Fall in Love with Autumn in the Colorado Mountains

Roaring Fork Valley. | Photo: Courtesy of Visit Glenwood Springs

A crispness has crept into the Colorado air, especially in the early mornings. There’s word from meteorologists that this could be a spectacular fall due to early summer rain that soaked the earth. And, the color is coming late this year, so there’s plenty of time to plan a trip. Drive up Interstate 70, out of the hustle of Denver and bustle of the suburbs, and it becomes a photographer’s paradise. Here are a few stops along the way where photogs and gawkers will find a delightful array of colors in the hills. 

Clear Creek County

Georgetown Train. | Photo: Courtesy of Visit Clear Creek County

One need not travel far to find the charming mining towns of Idaho Springs, Georgetown and Silver Plume. There are many ways to enjoy the scenery while having a little fun too. Take a mine tour and/or pan for gold at the Phoenix Gold Mine in Idaho Springs. This outing immerses visitors in the history of Clear Creek County—just getting to the mine will be an adventure in vivid color. 

Georgetown. | Photo: Cassandra Patton – Visit Clear Creek

Georgetown offers one of the best ways to see the fall foliage and that’s by train. Hop on the Georgetown Loop Railroad for a 360-degree view of the area. Follow that up with a beer on the patio at Guanella Pass Brewing or a dessert at Sweet Easy. Speaking of Guanella Pass, the road to the pass runs right from Georgetown, and it’s gorgeous at any time of year. The hills will also be golden in Silver Plume and Empire, so don’t forget those two small towns while hunting for color in Clear Creek County. 

Colors of fall near Silver Dale. | Photo: Courtesy of Visit Clear Creek County Guanella Pass

Guanella Pass. | Photo: Cassandra Patton – Visit Clear Creek

Frisco

Mike Murphy Dillon Reservoir – Greys and Torreys. | Photo: Courtesy of Frisco

There is nothing quite so awe-inspiring as Lake Dillon dotted with gold and crimson. Drive Swan Mountain Road between Keystone and Frisco for some of the most photogenic scenes. Stop at Sapphire Point Overlook for a quick hike that reveals glimpses of blue between rustling yellow aspen trees. Looking for a longer hike? The trail to Rainbow Lake in Frisco, from the Second Avenue trailhead is easy and beautiful. 

Mike Murphy Town Bike. | Photo: Courtesy of Frisco

Vail Valley

Vail, gondola ride in September. | Photo: Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer

Driving east, over Vail Pass, the Vail Valley comes into stunning view. During the autumn the hillsides are decorated with splashes of yellow, spilling down the hillside in a cascade of gold. I’ve been here more often than any other Colorado destination, including several times in the fall. It’s a delight because whether hiking, dining or simply walking around Vail Village, Instagram-able views abound.

At the end of this month, we’re heading up to Vilar Performing Arts Center (VPAC) for an Underground Sound concert by Miles Miller. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, VPAC is a one-of-a-kind underground theater venue in the heart of Beaver Creek, and I’m excited to check it out this fall. We’re staying in Vail, just 15-minutes away. The Vail Valley features the towns of Vail, Beaver Creek, Minturn, Red Cliff, Avon, EagleVail, Edwards, Eagle, and Gypsum, and each is a top-notch fall destination. 

Vail, from Solaris patio, September. | Photo: Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer

Vail, from the Solaris patio, September. | Photo: Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer

Glenwood Springs

Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Colorado Glenwood Springs

Last, but certainly not least when it comes to fall splendor, Glenwood Springs offers hiking and soaking with a view. That’s right, take in the smells, sounds, and sights of autumn while soaking in the world’s largest hot spring pool, Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. A favorite of my husband since he was a child, this is an experience we’ve enjoyed many times. 

A stay at the majestic and historic Hotel Colorado comes with views of quaking aspens and features fire pits for those cool autumn evenings. Glenwood Springs is about two hours and 40 minutes west of Denver on Interstate 70. A wonderful way to experience Colorado history and see the town in all its fall glory is to hike up to Doc Holiday’s grave at the Linwood Cemetery. This short stroll provides sweeping views of the town and surrounding nature. 

Whether spending the weekend or doing a day trip up Interstate 70 in the hopes of finding fall colors, autumn lovers won’t be disappointed. Colorado does color well, and it even looks good from the freeway.

Roaring Fork Valley. | Photo: Courtesy of Visit Glenwood Springs