Fall Hiking · Walden, CO

State Forest State Park

moderate

Directions

Before you go

Live · nearest station Steamboat Springs, 46 mi

Good to go

Good window today. Daylight to 8:10 pm.

67°

Smoky

Feels like 67°

Wind

0 mph

UV index

5.2 moderate

Sun window

6:08 am to 8:10 pm

Distance

—

Elevation gain

—

High point

9,408ft

Season

Sep - Nov

About

State Forest State Park, located near Walden on the Western Slope, is a 71,000-acre area offering moderate fall hiking. The park sits at an elevation of 9,408 feet and features aspen groves mixed with evergreen forests. Trails here are generally completed in about two hours, making them suitable for hikers with some experience. The primary appeal during the fall season, from September through November, is the changing foliage as aspens turn golden. Visitors can access the trails directly from a parking area, and leashed pets are permitted on the paths. The park is known for its abundant moose population, along with other wildlife viewing opportunities. While the park offers miles of trails and features like alpine lakes and jagged peaks, specific trail closures such as the Michigan Ditch Trail may occur. Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in effect, prohibiting open fires and wood-burning stoves in developed areas.