If you’re looking for a Colorado mountain town with epic mountain views and brilliant fall foliage, then you have to visit Crested Butte. Hiking through the aspens is a must while you’re in town, and this guide shares 7 of the best fall hikes in Crested Butte. From golden aspen forests, to mountain ridgelines, to alpine lakes, this guide has a hike for everyone!
Many hikes around Crested Butte are ideal in the fall because there are so many aspen trees in the area. If you want to hike through a golden forest of aspens be sure to choose a hike under roughly 11,000 ft. so that you stay within ideal aspen range. Be aware, many of these trails are also open to mountain bikers, as noted.
Looking for more things to do in Crested Butte in the fall? Check out my COMPLETE fall travel guide!
Table of Contents: Best Fall Hikes in Crested Butte
- Recreating Responsibly in Crested Butte
- Best Fall Hikes in Crested Butte:
- What to Pack for a Fall Hike in Crested Butte
Recreating Responsibly in Crested Butte
Crested Butte is a popular Colorado hiking destination, especially during the fall. It’s important that everyone does their part to minimize their environmental impacts when out adventuring. Here are some quick tips to help you keep Crested Butte beautiful:
Respect the Aspens
Please do not carve into the aspen trees! Not only does this hurt the tree, but it also makes them more susceptible to fungal disease and pests. Because an entire grove of aspens share a single root system harming one tree hurts them all. It’s also worth noting that aspens are uniquely vulnerable to changes in the climate, and the grove around Kebler Pass is suffering from the long term impacts of drought. Please treat the trees respectfully so they can continue to thrive with vibrant fall colors!
Leave No Trace
The 7 Leave No Trace principles provide general guidance to help you make safe and responsible decisions when hiking:
- Plan ahead and prepare. Research your trail ahead of time, check the weather, carry a map, and make sure you have the proper gear. I included a packing list below!
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Stay on developed trails and other durable surfaces, like rocks or gravel. Don’t hike through wildflower fields or meadows.
- Properly dispose of waste. This includes packing out all of your trash as well as pet and human waste.
- Leave what you find. Don’t pick wildflowers or harm the aspens.
- Minimize campfire impacts. Use existing fire rings and be sure to check for fire restrictions before having a campfire. Make sure that campfires are completely extinguished, which means the ashes are cool.
- Respect wildlife. Maintain a safe distance from wildlife. Never feed or harass wildlife.
- Be considerate of other visitors. Remember uphill hikers have the right of way. Mountain bikers are supposed to yield to hikers, although that isn’t always practical/safe, so keep an eye (and ear) out on the trail and communicate with other trail users.
The member-driven Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics teaches people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. This copyrighted information has been reprinted with permission from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org
Wondering what to wear on your hike? Check out my guide to planning a hiking outfit that is both cute and functional for a fall hike in Colorado!
Best Fall Hikes in Crested Butte
1. Strand Hill
The hiking and mountain biking trails at Strand Hill wind through an aspen forest, making it the perfect fall hike in Crested Butte. The journey is the destination on this trail, so it’s a great option if you’re looking to take your time, enjoy the scenery, and capture some stunning fall photos along the way. There are a few trailheads that you begin your hike from along with different trails in the area, so you can make your hike at Strand Hill as long or short as you want.
Be aware, Strand Hill is also popular with mountain bikers, so make sure to stay alert because there are quite a few blind curves. Because the trail is built for riding you’ll find a lot of flowy, undulating hills, but the trail isn’t very difficult if you stick to the main loop.
Strand Hill Trail Stats
- Trailhead Location: Google maps
- Bathrooms? There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.
- Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Moderate. There are a few places you can park to access the trail, but parking spaces are limited. You can also park along Bush Creek Rd.
- Distance: 4.4 mile loop
- Elevation Gain: ~730 ft.
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate (4-5/10)
- Estimated Hike Time: 2-2 ½ hours
- Permits/Fees: None
- Dog-Friendly? Yes
- Mountain Bikes? Yes
- AllTrails Link (Be aware, this trail includes the loop described above, as well as a spur hike to the top of Strand Hill!)
Strand Hill Map
2. Whetstone Vista Loop
The Whetstone Vista Loop is a great hike if you’re looking for a trail that takes you directly through a golden aspen forest. While this is one of the easier trails in this guide, it still offers scenic views throughout the entire hike.
You can hike the Whetstone Vista Trail as an out-and-back hike that takes you along the westside of Mt. Crested Butte. However, I recommend connecting the Whetstone Vista Trail with the Upper Upper Trail, to create a loop. This will involve a little bit of road hiking along Brush Creek Road to get back to your car. This is one of the prettiest aspen groves around Crested Butte, so it’s a gorgeous hike if you time it right with peak fall colors!
Whetstone Vista Loop Trail Stats
- Trailhead Location: Google maps
- Bathrooms? There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.
- Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Moderate. Parking is along Brush Creek Road. There’s a small pulloff available for a handful of cars.
