Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the Fall

things to do in fall

When deciding when to visit Rocky Mountain, you should decide which activities are most important to you. Below are the most popular things to do in Rocky Mountain in the fall:

Hiking: Fall is the most perfect time of year for hiking in the park. As you hike to higher elevations, you get incredible and expansive views overlooking the majesty of autumn in Rocky Mountain—with golden aspens interspersed throughout the meadows and mountainsides; nothing beats this view. Most trails are still open and accessible, and you have the opportunity for seeing fewer people on the trails since the summer crowds have left.

Backpacking: The cooler temperatures and the lack of big snow storms make fall a perfect time for backpacking in Rocky Mountain. Most trails are still very accessible in the high country, allowing you to string together a multiday trip. Backpacking is ideal this time of year, as the crowds thin, it is more likely that you will get the permit for the itinerary that you desire.

Fishing: According to the professionals, fall is the best time to fish in Rocky Mountain, as the crowds begin to dissipate. In fall, you get near-perfect temperatures and warm, autumn-colored foliage, as well as more chances to encounter wildlife since it is the elk rut. Some of the best places for fishing in the fall include Glacier Creek, Dream Lake, Pear Lake and Creek, Ouzel Lake, and Roaring River. Note: a Colorado Fishing License is required for anyone over the age of 16.

Wildlife Viewing: Fall is mating season for many large mammals in the park, specifically for the elk, commonly called the rut. It is typically from mid-September to mid-October, and consists of large groups of elk in one area, the bull elk occasionally fighting to win a harem, proudly displaying their antlers—sometimes weighing as much as 1,100 pounds, and the sound of elk bugles echoing against the granite mountains. Elk are commonly seen in Estes Park, Moraine Park, Bear Lake, Upper Beaver Meadows, East Inlet Trail, and the Kawuneeche Valley in the fall.

Bicycling: If you want to truly experience Rocky Mountain National Park, with the winding whipping through your hair, and breathing the fresh air of the mountains, biking is the way to go. Bicycles are permitted on every road that cars are able to drive on unless posted otherwise, and after fall road closures, they are permitted on all but Fern Lake Road and Wild Basin Road. Although Trail Ridge Road closes to vehicles in mid-October, it is open to bicycles until November 30th. The road is not maintained after the first snowfall of the year, so ride at your own risk, but this is a fantastic way to see the high country.

hiking in fall

Hiking in the fall in Rocky Mountain National Park is world-class. With the aspens glowing gold, and certain wildlife in rutting season, you are sure to experience something like never before. The best way to capture the magnificence of autumn is on one of the many trails that take you up high and reward you with views that overlook the valleys and plains below. Some of the best hiking trails in the fall include:

1. Loch Vale:

• Roundtrip Distance: 6 miles
• Elevation Gain: 990 feet
• Trailhead: Glacier Gorge Trailhead

Starting from Glacier Gorge Trailhead, you will hike past Alberta Falls at .5 miles. This impressive 30-foot waterfall cascades down into Glacier Creek, depending on the amount of rainfall for the season. As you continun, the trail becomes fairly steep with switchbacks that let you look over the side to the gorge below. In fall, this gorge is colored gold with aspens. Once you reach Loch Vale, you are treated to the impressive lake, but also to incredible views looking down from this subalpine environment. This is one of the best hikes to do in autumn.

2. Deer Mountain:

• Roundtrip Distance: 6 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1083 feet
• Trailhead: Deer Mountain Trailhead

The first mile of this trail, you will be trekking through open meadows, speckled with aspens and fall foliage. There is a great chance of seeing elk and deer in this area, especially as they have entered the rut season. As the trail continues towards the summit, it gets steeper and steeper; but it will all pay off at the end when you are at the top looking down on the plains below. The views from the top of Deer Mountain are extraordinary and give a great perspective on how big Rocky Mountain National Park is.

3. Bear Lake to Fern Lake:

• Roundtrip Distance: 8.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1865 feet
• Trailhead: Bear Lake Trailhead

Hiking from Bear Lake to Fern Lake (or vice versa), you will get to see a variety of landscapes. The trail passes Lake Helene, Odessa Lake, Fern Lake, Marguerite Falls, and Fern Falls. There is a good chance to see wildlife along the path, as well as fall foliage. You can use the free park shuttle bus to get from the end of the trail back to your vehicle at the trailhead.

4. Ouzel Lake:

• Roundtrip Distance: 9.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1510 feet
• Trailhead: Wild Basin Trailhead

From the trailhead, you will pass Copeland Falls, at just over .5 miles. The trail follows Ouzel Creek, offers great hiking through meadows, and passes Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls. As you hike uphill from Ouzel Falls, you are treated to great views of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker. The trail will dip down toward the valley floor before gradually climbing back up the lake. Ouzel Lake is known to be one of the best fishing locations in the park, with its large greenback cutthroat trout population

5. Lone Pine Lake:

• Roundtrip Distance: 11 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1494 feet
• Trailhead: East Inlet Trailhead

Soon after starting the trail, you will reach East Meadow—where East Inlet Creek meanders along, moose can often be seen, and Mount Cairns, Mount Craig, and Mount Wescott are towering in the distance. This incredible hike is characterized by wildlife, big open meadows, waterfalls, and rivers. After 5.5 miles, you will reach Lone Pine Lake; there are many places to sit and enjoy the view on the southwestern edge of the lake.