With fall just around the corner, many people in Colorado have already started to embrace the change of seasons. From switching to warmer clothing to enjoying the first signs of autumn’s golden hues on the trees, there’s a sense of excitement in the air. One of the most anticipated treats of the season is the return of the beloved pumpkin spice latte, a favorite among many coffee enthusiasts.
For those who are eager to witness Douglas County’s breathtaking seasonal transformation, there’s no need to wait any longer. Some of the county’s most popular hiking trails are already showcasing the beauty of fallen leaves and the enchanting post-summer ambiance that hikers and nature lovers adore. If you’re ready to immerse yourself in the magic of fall, it’s time to grab your hiking boots, pack some delicious seasonal snacks and venture into the picturesque countryside of Douglas County.
To help you make the most of this wonderful time of year, we’ve compiled a list of our top 5 favorite fall-inspiring hikes in Douglas County. These trails are guaranteed to leave you in awe of the season’s splendor and provide you with an unforgettable outdoor experience.
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Here are our 5 favorite Fall inducing Douglas County Hikes that we can’t get enough of this season.
Dawson Butte Ranch Open Space and Trail
If you’re looking for the picturesque shot of red and orange trees quickly moving into fall’s seasonal colors, then the Dawson Butte Ranch Open Space and Trail is a must for your Douglas County bucket list. Made up of peaceful and inspiring views, this 7.7-mile loop trail takes you through perfectly forested areas and beautiful meadows on a relaxing autumnal hike.
Perfect for walking, horseback riding, mountain biking and snowshoeing, there are plenty of activities to get involved with if you’re looking for a successful day out post-summer.
With the heat still soaring, you’ll be pleased to know this trail has many shaded areas under the pine trees for rest breaks and little ones who want to stay out of the sun. Better still, for avid wildlife fanatics, keep following the Dawson Butte trail map to see an abundance of birds and tame forest life.
What to keep in mind:
- Distance: 7.7-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights:
- Picturesque red and orange trees showcasing fall colors
- Peaceful and inspiring views
- Forested areas and beautiful meadows
- Activities:
- Walking
- Horseback riding
- Mountain biking
- Snowshoeing
- Amenities:
- Shaded areas under pine trees for rest breaks
- Abundant birdwatching opportunities
- Tame forest wildlife sightings
Hiker’s Review: “The Dawson Butte Ranch Open Space and Trail is an absolute must-visit during the fall season. The vibrant colors of the trees and the serene atmosphere make it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I highly recommend this trail to anyone looking for a relaxing and visually stunning hike.” – Emily, nature enthusiast
Spruce Mountain Open Space
Spruce Mountain is a 5-star hike for people of all ages! Designed for keen hikers, it can be challenging at times, but the effort is worth it when you reach the top and are greeted with the county’s breathtaking views.
For those of you just starting out, however, Spruce Mountain also offers a prairie hike just circling around the mountain’s base if you’re looking for a pleasant, level ground stroll.
For those of you heading up to the top, it’s time to get excited if you’re looking for a fall inducing setting. Thanks to the close proximity of Pikes Peak, you’ll overlook stunning autumnal peaks and Spruce Ranch, complete with beautiful ponds and cattle spotting for the little ones.
The hike distance in total is a 4-mile loop taking approximately 4 hours to complete, making it a great afternoon activity for a post-summer day out.
What to keep in mind:
- Distance: 4-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Challenging with an easier prairie hike option
- Highlights:
- Breathtaking views from the top of the mountain
- Close proximity to Pikes Peak
- Overlooks stunning autumnal peaks and Spruce Ranch
- Ponds and cattle spotting opportunities
- Duration: Approximately 4 hours to complete
- Amenities:
- Prairie hike option for a pleasant, level ground stroll
- Suitable for hikers of all ages
Hiker’s Review: “Spruce Mountain Open Space is a hidden gem in Douglas County. The hike to the top can be challenging, but the rewarding views make it worth every step. The fall season adds an extra layer of beauty to the already impressive landscape. If you’re looking for a memorable hiking experience, this is the place to be.” – Michael, avid hiker
Rock Park
If you’re from Douglas County you will have heard of Castle Rock, one of Denver’s most well-loved hiking trails, famous for it’s views over the city and the Colorado charm it possesses.
If you’re looking for a light hiking destination close to Castle Rock’s beauty, Rock Park is perfect for your post-summer day trip. Compared to many similar trails, this hike under 2 miles is nothing too strenuous with few stairs and only a small uphill incline.
