These 15 Great Fall Hikes Prove Autumn Is Better in the West

Take a full day to trek the 11.2 miles (round-trip) to Alice Lake, and you won't be sorry. Idaho's El Capitan towers over the alpine lake, which is decked out in red and gold in the fall thanks to the healthy stock of aspens and huckleberry bushes. To get there, follow the Pettit Lake trailhead for about 1 mile until you hit the wilderness boundary, and then it's all dense forests, rippling streams, and vistas of the rugged Sawtooth peaks. If you have time, snag a light tent and make it a multi-day backpacking trip.

It’d be worth a trip to this corner of the Eastern Sierra for the flaming trees alone. But the June Lake Loop also has lakes, waterfalls, jagged peaks, and a little something for everyone. Rent a pedal boat at Gull Lake Marina to take in the views with resident ducks. For aspens, hike the 4-mile round-trip Parker Lake Trail.

Colorado’s most photographed landscape is even better in living color, when the distinctive symmetry of snow-dusted Maroon and North Maroon Peaks are framed by a ribbon of aspens, all reflected on shimmering Maroon Lake. Of course you won’t be alone on one of Colorado's great fall hikes, but still, it’s worth the crowds. To reach the Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness, head to Maroon Lake Trailhead.

Head from Salt Creek Beach Park (pictured) to unspoiled Dana Point Headlands Preserve. Final stop: San Clemente, home to good waves, a great pier, and one of the greatest crash pads on the coast, the Nomads Hotel. Tom Courtney’s Walkabout Malibu to Mexico: Hiking Inn to Inn on the Southern California Coast will give you mile-by-mile guidance for this hike.

The aptly named Aspen Trail draws strong hikers with its gold-filled and steep terrain. One of the higher peaks in the Wasatch Mountains, Mt. Timpanogos (or "Timp" as locals call it) is practically a rite of passage for Utahns. You'll want to be prepared with all the right gear for this roughly 15-mile round-trip hike, which is significantly less busy than the other route to the summit via the slightly easier Timpooneke Trail. Expect to see mountain goats, moose, and spectacular panoramas.

Bite off a little piece of Portland's 30-mile Wildwood Trail where it winds through Hoyt Arboretum; with Douglas fir flanking the narrow path most of the way, you'll be sheltered even if it's raining. (Likely.) For a 4-mile loop, start just above the Oregon Zoo; glimpse the Japanese garden, then turn left onto the Redwood Trail through a sequoia grove. Cross Fairview Boulevard and follow signs to Overlook Trail; turn right on Wildwood and you're back where you started ― and ready to eat.

Like much of Colorado, Rocky Mountain is a spectacle in autumn. But, it's not just the great fall hikes. Meander through areas like Moraine Valley (pictured) and you're likely to come pretty darn close to the thousands of elk that take over Rocky and neighboring Estes Park. After spending some time in the valley, head to nearby Bear Lake, where a dazzling corridor of aspens along Bear Lake Road is just a prelude. Beneath Hallett Peak sits the namesake lake, an aqua-blue gem framed with aspens that glow in the crisp 9,475-foot air. Meander the 0.5-mile lakeshore trail to gaze at ever-changing panoramas worthy of an IMAX trailer.

For stunning Napa Valley views and one of the great fall hikes in California, follow this moderate trail along Ritchey Creek through coastal redwoods ​to the forested ​summit of Coyote Peak, then loop back via the South Fork Trail, a total of 4.5 miles. Calistoga is the capital of mud baths; hopefully soon you and your hiking companion can go for a “Mudslide” treatment at elegant Solage Calistoga to soothe your hike-weary muscles. (The spa is currently closed due to COVID-19.)

The moderate to challenging 6.6-mile (one way) trail winds up the Santa Catalina Mountains, but most like to tackle just the first 2.8 miles of this great fall hike to Romero Pools, an oasis of swimming holes in canyon streams. Catch city views below and possible glimpses ​of bighorn sheep. Afterwards, opt for an any-day breakfast of mesquite pancakes or Sunday brunch with huevos rancheros and ​prickly pear mimosas at Tohono Chul Garden Bistro, in a botanical garden and cultural park.

One of the classic Mt. Tam great fall hikes, this 7.3-mile challenge delivers golden grasslands, dense redwoods, and coastal views. From Stinson Beach, hike 1.3 miles on the Dipsea Trail to connect to Steep Ravine Trail, which makes a redwood-shaded ascent along Webb Creek. At Pantoll Ranger Station, pick up Matt Davis Trail, which curves a long, graceful arc back to Stinson. Refuel with fish tacos or oysters on the patio at Parkside Cafe.  

The moderate 10.4-mile round-trip starts off a bit above sea level and ends up at 1,900 feet, with views of Puget Sound, Mt. Baker, and British Columbia’s Coast Mountains. You'll find many other great fall hikes at Chuckanut Mountain Park, too, like Raptor Ridge and Lost Lake Trail.

A moderate path at Salt Point State Park starts at Fisk Mill Cove and meanders through a forest of ferns, rhododendrons, and Bishop pines, providing peekaboo views of waves pounding rock-strewn beaches, seals frolicking in kelp beds, and abalone divers plying their trade. Climb the stairs to the top of Sentinel Rock, a dramatic coastal promontory.

One of Utah's great fall hikes starts with a scenic drive up Highway 190 to Guardsman Pass, which lies between Salt Lake and Park City and reveals a sea of golden aspens. From there, you'll have plenty of colorful hiking options, like the short route to the tucked-away Bloods Lake (it's dog-friendly and easy!); the forested Shadow Lake, which goes into the ski resort; and the more strenuous Lackawaxen Lake, hidden behind a grove of trees.

Located near Sedona, Oak Creek’s crimson canyon walls and sun-dappled stream dazzle year-round, but fall takes the views to another level with turning maples and gambel oaks. Once inside the Coconino National Forest, head 13 miles north of Sedona on U.S. 89A to the Oak Creek Vista overlook. The 3-mile, one-way West Fork Trail crisscrosses the West Fork of Oak Creek (read: splashy boulder hopping).

Another one of Arizona's great fall hikes is also in Coconino National Forest, but closer to Flagstaff off the scenic Lockett Meadow. The meadow is ringed by gold, but for maximum foliage, you'll want to take the Inner Basin Trail, which guides you through an aspen forest in the heart of the San Francisco Peaks. Snow is likely early in the season at this high-elevation hike, so plan to visit in September.