With flourishing fall foliage, beautiful aspen groves, multi-colored leaves and snowcapped mountains, there’s no shortage of family-friendly fall hikes in Colorado. The state parks, like the Rocky Mountain National Park, offer some of the best fall hikes in Colorado.
But since variety is the spice of life, we’ve rounded up trails of varying lengths in different parts of the state so you can enjoy the best views and scenery that Colorado has to offer during this time of year. Grab your hiking packs and get ready to explore these 12 family-friendly hiking trails in Colorado.
1. Kenosha Pass to FR 130
- Average time: 4 hours
- Hike distance: 6.8 miles
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Location: Jefferson, CO (Pike National Forest)
There are a number of trails to choose from at Kenosha Pass, but regardless of the route you choose, you’re in for beautiful, scenic views of aspen groves, wildflowers, mountain ranges and wildlife.
If you’ve got your little ones in tow, we recommend the Kenosha Pass to FR 130 trail. It’s 6.8-miles round trip, but you can adjust the length of your hike for smaller kids or less experienced hikers. Thanks to the thousands of aspen trees surrounding the trails, Kenosha Pass is one of the best hikes to see the golden aspens and fall colors in Colorado.
Know before you go: If you’re going on the weekend, make sure to get there early to snag a parking spot. This hike can be pretty touristy so the trails may be crowded.
2. Perkins Central Garden Loop - Garden of the Gods
- Average time: 30 mins - 1 hour
- Hike distance: 1.1 miles
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Location: Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, CO
The Perkins Central Garden hike is an easy, relatively flat, 1.5-mile loop. This is the perfect route to enjoy fall colors with your family, and you can even bring a stroller since the path is mainly flat and paved.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery, flora and striking landscape as you take in the views on this family-friendly Colorado hike.
Know before you go: This is a very popular spot so be on the lookout for other hikers/visitors. Feel free to bring your four-legged friends as long as they are leashed!
3. Lost Lake
- Average time: 2.5 hours
- Hike distance: 4 miles
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Location: Nederland, CO
Mountains surround this family-friendly Colorado hike. The 4-mile round-trip trail offers views of an alpine lake and Middle Boulder Creek. Lost Lake is one of Colorado's best hikes to see fall colors.
Know before you go: Although this is a family-friendly hike, there is some elevation gain, so be prepared if you’re hiking with little ones.
4. Mt. Falcon Park - Castle, Meadow and Tower Trails
- Average time: 1.5 hours
- Hike distance: 2.4 miles
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Location: Morrison, CO
Mt. Falcon Park near Morrison, CO has a number of trails for you and your family to explore. One of our favorite routes in the park is the Castle, Meadow and Tower Trail, a 2.4-mile easy hike. The trail is mostly open, so you will enjoy a nice breeze along the way.
Know before you go: While there are no Aspens or leaves on this hike, there are amazing views of Red Rocks Amphitheater. This trail head is super close to the town of Morrison too. We recommend stopping at The Cow An Eatery for a milkshake and fries after with the kiddos.
5. Lair o Bear Park - Bear Creek Trail
- Average time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Hike distance: 1.6 miles
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Location: Jefferson County, CO
Enjoy a family fun day at Lair O Bear Park in Jefferson County, CO. The Bear Creek Trail is flat and kid-friendly. Enjoy the refreshing sights and sounds of water. You can experience the changing colors and fall foliage if you go during the fall season.
Know before you go: If you’re little ones like to fish there is an option on the trail to do so.
6. Ceran St. Vrain
- Average time: 2 hours
- Hike distance: 3.9 miles
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Location: Jamestown, Colorado
At 3.9 miles, this is one of the longer trails in our list of the best fall hikes in Colorado, but you can always do part of the trail if you’re hiking with little ones or less-experienced trekkers. Thanks to the tree-lined spots along the way, this is one of the best hikes to see the leaves change in Colorado.
Know before you go: This is a somewhat, heavily-trafficked route. Be on the lookout for other hikers, mountain bikers and even horses!
7. Guannella Pass - Silver Dollar Lake
- Average time: 2 hours
- Hike distance: 3.3 miles
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Location: Arapaho National Forest - Silver Plume, Colorado
There are several trails to choose from in Guannella Pass, but the Silver Dollar Lake trail is one of the best fall hikes and a great place to see golden aspens and leaves changing colors. This 3.3-mile trail takes you to an alpine lake where you can enjoy a snack and stunning views.
Know before you go: This area is subject to seasonal closures due to weather. Make sure to check the conditions and closure notices ahead of time.
8. Aspen Alley
- Average time: 1 hour 6 minutes
- Hike distance: 2.5 miles
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Location: Nederlands, CO
We had to include Aspen Alley on our list of the best fall hiking in Colorado because this is a relatively easy trail with ample shade that’s perfect for family members of all ages. Take in the views of the wildflowers and mountain views on this 2.5-mile trail.
Know before you go: This is a popular spot for mountain bikers so be on the lookout and know when to step to the side.
9. Bear Lake - Rocky Mountain National Park
- Average time: 30 minutes
- Hike distance: 0.7 miles
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: No
- Location: Estes Park, Colorado
If you’re looking for breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, this family-friendly hike is for you. Just under one mile, you only have to hike a short distance to take in the sights and see the mountains and trees reflect off the clear lake water.
Know before you go: This area can get crowded, and there is a fee to enter the park or you can purchase a pass.
10. Potato Lake Via Spud Trail
- Average time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Hike distance: 3.1 miles
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Location: Silverton, CO
Bring the kids to Potato Lake to enjoy one of the best fall hikes in Colorado. This 3.1-mile out-and-back trail takes you around the lake and you’ll be able to admire the aspen trees along the route.
Know before you go: The road to the trailhead can be a little rough, so either find a parking lot or other parking nearby or ensure your vehicle is equipped for the dirt road and rough terrain.
11. Interlaken Trail
- Average time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Hike distance: 4.6 miles
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Location: Twin Lakes, CO
Several trees along this route make the Interlaken Trail an ideal destination for watching the leaves change colors in early October. Through openings in the trees, you can see the lake and Mt. Elbert. If you do the full hike, you’ll see the restored Interlaken Hotel, formerly a popular resort in the mountains.
Know before you go: Past visitors have noted that Google Maps directions may be inaccurate. Search for Interlaken Trailhead to find the correct route.
12. Caves to Point Lookout in Crested Butte
- Average time: 4 hours 57 minutes
- Hike distance: 8 miles
- Difficulty level: Hard
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Location: Gunnison National Forest, near Crested Butte, CO
This is one of the longer hikes on our list, and the trail has some uphill spots, so you may not want to cover the entire distance. But, even if you only do a portion of this hike, you won’t regret it.
Much of this hike is through aspen forests and includes vast expanses where you can see the rolling hills and Colorado fall colors. Enjoy the aspen-covered hillsides and the views of the mountains in the distance.
Know before you go: The entire trail is seven miles long so plan your route before you go and pick a halfway point to turn around if you want to do a shorter hike.
Whether you’re a Denver resident or planning a family vacation to enjoy scenic drives, Colorado fall colors or leaf peeping, there’s something for everyone on the trails. Explore these recommendations and enjoy a day hike with your family.
Happy trails!
