Fall Hiking Trails in Steamboat Springs that Showcase the Beauty of this Season
As the crisp air envelops our beloved mountain town, the landscape transforms into a breathtaking canvas of warm hues. The aspens turn to gold, the maples blush crimson, and the rolling hills invite you to explore their enchanting beauty.
Pack a picnic and sit by the still tranquil waters of Emerald Lake, take a quick rest while admiring the Rocky Mountain peaks from Mt Zirkel, or embrace a stunning view of Northwest Colorado after the challenging hike to the top of Hahn’s Peak.
Exploring a new, or old favorite, Fall hiking trail in Steamboat Springs is an outdoor adventure perfect for family bonding and enjoying the simple luxuries this natural wonder has given us.
Fish Creek Falls Trail
A short drive from the heart of Steamboat Springs, the Fish Creek Falls Trail offers an easy yet stunning trek for families and casual hikers alike.
As you embark on this picturesque path, the sound of the cascading 280-foot Fish Creek Falls begins at just ¼ of a mile into the trail. The hike from the lower falls to the Upper Fish Creek Falls and Long Lake offers golden Aspen groves, with breathtaking views that peek through the trees in the Routt National Forest.
The short distance to Lower Fish Creek Falls makes this trail a superb choice for families with young children as you can immerse yourselves in nature without contending with a long, and often rugged, trail that is prominent in other locations.
Location: Fish Creek Falls Trailhead
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance from Downtown Steamboat: 3 miles
Gilpin Lake and Zirkel Circle
For those seeking a blend of adventure and stunning views, this Mount Zirkel Wilderness Trail is an absolute must. This moderate trail leads you through a vibrant forest of Pines and Aspens, gradually ascending to 11,000 feet.
Once you come to Gilpin Lake, rest and enjoy a warm drink from your thermos while you decide whether to turn back or continue to the Gold Creek Lake Trail and complete the 11-mile Zirkel Circle.
Even if you choose not to complete the full circle, the stunning Gilpin Lake’s crystal clear waters beautifully contrast against the colorful landscape and is a well-deserved reward in itself.
Location: Slavonia Trailhead
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance from Downtown Steamboat: 15 miles
Buffalo Pass and Flash of Gold Trail
For the adventurous spirit craving an invigorating hike, the Flash of Gold Trail is an ideal choice. This trail provides a perfect opportunity to witness the majestic Rocky Mountains draped in vibrant Autumn colors. The panoramic views are nothing short of spectacular, with golden Aspens harmonizing beautifully with the deep green Evergreens.
This trail is perfect for spotting wildlife, such as deer or even a majestic elk. The drive to the trail offers stunning views, and with multiple pull-off areas, you can stop and explore the Fall foliage at your own pace. The trail’s rugged terrain is more suitable for experienced hikers and families with older kids.
The trails located in the Buffalo Pass zone are plentiful and are popular for Mountain Biking as well.
Location: Buffalo Pass Road and Dry Lake Trailhead
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance from Downtown Steamboat: 12 miles
Bluffs Loop Trail and Emerald Mountain
Bluffs Loop Trail is an enchanting path that guides you through wildflower meadows and gives stunning views of downtown Steamboat, the Yampa River, and Steamboat Resort. The journey begins near Howelsen Hill and climbs and spiderwebs across the mountains.
This trail is perfect for families with children or hikers who want to embark on a short trail that still offers Fall colors and views of Mt Werner. Take the Overlook Trail to experience a more advanced hike with some rocky areas and get a closer look at the Yampa River.
Location: Howelsen Hill and Stables Trailhead
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Distance from Downtown Steamboat: 7 miles
Rabbit Ears Pass Trail
The Rabbit Ears Pass Trail is a unique gem that combines history and stunning views. Named for the distinctive rock formation resembling rabbit ears, this trail weaves through a tapestry of golden Aspens.
As you hike, immerse yourself in the stories of the land. This trail is a local favorite for its moderate challenge and the opportunity to view wildflowers lingering into the Fall, alongside a vibrant array of leaves that has earned this state the nickname Colorful Colorado.
This pass provides access to several trails with varying lengths and difficulties, making it a perfect weekend adventure for families and seasoned hikers.
Location: Rabbit Ears Pass Summit
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Distance from Downtown Steamboat: 13 miles
Hahn’s Peak Lookout Tower
This is one of the most rewarding Fall hiking trails in Steamboat Springs. For those adventurous souls who relish a challenging trek, this hike is for you.
A climb to the 10,839-foot summit of Hahn’s Peak takes you through a forest of Evergreens before opening up to gorgeous vistas overlooking the surrounding mountains and lakes.
When you begin the steeper ascent, you’ll encounter very rocky terrain, so wearing supportive shoes is necessary on this trail. Passing century-old gold mines, you’ll arrive at your destination: the 1912 Fire Lookout Tower.
From here you’ll see golden Aspen groves, sweeping valleys that reach as far north as Wyoming and east to the rugged Park Range.
The trailhead for this is sometimes difficult to find – we suggest stopping at the Steamboat Lake State Park and getting directions.
Location: Hahn’s Peak Trailhead (Steamboat Lake State Park)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Distance from Downtown Steamboat: 30 miles
Yampa River Core Trail
This trail runs along the majestic Yampa River and winds through the heart of town. This paved path offers multiple picnic spots, scenic overlooks, and easy access to all the best restaurants for some delicious Fall food to enjoy before continuing your hike.
One of the essential stops you have to make on this trail is to the Yampa River Botanic Park. Located right off the trail, this 6-acre nature sanctuary features gardens, ponds, and sculptures. It’s also home to many native trees and plants from Steamboat Springs.
Location: Walton Pond near US 40 and James Brown Bridge on Shield Drive
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance from Downtown Steamboat: 1 mile
Tranquility Awaits on the Many Fall Hiking Trails in Steamboat Springs
There are so many options when it comes to hiking in Steamboat. You have the opportunity to almost customize your trail! From the difficulty level, to the trail length, to the incline, to the vistas, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect hiking trail for your family to enjoy.
One request though – here in Steamboat Springs, we abide by the ‘Leave No Trace’ Principles. This means planning your trips, cleaning up any trash, sticking to the marked trails, leaving the area as you found it, being fire safe, respecting wildlife, and sharing the trails and parks.
As a community that takes immense pride in our natural landscape and the animals that call it home, we do our best to ensure it stays pristine for generations to come.
This commitment to sustainability is something we have carried through into The Astrid. Ethically combining luxury living with our natural environment is a core value for every member of our team and we want to share that with all our residents. When you become part of The Astrid family you’ll be working with us to ensure this divine town continues to share its gifts with all visitors.
The luxury you’ve been waiting for in Steamboat Springs is coming; we’re breaking ground on this ambitious project in 2025. To find out more, simply provide us with your name and email address. By doing so, you’ll be invited to join our exclusive mailing list. As part of this list, you’ll gain access to insider information, behind-the-scenes content, and a highly personalized email experience reserved only for members of The Astrid community.
