It’s that time to savor your last warm-weather hiking opportunities and enjoy the beauty of autumn.
The daylight hours maybe shrinking and jacketless weather may be dwindling but Boulder temperatures remain in the 70’s and the leaves are just beginning to unveil their rich pigments of yellow, red and orange.
Enjoy some crisp air and exercise while capturing your autumn snapshots. Check out these colorful trails near Boulder from Mid-September-October.
Settler’s Park:
Located at the west end of Pearl Street, connecting with Canyon Boulevard, the Settler’s Park trailhead includes a network of short trails including Red Rocks Trail.
“One of my favorite fall spots is by the red rocks above Settler’s Park,” said Steve Mertz, outreach coordinator for Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks. “When you get up there you can look out at the town and see the leaves starting to change yellow. It’s fantastic.”
Dakota Ridge Trail:
This 2-mile, popular running trail follows the west side of the Dakota Ridge near Mount Sanitas.
“It affords you some really nice views of the city,” Mertz said. “You’re able to see all the color changes from a high angle. Hiking up the Dakota Ridge or near the red rocks above Settler’s Park are my best–kept secrets for viewing fall colors close to Boulder.” Here’s some basic information about route and elevation as well as the more general information about the Mount Sanitas trailhead which intersects.
Bobolink Trail:
Part of the South Creek Boulder Trail, the Bobolink Trailhead is positioned west of the intersection of Baseline and Cherryvale roads. The trail is relatively flat and easy, allowing some in wheelchairs to stroll through it.
“It’s my favorite trail in Boulder,” Mertz said. “There is a section where when the sun hits it just right and it looks as if you’re in a golden world. It’s really nice to visit in the late afternoon.”
Grassland near South Boulder Creek:
Not only do Boulderites have the option of admiring the color contrast of leaves this season, they can also appreciate the vibrant color changes throughout the prairie grass that inhabits the area. Getting there? Easy.
“The prairie lands are pretty special in Boulder,” Mertz said. “They can be really interesting in the fall. You can see blue stem and the grass changes into a variety of interesting colors including purple. You can actually spot some nice prairie grass on the Bobolink trail.”
Boulder is really beautiful any time of year, Mertz said.
“The leaves tend to be so translucent that when the sun hits them they give off their own light,” he said. “We have so much sunshine throughout the year here. The real benefit is getting out and enjoying it.”
Have a favorite fall hike? Share it with us and your fellow Front Rangers below.
