San Juan Mountains, Million Dollar Highway.

Camping & Lodging: South Mineral Campground; Silverton Lodge offers lodging nearby.

12. Four Pass Loop

Considered one of Colorado’s most epic multi-day hikes, the Four Pass Loop near Aspen takes you across four high mountain passes. Late August is the best time, as snow is gone and the trails are fully open.

Hiking Fees: Backcountry permits $16/night + $6 processing fee.

Nearby Attractions: Aspen, Maroon Bells, Snowmass Village.

Camping & Lodging: Permits required for designated backcountry camping zones. Lodging in Aspen or Snowmass before and after the hike is ideal.

13. San Juan Mountains

This range in southwest Colorado is a playground for experienced hikers.

The rugged trails, dramatic peaks, and endless wilderness make it a favorite for those seeking real adventure.

September is prime time here, as the aspens blaze with color, making the hikes even more unforgettable.

Hiking Fees: Generally free; some backcountry permits may apply.

Nearby Attractions: Durango, Telluride, Mesa Verde National Park, Million Dollar Highway.

Camping & Lodging: North Canyon and Middle Mountain Campgrounds; Mountain Lodge Telluride and Silverton Lodge for stays.

Conclusion

Colorado in late August and September is the kind of place that sticks with you long after you leave.

Whether you want an easy stroll to a lake, a moderate hike through golden aspens, or a demanding climb to a 14,000-foot summit, the state delivers it all in these months.