Best Aspen Fall Color Hikes in Summit County
As the first dusting of snow falls on Peak 10, and the Oktoberfest kegs are cracked, I think it's safe to say Autumn in the High Country is finally here! Read on to discover the best hiking trails in Summit for aspen leaf peeping and fall colors.
Everyone who knows me, knows how much I love the Fall in my hometown of Breckenridge. The alchemy of golden aspens, rusting mountain peaks, and the crisp, Colorado sunshine is an unparalleled brew. One of the best ways to experience Summit County's finest, yet most fleeting, season is on foot. So today, I'm sharing my favorite hiking trails in Summit County to see our spectacular fall color up close. I've included trails for all levels of difficulty, so immerse yourself in the colors, and enjoy one of the most stunning times of the year!
Lily Pad Lake Trail: 3.5 miles Frisco, CO
Lily Pad Lake is one of the most popular hikes in all of Summit County, but Autumn is when this trail really comes to life. Ascend steeply through some of the largest aspen groves in the area, before you enter the Eagle's Nest Wilderness and the golden canopy gives way to rustling meadows and sweeping views of Lake Dillon. Tip: make sure you start from the Meadow Creek trailhead to maximize your leaf peeping! Alternative routes may be shorter, but you'll miss the best foliage and views.
Lily Pad Lake via Meadow Creek Trail
Rock Creek Trail: 4.3 miles Silverthorne, CO
Rock Creek is an enchanting, quiet corner of Summit, tucked away in the unruly Gore Range. This trail was one of the first 'secret spots' I came across in Colorado, and I still visit every Fall. The drive up to the trailhead is actually one of the most colorful parts of the journey. Rock Creek Trail climbs gently up through a mixed conifer forest and passes an intersection with the much busier Gore Range Trail. After the trail junction, you'll meander alongside a large alpine meadow known to be home to many Colorado song birds, before reaching a beautiful aspen grove. You'll climb beside these aspen until you arrive at the remains of the Boss Mine. Fiery aspens cascade through the old mine tailings and perfectly frame the rugged ridgelines surrounding the basin. Tip: for hikers experienced in Class 3 climbing and route-finding, Boss Mine is the start of the 13er, Keller Mountain's, standard route. This 15 mile rt climb makes for a much more aggressive day that will require more time and preparation, but will reward you with unmatched views of one of the most untouched mountain ranges in the Rockies.
Boss Mine via Rock Creek Trail
Keller Mountain via Rock Creek Trail
Eaglesmere Lakes: 7.4 miles Silverthorne, CO
For those looking to be completely immersed in dense, lofty aspen groves, Eaglesmere Lakes is the hike for you. Located in the far northwestern reaches of Summit County, the Eaglesmere trailhead sits at a lower elevation, which allows the aspen here to truly soar. The first two miles of this hike climb through one of the most majestic groves in the county. Wind through massive tree trunks and a lush forest floor before reaching sweeping yellow vistas of the Eagle's Nest and Cataract Falls. While the foliage is mostly found in the first 2.5 miles of the trail, the subalpine Eaglesmere Lake is a lovely end destination worth the extra mileage. Tip: this hike is entirely within a designated wilderness area; meaning that the trail is minimally maintained. You'll likely encounter downed trees and overgrown brush so wear long pants!
X10U8 to Minnie Mine: 1.5+ miles Breckenridge, CO
In 1859, prospectors discovered gold along the banks of Clear Creek, and the Colorado gold rush was born. In August of that same year, the fortune seekers arrived in what is now known as Breckenridge, and struck it rich in the hills along French Creek. The majority of gold mined in Breckenridge, including Tom's Baby, was unearthed from this basin, and the area became known as the Golden Horseshoe. How fitting that the same basin is now home to Breckenridge's best golden aspens! There are several trails you can take to travel past the historic X10U8 and Minnie mines in a loop. I usually head in a counter-clockwise direction so I can enjoy the most views of the Breckenridge Ski Resort in the distance. Depending on which trails you take, you'll pass by a rich variety of historical sites, including everything from dredge boats, to ghost towns, and even the ruins of a 1970's hippie commune! This area is also excellent for mountain biking, so check out the MTB Project for trail suggestions if you're heading out on your bike. Tip: the Town of Breckenridge open space trail system, which includes the Golden Horseshoe, connects countless trails to this one - making it very easy to extend your mileage and difficult to get lost. Track yourself on a GPS-enabled app like AllTrails or Strava to find other trails to explore that will still loop you back to your trailhead.
Frisco Peninsula: 3+ miles Frisco, CO
The Peninsula Recreation Area in Frisco is another fantastic network of trails that offers something for everyone. The peninsula itself does not have an abundence of aspen, but this is where you'll find some of the best 360 degree views of the blazing yellow and orange hillsides of Summit. Take a long stroll on the Lakeshore Perimeter Loop or a quick climb up Crown Point to take in the dazzling vistas of Buffalo Mountain, Greys and Torreys, Peaks One and Two, and more. The Peninsula Recreation Area is another popular area for mountain bikers, and features a couple directional downhill trails, as well as two jump lines. There's also two disc golf courses and a skatepark for those interested in more than just hiking. Tip: there is a fee for parking at the Peninsula day-use area managed by the National Forest, but parking is free at the upper parking lots, next to the baseball fields, and at the Frisco Lodge.
Lower Cataract Lake: 2.3 miles Silverthorne, CO
For Colorado autumns, quaking aspen will forever be the star of the show. There's so much more to the fall colors in the Rockies though! There's no better place than Cataract Lake to begin noticing the wide array of foliage that lights up the mountains every September. From Rocky Mountain maple, chokecherries and water birch, to woods rose, wild gooseberry, and cinquefoil; Cataract Lake is a veritable Garden of Eden. The trail that rings the lake is thin and rocky in places, but there is no elevation gain so I consider it an easy hike. The views of Cataract Falls and the surrounding Gore Range are ones you won't forget. For those who want to enjoy the outdoors without a trek, there is a stunning picnic area only .25 miles from the trailhead parking. Tip: for a completely different experience, try paddleboarding or kayaking on Cataract Lake! The .25 mile walk to the picnic area shore launch is doable for all abilities. Check out Blue Valley Sports for some of the best SUP rental pricing in the area.
Mesa Cortina: 2 miles Silverthorne, CO
The Eagle's Nest Wilderness is exceptionally popular with hikers year-round, but Mesa Cortina is wildly overlooked. Where you might find congested trails and overflow parking at other trailheads, you'll find peace and solitude here. The first mile of Mesa Cortina is the best section for fall color; you'll wind along the edges of Buffalo Mountain's apron of aspen and traverse three meadows with golden views of the Williams Fork, Lake Dillon and the Continental Divide. I like to hike this mile out-and-back in the evening to catch the sunset light. If you'd like make a full day out of it however, the Mesa Cortina trail continues for another 1.5 miles before intersecting with several other popular routes. Tip: my recommendation is to take Mesa Cortina to South Willow Creek Falls - a lovely, multi-tiered cascade nestled in the impressive granite wall between Buffalo Mountain and Red Peak.
Mesa Cortina to South Willow Creek Falls
When enjoying Colorado's great outdoors, always follow the principles of Leave No Trace and be prepared. Our wildlife, our mountains, and our community count on you to help our special corner of this planet thrive for all generations to come.
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