Best Colorado Hikes in September for Stunning Fall Colors

Why September is the Best Month for Hiking in Colorado

Unlike peak summer, you don’t have to deal with scorching heat or clogged parking lots. September sits right in that sweet spot. On top of that, wildlife like elk and deer become more active, adding a little extra thrill to your adventure.

Best Easy Hikes in Colorado This September

🍂 Maroon Bells Scenic Loop (Aspen)

Arguably the most photographed spot in Colorado, the Maroon Bells are a dream in September.

The short loop gives you maximum views with minimum effort.

• Trail Length & Elevation: About 1 mile round trip, minimal elevation gain.
• Family-Friendly? Yes, perfect for kids and strollers.
• Parking/Shuttle Info: Personal cars aren’t allowed most of the day — you’ll need to book a shuttle from Aspen Highlands in advance.
• Nearby Attractions: Downtown Aspen offers great dining and fall festivals in September.

Pro Tip: Arrive before sunrise. Not only will you beat the shuttle crowd, but you’ll also catch the iconic pink alpenglow lighting up the twin peaks.

🍂 Bear Lake → Dream Lake → Emerald Lake (Rocky Mountain National Park)

This trail progression is a must for anyone visiting Rocky Mountain National Park.

Starting at Bear Lake, you’ll pass through aspen groves and finally reach Emerald Lake.

The hike is short but gives you some of the park’s best scenery.

• Trail Length & Elevation: About 3.5 miles round trip with ~650 feet elevation gain.
• Family-Friendly? Yes, great for families with older kids.
• Parking/Shuttle Info: Parking fills fast; RMNP runs a free shuttle from the Park & Ride.
• Nearby Attractions: Estes Park is minutes away, with local shops, elk-watching, and breweries.

Best Moderate Hikes in Colorado in September

🌲 Crater Lake Trail (Aspen)

Starting near Maroon Bells, this 3.6-mile trail winds through dense aspen groves that explode into yellow during September.

The payoff is Crater Lake, sitting beneath peaks and surrounded by trees. It’s like walking into a postcard.

• Trail Length & Elevation: 3.6 miles round trip, ~650 feet elevation gain.
• Family-Friendly? Moderate — best for active families.
• Parking/Shuttle Info: Access is the same as Maroon Bells — shuttle reservation required.
• Nearby Attractions: Aspen’s hiking and biking trails make for great add-ons.

🌲 Mohawk Lakes Trail (Breckenridge)

Waterfalls, abandoned mining cabins, and alpine lakes — Mohawk Lakes has it all.

In September, the mix of pine forests and aspen patches makes this hike especially vibrant.

The trail climbs steadily but rewards you with layered mountain views and sparkling lakes.

• Trail Length & Elevation: 6.8 miles round trip, ~2,000 feet elevation gain.
• Family-Friendly? Not ideal for small kids, but older teens may enjoy it.
• Parking/Shuttle Info: Limited parking at the trailhead, so you need to arrive early.
• Nearby Attractions: Downtown Breckenridge is known for its fall foliage drives and alpine slides.

🌲 Chicago Lakes Trail (Mount Evans Wilderness)

This hike feels like three hikes in one — starting in a forest, passing alpine meadows, and ending near high-altitude lakes with mountain backdrops.

September adds glowing yellow aspens to the lower part of the trail, making the journey even more special.

• Trail Length & Elevation: 9.6 miles round trip, ~2,400 feet elevation gain.
• Family-Friendly? Long and demanding, best for experienced families.
• Parking/Shuttle Info: Free parking, but limited.
• Nearby Attractions: Mount Evans Scenic Byway (when open) offers breathtaking drives.

Pro Tip: Start early to enjoy a quieter trail. By midday, this one can get busy with day-trippers from Denver.

Best Challenging Hikes in Colorado for September Adventures

🏔️ Sky Pond Trail (RMNP)

A classic bucket-list hike, Sky Pond takes you past Alberta Falls, the Glass Lake, and finally to Sky Pond itself.

• Trail Length & Elevation: 9 miles round trip, ~1,750 feet elevation gain.
• Family-Friendly? Not recommended for young kids; best for seasoned hikers.
• Parking/Shuttle Info: Trailhead parking fills up early; use the RMNP shuttle if needed.
• Nearby Attractions: Estes Park is just outside RMNP with wildlife tours and local eateries.

🏔️ Blue Lakes Trail (San Juans)

Tucked away near Ridgway, this hike leads to a series of alpine lakes under Mount Sneffels. September adds vibrant colors to the lower valley, while higher up, the lakes shimmer in crystal-clear blues.

• Trail Length & Elevation: 7.6 miles round trip, ~2,400 feet elevation gain.
• Family-Friendly? Best for strong hikers, not young kids.
• Parking/Shuttle Info: Free parking, but fills early in peak season.
• Nearby Attractions: Ridgway and Telluride are nearby with great fall festivals.

🏔️ Devil’s Thumb Pass & King Lake (Indian Peaks Wilderness)

For those who love long trails, this loop offers everything: aspen valleys, alpine meadows, and high mountain passes.

• Trail Length & Elevation: 16 miles round trip, ~3,000 feet elevation gain.
• Family-Friendly? No, this is a long and demanding trek for experienced adults.
• Parking/Shuttle Info: Limited trailhead parking; carpooling recommended.
• Nearby Attractions: Nederland is the closest town, known for quirky shops and cafes.

🏔️ Mt. Elbert Trail

At 14,440 feet, Mt. Elbert is Colorado’s tallest peak. Hiking it in September means fewer thunderstorms than summer and clearer skies that stretch for miles.

• Trail Length & Elevation: 9.5 miles round trip, ~4,700 feet elevation gain.
• Family-Friendly? Not recommended for kids; altitude makes it tough even for adults.
• Parking/Shuttle Info: Trailhead has free parking but fills quickly.
• Nearby Attractions: Leadville is close by, offering history, mining tours, and cozy cafés.

Planning Your September Hiking Trip

• Best Base Towns: Aspen (for Maroon Bells & Crater Lake), Breckenridge (for Mohawk Lakes), Estes Park (for RMNP), Ouray or Ridgway (for San Juan hikes).
• Resources: AllTrails, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, and official National Park Service sites are handy for maps and updates.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re chasing reflections at Maroon Bells, exploring alpine lakes in the San Juans, or conquering Mt. Elbert, the state transforms into a living masterpiece this month.