- Distance: ~3 mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 515 ft.
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate (3.5-4.5/10)
- Estimated Hike Time: 1 ½-2 hours
- Permits/Fees: None
- Dog-Friendly? Yes, dogs must be leashed.
- Mountain Bikes? Yes
- AllTrails Link
Whetstone Vista Loop Trail Map
3. Washington Gulch Trail
Washington Gulch is a great fall hike near Crested Butte if you’re looking for sweeping, expansive views. There are two different viewpoints along the trail that provide gorgeous views of the mountains and the area’s aspen groves. You’ll also get to experience some of Colorado’s other colorful fall foliage, including scrub oak, during your hike.
Washington Gulch Trail can either be completed as a point-to-point hike between Washington Gulch Road and Gothic Road, or as an out-and-back from either direction. The most popular destination along the trail is a set of two red Adirondack chairs that overlook Washington Gulch. This overlook can be found closer to the Washington Gulch Road trailhead, which requires a high-clearance vehicle (and long drive) to access.
Washington Gulch Trail Stats
- Trailhead Location:
- Gothic Road: Google maps
- Washington Gulch Road Trailhead: Google maps
- Bathrooms? There’s a bathroom at the Gothic Road Trailhead, but not the Washington Gulch Trailhead.
- Trailhead Parking Difficulty:
- Gothic Road: Easy-moderate.
- Washington Gulch Road: Moderate-difficult. A high-clearance vehicle is needed to get to the trailhead and parking spots are limited, so you may find yourself parking down the road and walking to the trail.
- Distance: 7.5 miles point-to-point
- Elevation Gain: 2,150 ft.
- Difficulty: Moderate-difficult (7-8/10)
- Estimated Hike Time: 3-4 hours
- Permits/Fees: None
- Dog-Friendly? Yes
- Mountain Bikes? Yes
- AllTrails Link
Washington Gulch Trail Map
4. Green Lake
If you’re looking for a fall hike that takes you up to a colorful alpine lake, then check out Green Lake. While this trail doesn’t have as many aspens as some of the other trails on this list, I still think it’s worth the hike in the fall to see the lake’s vibrant green hue. This is a great hike for dogs who will have a blast swimming in the lake.
The trail to Green Lake starts by walking through a neighborhood and along a road before you get on a singletrack trail up to the lake (be aware, parking in the neighborhood is for residents only, learn more about where to park below). There’s steady elevation gain throughout the hike as you make your way up to Green Lake, with the steepest sections found right before the lake.
Green Lake Trail Stats
- Trailhead Location: Google maps
- Bathrooms? There are no bathrooms at the trailhead, but you can find one nearby.
- Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Easy. Parking is at the Crested Butte Nordic Center. There are plenty of spaces available, and if they happen to be full you can easily park nearby and walk.
- Distance: 8.5 miles out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 1,800 ft.
- Difficulty: Moderate-difficult (7-8/10)
- Estimated Hike Time: 4-5 hours
- Permits/Fees: None
- Dog-Friendly? Yes, dogs should be leashed along the beginning of the trail. Dogs are required to be under control in Gunnison National Forest, but since the trail is also open to horses and mountain bikes, it’s a good idea to keep dogs leashed the whole time.
- Mountain Bikes? Yes
- AllTrails Link
Green Lake Trail Map
5. Dark Canyon, Irwin, & Dyke Trail Loop
The Dark Canyon, Irwin, & Dyke Trail loop from Horse Ranch Park is my personal favorite fall hike in Crested Butte. The trail takes you through a dense aspen forest, before opening up to a rock outcropping overlooking Marcellina Mountain and the largest aspen grove in Colorado. You definitely want to time this hike for peak leaf peeping conditions!
You can just hike the Dark Canyon Trail as an out-and-back hike, or complete the full loop for a bit more of a workout. This takes you into the Raggeds Wilderness, so mountain bikes aren’t permitted along the entire route. However, the Dyke Trail is open to (and popular with) mountain bikers. I recommend hiking clockwise so you’ll be descending if/when you encounter a mountain biker!
Dark Canyon, Irwin, & Dyke Trail Loop Trail Stats
- Trailhead Location: Google maps
- Bathrooms? There is a pit toilet at the trailhead.
- Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Easy. The main parking lot is fairly small, but there is a lot of overflow parking available at Horse Ranch Park.
- Distance: 6 mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft.
- Difficulty: Moderate (6-7/10)
- Estimated Hike Time: 2 ½-3 hours
- Permits/Fees: None
- Dog-Friendly? Yes
- Mountain Bikes? Mountain bikes are allowed on the Dyke Trail and on portions of the Dark Canyon Trail outside of the Raggeds Wilderness.
- AllTrails Link
Dark Canyon, Irwin, & Dyke Trail Loop Trail Map
6. Scarp Ridge
The Scarp Ridge Trail is a scenic ridgeline hike that doesn’t take you through an aspen forest, but rather provides sweeping views of the Elk Mountains. The trail begins above Lake Irwin, which is a popular drive-up destination near Crested Butte where you can go paddleboarding or fishing.
