It’s almost peak fall season right now in Summit County, Colorado. We see many people, hiking, biking or driving around, and stopping frequently to pull out their camera to take a snapshot of the gorgeous yellow foliage!
There are so many favorite trails to hike or bike. Little Mountain trail at the Illinois Gulch (and the Troll) trailhead next to the Breckenridge Ice Rink is a perfect short hike for families! There is definitely a short climb to the top, but the fall foliage views of the town of Breckenridge are incredible!
Best Fall Drives
Independence Pass
The drive over Independence Pass from Leadville to Aspen is breathtaking! Stop by Leadville for coffee before you head over! Make sure take some photos at the Twin Lakes stop of the Colorado Trail and at the top of the Continental Divide. Plan for a pit stop at the Grottos for a beautiful short hike, and magnificent “ice caves.” And then treat yourself to some time in Aspen, perhaps lunch at the White House Tavern for lunch or Matsuhisa for sushi and sake.
Peru Creek Rd to Chihuahua Lake
If you have a 4WD vehicle, enjoy a drive and hike up Peru Creek Road from Keystone through Montezuma and up these dirt roads. The aspens border the drive, and the ice blue creek water is mesmerizing. You can either park alongside the road and walk up the dirt road, or save you legs some mileage and take your jeep or ATV to the Chuihuahua Lake Trailhead. On your way back to Summit County, stop by Saved by the Wine Eatery for a delicious home cooked meal paired with the perfect bottle of wine, or grab a sandwich to go at Snarf’s!
Boreas Pass
This dirt road from Breckenridge to Como, Colorado gets crowded at peak season. It’s easy to understand why! It becomes a golden tunnel and “yellow brick road” of fallen aspen leaves at its height, and offers incredible views and a stunning backdrop for photo sessions! Consider hiring a photographer for your family to capture this special season!
Best New Restaurant
The Horseshoe
And on your way back from Boreas pass, stop by The Horseshoe! Owners Kelly and Aaron Boyd just opened The Horseshoe in Breckenridge on Main Street in September 2023! They have taken over the old Modis spot, and long-time locals will remember that it was actually named the Horseshoe before that, so the Boyds brought it back to its original roots! Their tex-Mex menu boasts of authentic Mexican tacos with homemade corn tortillas, appetizers like ceviche and crack bacon, exquisite entrees like carne asada and elk enchiladas, and even BRUNCH items like chilaquiles and french toast! And one of the best features of this restaurant is their upstairs deck! Enjoy the fall weather outside with friends for happy hour!
Open: Thurs thru Mon – 9am – 9PM
Closed: Tues & Wed
Paula Stanton & Associates 