There’s something about September that makes spending a day on the trail sound particularly appealing. The temperatures begin to cool, landscapes start to change, and the promise of crisp mountain air makes an outdoor getaway feel especially timely.
But a hiking vacation doesn’t have to mean roughing it.
Across North, Central and South America, some of the world’s most spectacular trails are found within reach of luxury resorts, restorative spas and comfortable mountain retreats. Travelers can spend the morning climbing toward an alpine lake or wandering through a cloud forest, then spend the evening soaking sore muscles, enjoying a massage or settling in for a memorable meal.
From golden larches in the Canadian Rockies to red-rock canyons in Arizona and the dramatic peaks of Patagonia, here are seven hiking destinations worth traveling for.
1. Banff & Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
Few destinations capture the feeling of fall quite like the Canadian Rockies. Beginning in September, Banff National Park's alpine larch trees transform from green to brilliant gold, creating a short but spectacular fall-color season against turquoise lakes, glaciers and snow-dusted peaks. Peak larch color typically occurs from late September into early October, although exact timing varies with the weather.
For hikers, the challenge may simply be deciding which trail to choose.
Hikes to consider:
- Larch Valley – Moderate
Beginning at Moraine Lake, the trail climbs through forest before opening into a valley surrounded by golden larches and the towering Ten Peaks. It is one of Banff's signature fall hikes. - Sentinel Pass – Strenuous
Travelers who want more of a challenge can continue beyond Larch Valley toward Sentinel Pass for expansive views over the surrounding valleys. - Plain of Six Glaciers – Moderate
Beginning at Lake Louise, this trail gradually leaves the crowds behind as it climbs toward glacial terrain and the historic Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House. - Healy Pass – Moderate
A longer option featuring forests, alpine meadows, lakes and brilliant larch color in the fall. - Taylor Lake – Moderate
A steady forest climb ends at a mountain lake surrounded by larches and dramatic peaks. - Saddleback Pass – Difficult
A shorter but steeper climb from Lake Louise through dense stands of larch trees.
Banff also makes it remarkably easy to combine adventure with indulgence. The historic Fairmont Banff Springs is one of Canada's best-known mountain resorts, and its Fairmont Spa features mineral pools and hydrotherapy-inspired experiences that feel particularly welcome after a long day on the trail. Lake Louise also offers upscale mountain accommodations, boutique retreats and resort properties.
Best for: Fall foliage, alpine scenery and travelers who want serious hiking without sacrificing resort amenities.
2. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen may be famous for winter, but autumn makes a convincing argument for visiting before the snow arrives.
The area's namesake trees transform the mountainsides into shades of gold, and peak foliage is typically seen during the third and fourth weeks of September. Aspen's tourism office specifically recommends Cathedral Lake, American Lake, Hunter Creek and Crater Lake for experiencing the season on foot.
Hikes to consider:
- Crater Lake at Maroon Bells – Moderate
Start with one of Colorado's most recognizable views before continuing beyond Maroon Lake toward Crater Lake beneath the Maroon Bells. - Cathedral Lake Trail – Strenuous
The trail begins among golden aspens before climbing steeply into high-alpine terrain. It is especially beautiful during fall. - American Lake Trail – Moderate to strenuous
Forest, aspen groves and alpine scenery culminate at a high-elevation lake. - Hunter Creek Trail – Easy to moderate
A flexible option close to town that can be shortened or extended depending on how ambitious the day feels. - Smuggler Mountain Trail – Moderate
A popular local route with excellent views over Aspen and the surrounding mountains. - Ute Trail – Strenuous
A steep climb from town that quickly rewards hikers with sweeping views over the valley.
After the hiking boots come off, Aspen easily transitions into luxury mode. The St. Regis Aspen Resort offers perhaps the most recognizable option, with RAKxa Wellness Spa, a 15,000-square-foot wellness space offering massages, hot and cold experiences, steam rooms and recovery-focused treatments. The town also has a deep collection of boutique hotels, upscale resorts and fine dining.
Best for: Peak fall color, challenging day hikes and travelers who appreciate a little glamour with their outdoor adventure.
3. Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor, Maine
Where else can you hike a granite mountain in the morning and eat lobster beside the Atlantic that evening?
Acadia National Park brings together rugged shoreline, forests, lakes and rocky mountain summits in a relatively compact area. Add New England's legendary fall foliage and it becomes an especially compelling autumn hiking destination.
