5 Fall Backpacking Trips for Prime Leaf Peeping
When this time of year rolls around most of us are not ready for summer to come to a close and we hold onto every last ounce of warm weather and evening light for as long as we can. But with the changing of seasons comes some of the year’s best backpacking with crisp hiking temperatures, less crowded trails, few bugs and kaleidoscopic leafy views. The transition from summer’s deep green to fall’s golden and red hues is underway and each state has a unique and majestic transformation. There are endless places across the country to catch a show of the changing foliage and we have rounded up 5 prime backpacking trips to grab a front-row seat. All backpacking trips in this roundup do not require advance reservations for wilderness permits meaning you can hop on the trail just as soon as you read this! Happy trails🍂
Four Pass Loop, Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, Colorado
The Maroon Bells, two 14,000 foot peaks sitting in White River National Forest, are an iconic Colorado vista. The Bells are a sight to behold year round but when the aspen-filled forests turn golden yellow, the area becomes more breathtaking than ever. The Four Pass Loop circles the Bells and climbs over four jaw-dropping 12,000 ft passes and traverses past stunning alpines lakes and gorgeous sky high basins. The views are non-stop and well worth the challenging 26 miles of hiking with 7,700 ft of climbing. The route is best completed over 3-4 days and the views will leave you wishing you had longer. Consider spending a day acclimating before tackling this hike if visiting from sea-level.
While this route does not require an advance reservation permit (reservation is filled out at a permit box on trail once you enter the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness), if setting off from the traditional starting point of Maroon Lake, you will need to book a parking reservation or a shuttle reservation to access the trailhead. If you cannot get a reservation, alter your itinerary to enter from West Maroon trailhead where parking or shuttle reservations are not required.
Lake Blanche, Twin Peaks Wilderness, Utah
Lake Blanche is a wonderfully convenient and equally beautiful overnight trip close to Salt Lake City. This Salt Lake classic is a must-see in the fall season when Big Cottonwood Canyon becomes a canvas painted in all shades of yellow, orange and red. It is a great time of year to spend a night at the lake as the cooling temperatures means fewer backpackers on a trail that is typically very busy. The hike is short but steep, a total of 6 miles with 2,800 ft of climbing on the ascent which feels a little bit like a stair-climber. The trail is well-maintained and climbs through the colorful canyon up to a basin with three lakes - Lake Blanche, Lake Florence and Lake Lillian. The basin is surrounded by the mountaintops of the Twin Peaks Wilderness but the most dramatic peak is Sundial which towers directly over Lake Blanche at 10,320 ft and is a postcard perfect view.
While a permit is not required, parking can be a challenge as the lot fills around sunrise on most weekends. Overflow parking in the canyon is limited so be sure to arrive early! Note: dogs and swimming in the lake are not permitted here.
Pemigewasset Loop, Pemigewasset Wilderness, New Hampshire
The Northeast is home to some of the most incredible and well-known fall foliage in the world. Millions of people visit this region from across the country and internationally to enjoy the burst of color that takes place each autumn season. One of the best backpacking trips to observe the phenomenon of fall color is the Pemigewasset Loop, known locally as the Pemi Loop. This is a New Hampshire bucket list trip that covers some of the most beautiful terrain the White Mountains have to offer. The loop circumnavigates the western side of the Pemigewasset Wilderness and is a challenging 30 mile trip with 9,600 ft of climbing, traversing many well-known peaks in the area. The trail is rocky and technical and much of the trip is along exposed ridge line with panoramic views - if completed when fall foliage is popping these wide open views are once in a life time. The loop has a variety of Forest Service tentsites, Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) tentsites and AMC huts - the tentsites are first come first serve and cost $10-15 per night through Columbus Day while the huts are much pricier and should be pre-booked (a wonderful option for those who prefer a bunk and a hot meal). Backpackers can also dispersed camp so long as you follow White Mountains National Forest rules and regulations.
Katherine Lake, Pecos Wilderness, New Mexico
Katherine Lake is a beautiful alpine lake located in the Southernmost part of the Sangre de Cristo range in New Mexico. This lake is tucked into the mountains behind Ski Santa Fe, an area well-known for it’s dazzling aspen season. Come autumn, the aspen groves erupt into a golden yellow and backpacking to this lake is a great way to enjoy a few days of the peaking aspens before they fade. To complete this trip, backpackers will need to park at Ski Santa Fe and hike a total of 13.5 miles with an elevation gain of 3,000 ft to reach the scenic lake. Take your time on the ascent, the lake sits at 11,742 ft making it one of New Mexico’s highest lakes! If looking for an additional challenge and spectacular autumn views, scramble up the nearby steep and scree covered trail to Santa Fe Baldy. The lake is busy with day hikers but come evening, you shouldn’t have to contend with too many other campers this late in the season.
Lake Ingalls, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington
The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is best known for the striking Enchantments region and for good reason but there are so many other gems in this wilderness area begging to be explored. A favorite during larch season is Lake Ingalls, an alpine lake that sits under one of the highest non-volcanic peaks in the state, Mount Stuart (9,415 ft). Similar to aspen groves, larches burst with color in the fall before their needles fall off and the brilliant golden color is a dream for nature lovers. The hike is 9.2 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 2,600 ft and a mild scramble before you top out to the lake. Camping is prohibited at the lake itself so campers should set up in Headlight Basin which has more larches than the barren lakeside area - the hillsides around your camp will glow gold with sunlight filtering in between the autumnal larches. It is very common to see mountain goats in this area so stay on the lookout for the fuzzy white Cascade roamers. Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed in this area so your own furry ones will have to sit this one out. Wilderness permits are required but are free and self-issued at the trailhead - be sure to fill one out before you set off! In October, Mount Stuart often receives a dusting of snow which is a truly magical experience.
Snowstorms and quick changes in weather are not uncommon in the mountains in autumn - always be sure to research trail conditions and forecasts before heading out. Many trailhead roads begin to close throughout the autumn season so keep a close eye on seasonal closures. Be prepared for shorter daylight hours. Transition to fall gear to keep warm and remember to stay hydrated as temperatures drop. 🍁