Rocky Mountain National Park gets most of the attention every fall, and the timed-entry lines and full parking lots show it. But some of the best fall hikes in Northern Colorado are a short drive from Fort Collins, Loveland and Estes Park, and they see a fraction of the traffic.
Here are five spots worth a morning or afternoon this season, from an easy lakeside stroll to a high-country loop through the aspens.
1. Hermit Park Open Space, Estes Park
Hermit Park sits about two miles southeast of Estes Park off Highway 36, so you get the mountain scenery without the national park reservation. The 1,362-acre open space covers ponderosa forest, open meadows and granite outcrops between roughly 7,900 and 9,000 feet.
The Kruger Rock Trail is the standout. It climbs through the pines to a rocky summit with views of Longs Peak and the Estes Valley. If you'd rather keep it easy, the meadow picnic areas make a good stop for a family lunch.
Why go in fall: cool, clear days, quiet trails and long views across the valley.
Good to know: Larimer County entrance permit required. Hermit Park closes for winter in mid-December and reopens March 1.
2. Ramsay-Shockey Open Space, Pinewood Reservoir near Loveland
Southwest of Loveland, Ramsay-Shockey Open Space wraps around the hills above Pinewood Reservoir. It's one of the better hikes near Loveland if you want pine forest and reservoir views without a long drive.
About four miles of natural-surface trail wind through ponderosa pines and open meadows with views over the valley. For a shorter outing, a quarter-mile wheelchair-accessible boardwalk starts at the Blue Mountain Trailhead at Pinewood Reservoir.
Why go in fall: comfortable hiking temperatures and quiet water views.
Good to know: Larimer County entrance permit required.
3. Watson Lake State Wildlife Area, Bellvue
Photo: Katie Walters, USGS
Watson Lake is a small lake just west of Laporte, about 15 minutes from Fort Collins. Sandstone ridges frame the water, and the cottonwoods along the Poudre River turn bright yellow in October, which makes it one of the easiest places to see fall colors near Fort Collins.
Bring a camera or a fishing rod. You can also pick up the Pleasant Valley Trail nearby, which follows the Cache la Poudre River.
Why go in fall: golden cottonwoods, calm water and red rock in one stop.
Good to know: visitors 16 and older need a valid Colorado hunting or fishing license or a State Wildlife Area pass. Open from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Dogs must be leashed.
4. Caribou Ranch Open Space, Nederland
Caribou Ranch is a longer drive, west of Boulder near Nederland, but it's worth it for classic Colorado aspen groves. The 2,151-acre property sits between 8,300 and 10,000 feet in the shadow of the Continental Divide, with meadows, wetlands, a creek and old mining and ranching buildings along the way.
Pair the easy DeLonde Trail with the Blue Bird Loop for a hike of about four and a half miles with little elevation gain.
Why go in fall: aspen color at its best, usually mid to late September, against dark evergreens. By late October the leaves are mostly down, but the meadows and history still make a good trip.
Good to know: no dogs or bikes. Closed every year from April 1 through June 30 for wildlife.
5. Lory State Park, Bellvue
Lory State Park is no secret to Fort Collins hikers, but its quieter trails are easy to overlook. The park sits next to Horsetooth Reservoir and has about 28 miles of trails, from flat valley walks to steep climbs.
For an easy outing, try the South Valley Trail. For a workout, Arthur's Rock rewards the climb with views of Horsetooth Reservoir and the plains.
Why go in fall: red sandstone, golden grasses and blue skies, and cooler temperatures for the climb.
Good to know: Colorado State Parks pass required, daily or annual.
Plan Your Fall Hike
Fall color depends on elevation and weather. High-country aspens usually peak in mid to late September, while cottonwoods along the rivers hold their color into October. Late-season snow can close higher trails, so check conditions before you go, dress in layers and pack out what you bring in.
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Visitor information: Hermit Park Open Space · Ramsay-Shockey Open Space · Watson Lake SWA · Caribou Ranch Open Space · Lory State Park