Hikes to consider:
- The Beehive Loop – Strenuous
Short does not mean easy. This adventurous route uses iron rungs and steep, exposed sections to climb above Sand Beach. It isn't ideal for hikers uncomfortable with heights. - Precipice Trail – Very strenuous
Another of Acadia's famous iron-rung routes, with ladders, scrambling and considerable exposure. Seasonal wildlife closures can affect access, so trail status should always be checked before planning. - Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail – Moderate to strenuous
A longer, scenic route through forest and across exposed granite before reaching Cadillac Mountain's summit and its Atlantic views. - Jordan Pond Path – Easy to moderate
A gentler option around one of Acadia's signature lakes, though portions of the western side involve uneven rocks and footing. - Pemetic Mountain South Ridge – Moderate
Rocky ridgelines lead to panoramic views of Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountain and Maine's coastline. - Ocean Path – Easy
Ideal for a recovery day, with coastal scenery linking Sand Beach, Thunder Hole and Otter Point.
Bar Harbor provides the comfortable home base. The Spa at Bar Harbor Inn offers massages and wellness treatments overlooking Frenchman Bay, while the area also has several waterfront resorts, historic inns and upscale boutique properties.
Best for: New England foliage, ocean views and hikers who enjoy a little scrambling.
4. Sedona, Arizona
Fall looks different in Sedona.
Instead of endless forests of orange and yellow, imagine towering red sandstone formations surrounded by cottonwoods, maples and sycamores turning along the banks of Oak Creek. The contrast makes Sedona one of the most visually distinctive autumn destinations in the country.
And because fall color here generally arrives later than it does in the mountains of Colorado or Canada, Sedona can extend the hiking season well into October and November.
Hikes to consider:
- West Fork of Oak Creek – Easy to moderate
One of Sedona's best fall hikes, following a creek through a narrow canyon shaded by deciduous trees. - Devil's Bridge – Moderate
One of the area's most recognizable trails, culminating at Sedona's largest natural sandstone arch. - Cathedral Rock – Moderate to strenuous
Relatively short but very steep, requiring hands-on-rock scrambling to reach the saddle and its panoramic views. - Boynton Canyon – Moderate
A longer canyon hike featuring towering red-rock walls, forest and varied terrain. - Bell Rock – Moderate
A flexible option that allows hikers to explore around—and, depending on comfort and route, climb portions of—the formation. - Bear Mountain – Very strenuous
Sedona's tourism office describes it as a very challenging, steep climb. It's a better choice for experienced hikers looking for a serious workout.
Sedona may also be the strongest wellness destination on our entire list. Mii amo is a destination spa and wellness retreat located in Boynton Canyon, with multi-night journeys incorporating spa treatments, movement, mindfulness and guided experiences. Guests can even pair hiking with meditation through guided vortex hikes to locations including Cathedral Rock and Boynton Canyon.
Nearby Enchantment Resort and L'Auberge de Sedona provide additional upscale retreat options.
Best for: Red-rock scenery, later-season hiking and anyone who believes a massage is an essential part of trail recovery.
5. Torres del Paine, Chilean Patagonia
For travelers who want the hiking trip to become the trip of a lifetime, there is Patagonia.
Torres del Paine National Park is home to jagged granite towers, glaciers, turquoise lakes, open steppe and some of South America's most legendary trekking routes.
There is one seasonal twist: when North America enters fall, the Southern Hemisphere is beginning spring. September can still bring unpredictable conditions in Patagonia, while the primary trekking season generally builds through the Southern Hemisphere's spring and summer. For North American travelers inspired by fall hiking, this is an excellent trip to begin planning for the months ahead.
Hikes to consider:
- Base Torres – Strenuous
One of Patagonia's signature day hikes, climbing through the Ascencio Valley and forest before a demanding final ascent over a rocky glacial moraine to the famous turquoise lagoon beneath the towers. - French Valley – Moderate to strenuous
A full-day hike into the heart of the Paine Massif, surrounded by glaciers, granite walls and the dramatic Cuernos del Paine. - Grey Glacier – Moderate to strenuous
Routes around Grey Lake offer views of icebergs, glacier faces and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. - Mirador Grey – Moderate to strenuous
A rewarding choice for travelers who want glacier scenery without committing to a multi-day trek. - The W Trek – Strenuous
The park's most famous multi-day route links Base Torres, French Valley and Grey Glacier. - The O Circuit – Very strenuous
A longer route around the Paine Massif intended for experienced trekkers seeking a true backcountry challenge.
Fortunately, trekking through Patagonia no longer necessarily means sleeping in a tent every night. High-end adventure lodges including Explora Torres del Paine and Tierra Patagonia pair guided excursions with elevated accommodations and wellness facilities. Explora, for example, offers dozens of guided explorations throughout the region, allowing guests to tailor their days to ability and interests.
