All of us love a fantastic fall hike that is crisp-aired — but once the weather changes a number of our hikes are no longer reachable. The tail-end of hot weather would be the time to bag those peaks that have been in your summertime bucket list. Not only will you be able to get the most out of the last sunny days, but August and September are the perfect months to hit those high-alpine paths. Hikes that boast a Insta-worthy altitude, complete with 360-degree views and pristine freshwater lakes are clear of snowbut they won’t be quite long.
We’ve got you covered on your end-of-summer adventure. Whether you want to remain local or remote, keep it shorter or strenuous, you ll make certain to find your perfect hoorah. Hit on alpine lakes and these stunning summits prior to ice hockey and snow ruin the fun.
Photo from Scott Mann.
Location: State Forest State Park, American Lakes Trail
Distance: 7.9 miles
Elevation: 11,380 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Why we like it: This alpine lake would be the epitome of a hidden gem (we’re never great at keeping secrets). Located in Beautiful State Forest State Parkthis place bumps right up from Rocky Mountain National Park, giving you exactly the views with no crowds. Hike through woods and meadows till you hit American Lake 6.8 kilometers in, then understand its title while looking over it from the Snow Lake viewpoint. The last half mile up to Snow Lake is a scramble, placing you in a bowl with jagged mountains jetting up all around you, Snow Lakefront and center. Plus, this region also offers camp spots everywhere with no permit required other. It s backpacking fantasy come true.
Photo courtesy of Logan Williams.
Location: Boulder Open Space, Boulder, Colorado
Distance: 7.7 miles
Elevation: 8,459 ft
Difficult: Moderate
Why we like it: Head up on a Saturday to this fairly peak. Starting about the paths in the Boulder Open Space system, the trail climbs up and through meadows of wildflowers, getting a bit more difficult towards the surface. Despite the altitude, the 360-degree perspectives on Top are unmatched with Rocky Mountain National Park to the north east, the foothills to the southwest, Boulder and Denver to the west and the Indian Peaks to the westcoast.
6. Brainard Lake
Photo from Kyle Cooper
Location: Brained Lake Recreation Area, near Nederland, Colorado
Distance: 6.1 miles
Elevation: ~10,000 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Why we like it: This trail has become the walk in the park” type route with this list. With any altitude advantage, Brainard Lake is ideal for a weekend group outing. Pack a picnic and then go winding through the woods. The lake itself features a spectacular backdrop of the Indian Peaks. Note that the road to the rec region closes in November, giving you all the more reason to hit the trail!
7. Mount Bierstadt
A spring view of Mount Bierstadt, with a mountain goat standing on a rocky cliff at front, found from a ridge of Mount Evans. Front Array of Rocky Mountains, Colorado, USA via Thinkstock.
Location: Mount Evans Wilderness, near Georgetown, Colorado
Distance: 6.9 miles
Elevation: 14,065 ft
Difficulty:
Why we like it: Hailed as a beginner” 14er with a shorter space and minimal scaling, Mount Bierstadt is a driveway from Denver with all the trailhead just off Guanella Pass. Visit exactly what it ’ s all about with this beaut if you harbor ’ t this summer gotten into a 14er.
Photo from Taylor Sienkiewicz.
Location: Pike National Forest, near Alma, Colorado
Distance: 7.6 miles
Elevation: 14, 295 feet (Mount Lincoln)
Why we like it: Here it is–the big one. You re likely to summit four 14ers in 1 day. Sounds badass right? Don ’t allow you frighten, notice the entire loop will be less than eight kilometers. Even though the magnitude put this hike the views of the Mosquito Range and lakes from these peaks keeps you feeling on top of the planet. The sensation of scaling up and down through the clouds daily would be for.
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