The hike begins at the Lake Irwin Lodge and climbs steadily as you make your way up to Scarp Ridge. There are scenic views throughout the entire hike, but you have 360° mountain views once you’re up on the ridge. Many hikers opt to connect Scarp Ridge Trail with the 421 Trail to complete a loop hike. Be aware, the trail tops out at over 12,000 ft., so be prepared for a higher elevation hike and keep an eye on the weather.
Scarp Ridge Trail Stats
- Trailhead Location: Google maps
- Bathrooms?: No
- Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Moderate-difficult. It’s a bumpy road up to the trail, which starts at the Lake Irwin Lodge. Parking spaces are fairly limited. There’s more room to park further down the road, but it will add some distance and elevation gain to the hike.
- Distance: 4 mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 1,430 ft.
- Difficulty: Moderate-difficult (7-8/10)
- Estimated Hike Time: 2-3 hours
- Permits/Fees: None
- Dog-Friendly?: Yes
- Mountain Bikes? Yes
- AllTrails Link
Scarp Ridge Trail Map
7. Snodgrass Trail
Snodgrass Trail is a great option if you only have an hour or two to spare and you don’t want to have to drive far from Crested Butte to get to a trailhead. The hike takes you through a few aspen groves, and features picturesque views of Mt. Crested Butte and the town.
You can access Snodgrass Trail via two trailheads, one along Washington Gulch Road, and the other along Gothic Road right as you leave town. Most people hike from the Gothic Road side, which allows you to complete the hike as a loop and also offers a spur trail to the summit of Snodgrass Mountain (11,142 ft.). If you’re not up for a big hike, I recommend sticking to the loop and tacking on Teddy’s Trail if you want some extra distance.
Snodgrass Trail Stats
- Trailhead Location: Google maps (Gothic Road trailhead)
- Bathrooms?: There are porta potties at the trailhead.
- Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Moderate. There are a lot of parking spots at the trailhead, but it’s a very popular trail so spots tend to fill up on weekends. You can also access the Snodgrass Trail from a different trailhead off of Washington Gulch Road.
- Distance: ~3.5 miles to complete the loop
- Elevation Gain: ~850 ft. to complete the loop
- Difficulty: Moderate-difficult (5-6/10 depending on whether or not you hike to the summit)
- Estimated Hike Time: 1 ½-3 ½ hours
- Permits/Fees: None
- Dog-Friendly? Yes, dogs must be leashed.
- Mountain Bikes? Yes
- AllTrails Link (note: this route includes an optional spur hike to the summit of Snodgrass Mountain)
Snodgrass Trail Map
Map: Best Fall Hikes in Crested Butte, Colorado
What to Pack for a Fall Hike in Crested Butte
*This section contains affiliate links, which means if you click a link & make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you!*
1. Hiking Pack:
Hiking pack recommendations are incredibly subjective, but I personally use and love the Osprey Sirrus 24L day pack. Read my complete review of the Osprey Sirrus pack.
2. Water:
Make sure that you carry sufficient water for the hike that you’re planning on doing. Also consider carrying electrolyte packs like Scratch to add to your water, especially if you’re hiking during warmer months!
3. Snacks:
Protein bars, trail mix, pb&j sandwiches, dried fruit, and jerky are all great hiking snack options!
4. Headlamp:
Carrying illumination, like a headlamp, is important in case you find yourself out after dark.
5. Sun Protection:
The sun is stronger in the mountains, so it’s important to wear sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen while hiking in Crested Butte.
6. First-Aid Kit:
A well stocked first-aid kit should always be in your pack as part of the 10 essentials. Consider carrying band-aids, moleskin, gauze, tape, tylenol, and tweezers.
7. Map & Compass:
While all of the trails on this list are well-maintained and pretty easy to follow, you should always carry a map & compass in the event you get lost. At the very least be sure to download the trail map to your phone (and carry a backup battery charger) before heading out!
8. Emergency Shelter:
Emergency shelter is considered one of the 10 essentials because it can save your life if you have to spend an unexpected night on the trail. Always carry an emergency bivvy or space blanket to help you stay safe and comfortable during an emergency situation.
9. Hiking Poles:
You don’t have to carry hiking poles, but they can be a helpful piece of gear, especially on steeper trails.
10. An Extra Layer:
It’s typically still pretty warm when fall colors are peaking (unless there’s a snowstorm!), so helpful layers to consider wearing/bringing include a sun shirt, light jacket, or a puffy if you’re hiking early in the morning.
11. Emergency GPS:
I always carry a Garmin inReach mini GPS on hikes to easily get in contact with authorities in the event of an emergency. There’s limited cell reception once you’re outside of town, so it’s a good idea to have an emergency device just in case!
12. Knife:
While you probably won’t need a knife on any of these fall hikes in Crested Butte, it can be a useful piece of gear to carry while out on the trail.
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