For post-hike recovery, Uma Spa at Tierra Patagonia offers massage and wellness treatments alongside an indoor pool, sauna and relaxation spaces overlooking the Patagonian landscape.
Best for: Bucket-list trekking, dramatic wilderness and travelers willing to go farther for an extraordinary experience.
6. Arenal & Monteverde, Costa Rica
Not every great hiking getaway needs crisp air and changing leaves.
Costa Rica offers an entirely different kind of trail: volcanoes, hanging bridges, tropical forest, waterfalls and mist-covered cloud forests filled with wildlife.
Combining Arenal and Monteverde creates an especially appealing adventure itinerary.
Hikes to consider:
Around Arenal
- Arenal Volcano National Park trails – Easy to moderate
Several routes explore rainforest and old lava flows beneath the volcano. - Arenal 1968 trails – Moderate
Volcanic rock, lava fields and wide-open views toward Arenal Volcano make this one of the area's signature hikes. - Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges – Easy
More nature walk than strenuous hike, but suspension bridges through the rainforest canopy provide a unique way to experience the ecosystem. - La Fortuna Waterfall – Moderate
The biggest challenge comes from the long staircase descending to—and eventually climbing back from—the waterfall.
Around Monteverde
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve – Easy to moderate
A network of trails leads through dense cloud forest alive with mosses, ferns, orchids and birdlife. - Bosque Nuboso trails – Easy to moderate
Choose shorter nature walks or combine trails for a longer day. - Curi-Cancha Reserve – Easy to moderate
Particularly appealing for travelers interested in wildlife and birdwatching.
And few destinations have a better natural recovery plan than Arenal.
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is built around naturally heated mineral springs flowing from the volcanic region, pairing thermal pools with The Spa at Tabacón. Arenal also has several luxury eco-resorts, including the Nayara properties, where rainforest villas and wellness experiences provide a considerably softer ending to the day than a sleeping bag.
Best for: Tropical adventure, wildlife and travelers who would happily trade fall foliage for a volcanic hot spring.
7. Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Region, Peru
In Peru, hiking becomes as much a journey through history as it is through nature.
The Sacred Valley combines Andean peaks, agricultural terraces, traditional communities and Incan archaeological sites. Trails can lead through remote mountain passes one day and into centuries-old ruins the next.
Hikes to consider:
- Classic Inca Trail – Strenuous
The legendary route to Machu Picchu crosses high-altitude mountain passes, cloud forest and archaeological sites before reaching the Sun Gate. - Short Inca Trail – Moderate to strenuous
An excellent choice for travelers who want the experience of arriving at Machu Picchu on foot without committing to the full trek. - Lares Trek – Moderate to strenuous
A quieter alternative to the Classic Inca Trail, passing traditional Andean communities, mountain scenery and high passes. - Huchuy Qosqo Trek – Moderate to strenuous
Combines high-altitude hiking with views of the Sacred Valley and the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo. - Humantay Lake – Strenuous
The distance is manageable, but the altitude makes the climb to this vividly colored glacial lake significantly more demanding. - Pisac archaeological trails – Moderate
A great option for travelers who want to combine hiking with Incan ruins without committing to a multi-day trek.
The Sacred Valley has also become home to an impressive collection of luxury lodges and wellness retreats. Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, is one of the region's standouts. Its Kallpa Spa offers a thermal circuit, hydrotherapy, massages, pools and treatments incorporating traditional Andean ingredients.
Other upscale properties throughout the valley allow travelers to build an itinerary that balances demanding hikes with considerably more comfortable evenings.
Best for: Travelers who want their hiking vacation to combine adventure, culture and history.
Adventure Doesn't Have to Mean Roughing It
A great hiking trip can absolutely involve muddy boots, steep climbs and a few sore muscles. It can also include a great hotel, a hot shower, a beautiful dinner and a massage waiting at the end of the trail.
That combination is part of what makes adventure travel so appealing. The goal doesn't have to be pushing yourself to the limit every day. It can be finding the right balance between exploration and restoration.
Whether that means chasing the brief golden-larch season in Banff, climbing above the Atlantic in Acadia, walking in the footsteps of the Incas or planning the trek of a lifetime through Patagonia, there are hiking experiences throughout the Americas for almost every level of adventurer.
And the right itinerary can make getting there—and recovering afterward—just as memorable as the hike itself.
Ready to take the scenic route? Our World Travel advisors can help you build an adventure around your preferred hiking level, travel style and, yes, the spa you want waiting for you when you get back.