Better still, reaching the top you will see a great view of the castle rock, during the best season for it’s most Instagrammable spots. This dirt track-based hike path makes for an easy activity, however, we do suggest you bring hiking equipment for this one and it’s a smart choice to utilize some protective eyewear like Oakley sunglasses to keep your eyes safe from both dust particles and the sun. Trekking poles can also be a great tool for added balance and safety.
What to keep in mind:
- Distance: Under 2 miles
- Difficulty: Easy with few stairs and a small uphill incline
- Highlights:
- Great views of Castle Rock
- Instagrammable spots during the fall season
- Trail Type: Dirt track-based hike path
- Recommended Equipment:
- Hiking gear
- Protective eyewear (e.g., Oakley sunglasses) to keep eyes safe from dust and sun
- Trekking poles for added balance and safety
Hiker’s Review: “Rock Park is a fantastic choice for a short and easy hike near Castle Rock. The trail offers stunning views of the iconic rock formation, especially during the fall when the colors are at their peak. It’s a great option for families or those looking for a quick nature escape.” – Sarah, casual hiker
Bluffs Regional Park
If you don’t have time to drive to the mountains, Bluffs Regional Park is one of our favorite fall time picks for a family day out. Packed full of stunning views, ranging from Pikes Peak to Longs Peak, this 3-mile loop brings you stunning vistas of Downtown Denver and the Denver Tech Centre.
Better still, Bluffs Regional Park brings you an abundance of vegetation that blooms wildly during the fall season. From wildflowers to our favorite Colorado statement Cactuses, make sure you lookout for the park’s budding plant life as you take a stroll.
As an on foot, horse and bike-friendly destination, Bluffs Regional Park could be a winner this fall if you’re looking to take in some of Denver’s most famous views while spotting the state’s most well-known plants and wildlife.
What to keep in mind:
- Distance: 3-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights:
- Stunning views of Pikes Peak, Longs Peak, Downtown Denver and the Denver Tech Centre
- Abundant vegetation that blooms wildly during the fall season
- Wildflowers and Colorado’s signature cactuses
- Activities:
- On-foot hiking
- Horseback riding
- Biking
- Wildlife: Opportunities to spot Denver’s most famous plants and wildlife
Hiker’s Review: “Bluffs Regional Park is a must-visit destination for fall hiking in Douglas County. The park offers a perfect blend of stunning views and diverse vegetation. It’s amazing to see the wildflowers and cactuses in bloom during this time of year. Whether you prefer hiking, horseback riding or biking, this park has something for everyone.” – Amanda, nature lover
Devil’s Head Fire Tower
If you’ve made it this far, you may be looking for a more challenging hike to tackle as fall sets in and the temperatures begin to drop. Well, fear not, you have not been forgotten.
The Devil’s Head Fire Tower is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a more challenging workout. With a 900 ft elevation gain in less than a mile of walking the trail, Devil’s Head will not disappoint.
Better still, as you reach the top of the peak, you’ll be greeted with a view of the meadow at the base of the fire tower, making all that hard work worth it and a great scenic spot to take that well-earned break.
What to keep in mind:
- Distance: Less than a mile
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Elevation Gain: 900 ft
- Highlights:
- Challenging workout with a steep elevation gain
- Rewarding view of the meadow at the base of the fire tower
- Scenic spot for a well-earned break
- Recommended for: Hikers looking for a more strenuous trail
Hiker’s Review: “If you’re up for a challenge, the Devil’s Head Fire Tower hike is a must-try. The steep elevation gain will definitely get your heart pumping, but the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking. It’s a great way to push yourself and enjoy the beauty of fall in Douglas County.” – John, experienced hiker
Want To Find More Trails?
If you’re eager to explore even more of Douglas County and Colorado’s most famous attractions, be sure to check out the Douglas County Government’s recommended open space trails. These trails offer a wide range of options for hikers of all skill levels and provide the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of the fall season.
| Trail Name | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
| Dawson Butte Ranch Open Space | 7.7 miles | Moderate | Fall colors, peaceful views, forested areas |
| Spruce Mountain Open Space | 4 miles | Challenging | Breathtaking mountain views, autumnal peaks |
| Rock Park | Under 2 miles | Easy | Castle Rock views, Instagrammable fall spots |
| Bluffs Regional Park | 3 miles | Easy | Stunning views, wildflowers, cactuses |
| Devil’s Head Fire Tower | Less than a mile | Challenging | 900 ft elevation gain, rewarding meadow view |
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your hiking gear, round up your friends and family and embark on an unforgettable fall hiking adventure in Douglas County. With it’s stunning landscapes, vibrant colors and crisp autumn air, this is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors and create lasting memories in the heart of Colorado.