The morning air has a crisp chill and the sun is setting earlier each evening – autumn has officially come to Colorado. Luckily, when you live at The Canyons, you’ll always be in nature, and Castle Pines is close to many hikes featuring fall foliage, so you don’t have to travel far to take in the breathtaking yellows, oranges, and reds of the landscape.
Fall Foliage in Colorado
The best time to see the changing leaves in Colorado is from mid-September to mid-October, which is also a beautiful time of year to be outside. It’s always an adventure to hike Aspen, Crested Butte, or Maroon Bells, but you’ll find plenty of trails close to home, so you can spend more time in nature and less time in traffic on I-70. We recommend getting out there early to avoid the crowds!
Caribou Ranch Loop
If you’re in the mood for a gentle hike to take in the golden aspens, look no further than Caribou Ranch, located near Nederland. This picturesque hike takes you through quiet forests and sprawling meadows – all near a ranch once used for silver mining, Arabian horse breeding, and music recording. Rod Stewart, Elton John, and Chicago are just a few of the famous musicians who stopped by. We suggest grabbing a pre-hike coffee or post-hike treat at the Train Cars Coffee and Yogurt Company for a truly unique experience.
North Twin Cone Peak
This moderate hike in Kenosha Pass has a huge payoff: The North Twin Cone Peak trail leads you through one of the state’s largest white-barked aspen groves, then ends in a serene summit with panoramic views of the Front Range. It’s also much less crowded than most other nearby trails. The 6-mile loop is an easy-to-follow hike with the very best of vibrant fall leaves. Feel free to bring your pup along, but be aware that dogs are allowed off leash, so you may meet a few new furry friends along the way.
Kenosha Pass
This easy trail takes you through one of the most accessible parts of the Colorado Trail and is only around an hour from Denver. Aspen groves abound on Kenosha Pass, with changing leaves surrounding the area. The trail also has an incredible view of South Park and towering peaks. This out-and-back trip can be as short or as long as you’d like, but even a quick two hour hike will be packed with breathtaking views and golden leaves.
No matter which hike you choose, you can never go wrong exploring a gorgeous trail in Colorado. That’s why we’ve devoted a third of the land in The Canyons community to parks like Ramble Park and Wild Oak Park, fifteen miles of trails, and plenty of open space, so that you always have a place close to home for you to explore and connect with nature.