Best Hikes for Fall Leaf Peepers

Cool temps, changing leaves, and empty trails make for some of the best fall hiking in Snowmass

While summer is magical in its own right, there is something special about fall hiking in Snowmass. The majority of summer travelers have headed home or back to school, the sun is still strong with a cooler breeze, and the trails are as empty as you can imagine. In our humble opinion, September and October offer some of the best hiking conditions of the year.

About an hour, views from above: Rim Trail

Starting at the Divide Road trailhead, take Rim Trail South 1.3 miles up to Spiral Point (also called the Yin Yang) with views of Snowmass, Mt. Daly, Capitol Peak, and Ziegler Reservoir. This Snowmass staple hike offers a viewing platform with some of the best bird's eye views of the Village drenched in gold. Looking to opt in for a longer hike? Follow the trail north all the way to Town Park Station along Rim Trail North.

Pro tip: pack a light picnic to enjoy at the top of Spiral Point!

A short, local favorite is Ditch Trail

Starting from the parking lot at the end of Upper Divide Road, enjoy this mostly flat hike that includes a viewpoint of Mt. Daly and the entire Snowmass Creek area below. In the fall, the valley is decorated in pops of gold among the conifer tree forest. If you're looking for a slightly longer hike, you can start your day on the 0.85-mile long Nature Trail. The trailhead starts at the end of Lot #4 of the Snowmass Mall's numbered lots, and gradually climbs through aspen trees until it intersects with Sleigh Ride Rd. Continue up Sleigh Ride Rd. to reach the Upper Divide parking lot, and you can continue on to Ditch Trail!

A couple of hours with more elevation gain: Vista Trail, Tom Blake, and Cozyline

Vista Trail starts in Base Village and meanders beside downhill bike trails amongst golden aspen groves. This trail travels upward through aspen groves and wide-open meadows until you reach the top of the Elk Camp Gondola. Here, you can stop in for a quick bite or a drink and take a scenic ride back down. Additional popular trails like Tom Blake and Cozyline offer hikers AND bikers trails through bright orange-red brush and golden aspen groves.

A full day: Cathedral Lake

Hit the high country on a hike to Cathedral Lake in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. It’s a three-hour hike for fast hikers and up to five for amblers, but there’s no reason to hike fast when the scenery is so amazing with flakes of gold falling all around you. You’ll start among the towering aspens, and top out at a blue-green mountain lake surrounded by incredible peaks. Go early, bring plenty of water and snacks, and a camera. Start in good shape, and you’ll finish in good spirits.

A weekend for an overnight trip: Snowmass Lake

This trail isn’t an easy hike but is a worthy overnighter for those who come prepared (dress warm!). The lake is one of the largest in the Maroon-Bells Snowmass wilderness, and there are several great camping spots right beside the lake. At 17 miles round-trip — especially under the overnight gear you’ll be toting — it’s a serious hiking achievement, and one worthy of a polar plunge in the lake when you arrive.

A reminder to all of our Snowmass Bike Park riders, the park and Elk Camp Gondola are accessible Friday-Sunday from 10am-5pm in September. Get your last laps in before the mountain is covered in snow!