When autumn hits Crested Butte, Colorado, the entire Gunnison Valley transforms into one of the best places in Colorado to see fall foliage. Golden aspens cover the hillsides, crisp mountain air fills your lungs, and every trail becomes an invitation to slow down and soak it all in.

As a brand proudly based in the Gunnison Valley, we’ve had the privilege of exploring these mountains year after year. We know firsthand how magical fall here can be, and we love helping others experience it too.

At Gnara, we like to think fall is the ultimate season to put our Go There Pants to the test. They’re durable, comfortable, and designed for year-round adventures, but the cooler temps, crunchy leaves, and spontaneous trail breaks make autumn their time to shine.

Here are some of the best hikes in Crested Butte to see peak fall colors:

Snodgrass Trail: Classic Crested Butte Fall Hike

A local favorite and one of the most accessible trails from town, Snodgrass Trail in Crested Butte winds through wide-open meadows and thick aspen groves. Come fall, you’ll get panoramic views of Mt. Crested Butte framed by glowing golden leaves. This is a must for any leaf-peeping trip.

Beaver Ponds Hike (Ohio Pass): Family-Friendly Fall Colors

This short, mellow hike off Ohio Pass Road leads through vibrant aspen stands before opening up to a quiet pond backed by towering peaks. On a calm day, the reflections of gold in the water are breathtaking. Perfect for families, photos, or an easy leaf-peeping walk.

Strand Hill: Tunnel of Aspens

A go-to for both hikers and mountain bikers, Strand Hill Trail weaves in and out of aspen groves. In fall, the canopy glows in shades of yellow and orange, creating the effect of walking through a tunnel of light. You might also just find yourself among a group of cows enjoying the foliage too.

Kebler Pass: Iconic Crested Butte Aspen Grove

If you’ve Googled “best fall foliage in Crested Butte,” chances are Kebler Pass popped up. Home to one of the largest aspen groves in North America, it’s a must-see. Drive the pass, stop at overlooks, or hike near Horse Ranch Park for sweeping views of the Raggeds Wilderness surrounded by golden trees. You can also swing over to Paonia and pick apples or the perfect pumpkin!

Three Lakes Hike (Kebler Pass)

If you only have time for one longer fall hike, make it the Three Lakes Loop off Kebler Pass. This trail winds through dense aspen groves, skirts around sparkling alpine lakes, and offers constant views of colorful ridgelines. The reflections of gold aspens on the water are breathtaking, especially during peak foliage. It’s the perfect mix of forest immersion and wide-open vistas.

Washington Gulch: Wide-Open Mountain Views

For a mix of open meadows, colorful aspens, and rugged mountain backdrops, head up Washington Gulch Road. The views here are some of the most dramatic in the valley, making it a perfect addition to any fall foliage itinerary. You can also camp among the golden foliage if it's not too chilly!

Gothic Mountain: A Bird’s-Eye View of Fall Foliage

For those who don’t mind a challenge, summiting Gothic Mountain rewards you with one of the best panoramic views in the Gunnison Valley. From the top, you can look down over miles of glowing aspen groves in Washington Gulch, Slate River Valley, and all the way toward Crested Butte. In fall, it feels like you’re standing above a golden sea of leaves, a perspective that leaf-peepers on the ground don’t get to see.

Why Fall Is the Perfect GoFly Season

Fall in Crested Butte means layering up, chilly mornings, and trails blanketed in golden leaves. It’s also when the Go There Pants and Go Free Leggings shine brightest:

• Warm but breathable for cool mornings and sunny afternoons

• Durable fabric for brushing through aspen groves or scrambling over rocks

• GoFly zipper technology so you can answer nature’s call without freezing on chilly days

• Year-round versatility so they transition seamlessly from fall hikes to winter snowshoeing

Might we add, and maybe we’re biased, but Pine, Ochre, and Mulberry are truly the best fall colors to rock in Go There Pants of all time. And for our Go Free Leggings, nothing beats Pine and Pomegranate when it comes to matching the season. Nothing says “autumn adventure” like gear that blends right in with the aspens or pops against the mountain skyline.

Your Fall Adventure Checklist

• 🍂 Plan hikes between mid-September and early October for peak fall foliage in Crested Butte

• 🥾 Bring layers — mornings are chilly, afternoons warm up fast

• 📸 Pack your camera for endless photo ops

• 👖 Don’t forget your Go There Pants, Go Free Leggings, and new Burton base layers — the best gear for fall hikes and winter ski season

The Gunnison Valley is one of the best destinations in the country for leaf peeping and fall hikes. From Snodgrass Trail to Kebler Pass, Crested Butte offers endless ways to explore golden aspens. We feel lucky to call this place home, and we can’t wait to see you out there chasing fall colors.