The Fall Trails Around the Garden (& a few extras!)
by Melody Monberg, Hike for Life Operations Manager
Fall is absolutely magical in Colorado—but it’s also tantalizingly brief. With only about six weeks of peak autumn glory, the leaf-peeping frenzy starts early as people map out their golden aspen leaf treasure hunts across the state.
For visitors to Colorado Springs, discovering the perfect fall spot becomes an adventure worth every step. These are the trails I return to year after year for those soul-stirring, crisp-air moments when nature puts on her most spectacular show.
Psst…there’s always friendly debate about which trail reigns supreme for Colorado fall hikes. These are my personal favorites, but while you’re exploring, you might just uncover your own hidden gem. After all, as John Muir said, “in every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”
Garden of the Gods: Where Red Rocks Meet Golden Glory
- The Outer Loop Trail: A 6.5-Mile Journey Through Nature’s Masterpiece
The Outer Loop trail offers some of the most breathtaking vistas for watching the Garden transform from brilliant summer greens to autumn’s rich tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. While aspens aren’t abundant within the Garden of the Gods, the scrub oak (also called Gambel Oak) absolutely steals the show with its gorgeous fall palette.
Starting at Rockledge Ranch, head up this 6.5-mile adventure with 798 feet of elevation gain. It winds around the exterior of the park, treating you to stunning views of Pikes Peak often dusted with early snow.
This ranks as one of my absolute favorite cool fall morning hikes. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident bighorn sheep herd; they seem to love the crisp temperatures as much as we do.
- Central Garden to Upper Loop: Sweet & Short Autumn Delight
For a shorter but equally rewarding experience, park at the first paved lot in Garden of the Gods and take the Central Garden trail to the Upper Loop. Yes, you’ll encounter stairs—lots of them—but every step is worth it for the spectacular fall views leading to the base of Sleeping Giant.
This 0.3-mile offshoot from the Central Garden is basically flat, only 62 feet of elevation gain. The scrub oak shows off its most glorious colors while distant views of southern Colorado Springs create layers of autumn hues stretching to the horizon.
Beyond the Garden: More Fall Magic Nearby
- North Cheyenne Canyon: Aspen Heaven
For classic aspen leaf-peeping near Garden of the Gods, North Cheyenne Canyon is your golden ticket. This beautiful city park in southern Colorado Springs serves up trails for every skill level. Try the famous Seven Bridges trail that takes you up and over seven charming wooden bridges, or combine Helen Hunt Falls with Buffalo Trail for a longer hike—you can extend it by continuing to Silver Cascade Falls via the Buffalo Trail.
Feeling adventurous but short on time? Tackle the spectacular stair climb to the top of Helen Hunt Falls for views that’ll leave you breathless (and not just from the climb!).
- Pulpit Rock: Rocky Mountain High with Sweeping Views
As you drive toward Garden of the Gods heading south, you’ll spot a dramatic gray rock formation east of I-25—that’s Pulpit Rock, recently blessed with improved trail signage throughout the area. Multiple well-marked paths wind through scrub oak and pine trees, leading to some of the best fall colors and expansive views in the region. The main 2-mile Pulpit Rock trail takes you to the edge of the formation for sweeping vistas of Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak.
Want more mileage? Combine it with the Lori Cohen, Butler, and Rim trails for 2.5 miles of pure autumn delight.
Fall Hiking Wisdom: Pack Smart, Hike Smarter
Colorado fall weather is famously fickle—you might experience everything from warm sunshine to unexpected snow, sometimes on the same day.
Here’s your essential packing checklist!
● What are you drinking? Extra water is crucial as fall air can be dehydrating
● What are you eating? Pack energy-rich snacks like granola bars
● What are you wearing? Layer up! Think lightweight base layers with warm options
● Do you have your map downloaded? Cell service can be spotty—download maps on AllTrails or COTREX
● Where exactly are you going? Share your plans with someone
My Never-Leave-Home-Without-It Kit:
● Lightweight rain jacket (those afternoon thunderstorms!)
● Warm gloves and beanie
● Small first aid kit
● Emergency blanket (keeps in your car year-round)
Insider Secrets for the Perfect Fall Adventure
- Beat the Crowds: Hit the trails before dawn or after 3 PM. The light is just as magical, and you’ll often have these stunning locations mostly to yourself.
- Scout in Summer: During summer hikes, take note of aspen-lined trails. Create a “Summer to Fall Hikes” list in your AllTrails app—those same paths will be golden treasures come autumn.
- Join the Local Loop: Connect with Colorado hiking groups online during fall season for insider tips on peak foliage timing and hidden gems that locals love but tourists rarely discover.
- Embrace Spontaneity: Keep a loaded backpack in your car during peak foliage weeks. Some of the best fall moments happen when you spot a trailhead and decide to explore on the spot.
- Ask a Local: Stop by a local coffee shop, grab a cup, and ask about their favorite trails. These local gems are often worth every penny of that coffee!
The Bottom Line
Fall in Colorado is a quick, dazzling affair that deserves to be savored, not rushed. Don’t stress about conquering every trail—pick one or two favorites and really soak in the magic.
Whether you’re watching scrub oak paint Garden of the Gods in autumn brilliance or discovering golden aspen groves in North Cheyenne Canyon, remember that it’s not about checking trails off a list. It’s about finding that one perfect hike, that one perfect fall moment when everything clicks.
So grab your layers, download your maps, and step into Colorado’s brief but brilliant autumn show. The red rocks are calling, the aspens are golden, and adventure is just a trail away.
Let this fleeting season gently wind down into winter, and let those golden moments be more than enough.
Happy hiking, and may your fall adventures be filled with golden light and endless views!
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