Our Favorite Global Trekking Trips for Fall
What do we love about hiking in the fall? The answer looks different depending on where you are. Golden aspen groves in Colorado, cobalt waters and sun-warmed stone villages along the Adriatic, vine rows glowing in the afternoon light in Alsace — whatever your version of a perfect fall day, we have a trek for it. Fall is our favorite season to travel: crowds thin out, trails open up, and the seasonal menus don’t hurt either. Think wild chanterelles and porcini turning up in everything from a Corsican trattoria to a Tuscan farmhouse table.
Fall Classics
Our alpine hikes are made for this season. Picture dusting of snow on the peaks, mirror-still mountain lakes, and the kind of silence you only find above the treeline. Less crowded and more dramatic than summer, fall in the high country is something else entirely.
For fall foliage, our guided Rocky Mountain High Life: Aspen to Telluride or self-guided Telluride Trek are calling your name. Late September and early October are prime leaf-peeping season in the San Juan Mountains, our home turf, and we know all the secret spots.
Warm Weather Favorites
For cobalt waters, ancient walled towns, and island-hopping along one of Europe’s most spectacular coastlines, our self-guided Croatia trek is hard to beat. Explore coastal national parks and the lost-in-time islands of Korčula and Hvar, where red-roofed villages tumble down to the crystal-clear Adriatic. Warm fall days, immaculate stone streets, and exceptional seafood restaurants make this an Adriatic escape to remember.
If coastlines, sapphire waters, and a laid-back Italian lifestyle sound like your thing, our self-guided Capri & The Amalfi Coast is for you. Hike from the stunning island of Capri through the sun-drenched towns of Amalfi and Positano, enjoying cliffside walks with sparkling Mediterranean views at every turn. Warm days, gentle sea breezes, and the effortless charm of the Italian coast make this one of our favorite fall escapes.
For Foodies
Our guided Corsica trek at the end of September is a foodie’s paradise, blending French and Italian flavors with a unique Corsican twist — fresh seafood, mouthwatering meats, delectable cheeses, and pastas, all while soaking up the island’s vibrant culture.
Moorish, Catalan, and maritime traditions converge in Mallorcan cuisine. Meals highlight the island’s bounty including fresh seafood, olive oil from ancient groves, local wines, and sobrasada, the island’s iconic paprika-cured sausage, all served with the warmth of a proud island culture. Explore it all on our self-guided Mallorca trek.
Self-Guided Fall Favs
Tucked into the Italian-speaking corner of Switzerland, the Ticino region is a sun-drenched surprise — ancient stone villages strung along steep-sided valleys, cobalt rivers winding through chestnut forests, and sweeping views over Lakes Maggiore and Lugano. The trails here feel gloriously forgotten by time, connecting medieval churches and mountain ruins at an unhurried pace. Each evening, settle into a cozy trattoria in the famous resort towns of Locarno or Lugano for delicious food, fine wines, and the infinite charm of a place that feels equal parts Italian and Swiss.
And don’t miss the Appenzell Hut Hop! Six days of breathtaking trails through vibrant autumn landscapes, including the thrilling Lisengrat ridge, famous Appenzeller cheese, and a mix of charming inns, berghauses, and a high mountain hut.
Scenic and Culture
Northern California is one of fall’s great surprises — dramatic coastline, ancient redwoods, and world-class food and wine, all within striking distance of each other. Our self-guided San Francisco to Point Reyes trek takes you from Sausalito’s waterfront galleries to farm-sourced meals in Olema and the crashing waves of Point Reyes. Prefer your hike to end with a glass of Cabernet? The Sausalito to Napa Valley trek winds through redwood forests and rugged coastline before arriving at the rolling vineyards of Napa for a final wine tasting.
Alsace is fall hiking at its most picturesque, with vine rows glowing gold in the afternoon sun, castle-topped hills, and pastel-colored villages that seem unchanged by time. Nestled between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine, this storied wine region blends French elegance with German tradition in equal measure. Our self-guided Alsace trek weaves through Grand Cru vineyards, quiet forests, and lively village squares, with charming towns like Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg anchoring each day’s journey.
Wherever you go with Ryder-Walker this fall, an unforgettable adventure awaits. Contact us today and let’s start planning your perfect fall getaway. Browse our guided trips and self-guided offerings.
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