Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the vibrant gold and fiery orange of a Colorado autumn. Summit County comes alive with color each September, creating a perfect backdrop for a crisp mountain hike. If you're looking for the best trails to see the fall colors, here are a few local favorites, with options for every skill level.
Keystone Aqueduct Trail
This short, easy trail is a great option for families with young children or anyone looking for a relaxing stroll. Head to the Keystone Gulch Trailhead in West Keystone. Follow the access road for about a half mile, and then cross the bridge on your right to begin the hike.
The trail starts with a short climb before leveling out, offering fantastic views of West Keystone, the River Golf Course, and the Snake River. As you continue, you'll catch glimpses of Buffalo Mountain and the Gore Range through the trees. In the fall, the aspen groves along the trail turn a stunning, brilliant gold.
After about a mile and a half, the trail ends at Keystone Ranch Road. From there, you can turn around or connect to other trails like the Red Trail and Aqueduct Loop in order to make a longer loop. For a true door-to-trail experience, stay in a West Keystone condo at Wild Irishman, Flying Dutchman, Soda Springs, Starfire, or Northstar. They make the perfect basecamp for your fall-color adventure.
Peru Creek Road
For a more secluded hike, head up Montezuma Road from Keystone to the Peru Creek Road trailhead. This easy, 6-mile route follows the scenic Peru Creek. Drive about 4.6 miles up Montezuma Road and look for a parking area on your left.
From the trailhead, you can walk along the old service road, which is flat and perfect for a peaceful hike. As you walk, you'll pass several historic mine sites and soak in the beauty of the surrounding mountains. If you have a 4WD vehicle, you can drive another 4.5 miles to the upper trailhead to explore Upper Peru Creek and Horseshoe Basin. This area also connects to other great hikes like Warden Gulch and Lenawee Trail.
Ptarmigan Trail
For breathtaking, panoramic views of Summit County and Dillon Reservoir, the Ptarmigan Trail is a must. The trail is known for its incredible aspen groves, which are a spectacular sight when they turn golden in the fall.
To get to the trailhead, drive toward Silverthorne and turn right onto Rainbow Drive (near the I-70 overpass). Turn right onto Tanglewood Drive, then another right onto Ptarmigan Trail, and finally a right into the parking area.
While the trail climbs about 5.5 miles to the summit of Ptarmigan Peak, the first 3 miles are relatively flat and perfect for an easy, scenic walk. The views alone are well worth the trip.
Ready to experience a Colorado autumn? Plan a weekend getaway to see the fall colors at their peak. Not only can you enjoy a relaxing hike, but you can also take advantage of great off-season deals at local restaurants in late September and October. Book your stay with us and save 15% on fall stays by using the promo code FALL15 when you book online before September 15.
