Routt County’s scenery explodes in spectacular reds and golds during autumn and there is no better way to experience the splendor than by foot. Hike close to town or meander further to find the majesty of fall in Steamboat. Here are three iconic Steamboat hikes: 

Fish Creek Falls 

Immerse yourself in nature among quaking aspens and the sound of a cascading 283-foot waterfall that pours out of the Mount Zirkel Wilderness from three trail options. The overlook is a half-mile, fully paved trail with rest stops and informational boards highlighting native plants and wildlife. A short steep dirt trail leads to the base of the falls with a pathway to the overlook trail if hikers want to make a loop. A six mile hike continues up from the falls following steep switchbacks through dense evergreen forest and aspen groves into a lush valley. The trail comes to a second falls, Long Lake and the Continental Divide Trail. 

Hahn’s Peak Summit 

Named after John and Joseph Hahn, gold prospectors from Germany, Hahn’s Peak bare, pointed pinnacle is one of the area’s most iconic sights. Gold and silver were mined out of the former volcano from the 1860’s to the early 1900’s. The trail is 1.7 miles each way and winds up a forested hillside to the remains of an old mining cabin. The last stretch of the hike is steep and difficult, but the views of the majestic golden hued countryside, from the fire tower at the top, are worth the climb. 

Mount Zirkel Wilderness 

Mount Zirkel Wilderness offers an overload for the senses at any time of year with high alpine lakes, meadows and dense aspen groves. Hike the Zirkel Circle, an 11-mile loop that starts from the Slavonia Trailhead. The trail passes Gilpin Creek to the clear waters of Gilpin Lake, over to Gold Creek Lake, down Gold Creek Trail and back to Slavonia. Terrain is steep but the beautiful surroundings keep even an anxious hiker distracted.