Best Late Fall Hikes Around Longmont, CO

Hiking season around Longmont isn’t over yet! Crisp mornings and fewer crowds make November one of the best months to grab your boots and get outside. To help you pick the right trail for your mood, we rounded up four of our favorite spots for hiking near Longmont, CO, all within a 35-minute drive from home. 

Foothill Loops Close to Nova West

Let’s kick off the list on the right foot. Whether you already call Nova West home or you’re thinking about making the move, these two open spaces are both about 20 minutes away, so a morning hike still leaves plenty of the day ahead. 

Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain

Head north toward Lyons to Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain, the easternmost point of the foothills in Boulder County. The Eagle Wind Trail loops across the top of the mesa with 360-degree views of the foothills and farmland below. The 1-mile Little Thompson Overlook Trail adds a short climb above the river valley to the north. Leashed dogs are welcome on all three trails, and the trailhead has restrooms and picnic tables for a post-hike snack.

Heil Valley Ranch

Off Lefthand Canyon Drive, Heil Valley Ranch works whether you have an hour or half a day. The 1.3-mile Lichen Loop is hiker-only, with meadow and forest views. The Wapiti Trail and Ponderosa Loop combine for a 7.6-mile round trip through pines and firs. Look for the bench at the Ponderosa Loop overlook, where the view stretches out toward Hall Ranch. Just keep in mind that this one is a pet-free hike. 

Longer Days Out Near Lyons

If you feel like going full outdoor mode on the weekend, these next two hikes are worth carving out a whole day for.

Hall Ranch

Just west of Lyons on Highway 7, Hall Ranch is known for open grasslands and sandstone buttes. Take the Bitterbrush Trail for views of Hat Rock and Indian Lookout Mountain, then connect to the 2.3-mile Nelson Loop, where you’ll pass the remains of an early 1900s homestead. Together, the two trails add up to a 9.3-mile trek, so pack water and an extra layer. Your best bud will have to sit this one out, too, since Hall Ranch is pet-free.

Button Rock Preserve

Managed by the City of Longmont, Button Rock Preserve sits in a river valley about 7 miles west of Lyons, roughly 35 minutes from home. Start on Longmont Dam Road along North St. Vrain Creek. Then climb the Sleepy Lion Trail for views over Ralph Price Reservoir before looping back down past Button Rock Dam. Parking is limited, so plan for an early start. Pets aren’t allowed in the preserve, so this one’s a great pick for a solo hike or day out with friends.

Bring the Trail Home to Nova West

Fall doesn’t stick around long in the foothills, so make the most of these trails before winter rolls in. When you get back to Nova West, cozy up by the fire pits on the rooftop decks, or soak sore legs in the spa. And if your pup sat out a hike or two, the two on-site dog parks make up for it. If you’re looking for a home base for hiking near Longmont, CO, schedule a tour of Nova West today.