Fall Colors Are Popping in Keystone, Colorado

If you haven't made it up to the mountains to catch the changing of the Aspen leaves, don't wait! The fall colors are covering the mountains in the high country and they will soon be reaching their peak within the next week or two. With less crowds and crisp weather, September and October are the perfect time to get away to the mountains and enjoy the outdoors. The weather couldn't be better for hiking and biking and enjoying your favorite summer activities before the snow hits. And while you're up here, catch some of the live music around the county. 

Beat the weekend traffic and head up to Summit County on Thursday, September 22nd for a long weekend. Zuma Road will be playing at Rainbow Park in Silverthorne for their Cafe Concert Series; this free concert starts at 5:30. The Snake River Saloon will be hosting local band High 5 on Friday, September 23rd, and the Lee Rogers Band the following night; $5 cover gets you in.

[caption id="attachment_23742" align="alignright" width="243"] Amazing views of the hills and the River Golf Course Keystone Gulch Aqueduct Trail[/caption] If you are looking for a perfect Fall hike, we have a few recommendations.  The Keystone Aqueduct Trail offers great views of Keystone, the Ranch and Buffalo Mountain.  Head down West Keystone Road to Soda Ridge Road, where you will turn left at the Keystone Gulch Townhomes and you will see the parking area just ahead.  The trail starts off with some wooden bridges and stream crossings and a quick uphill with a right turn, where the trail then levels off and you start seeing the views and all of the spectacular yellows, reds, and oranges on the trees.  Turn around whenever you'd like and head back to the parking area. [caption id="attachment_23741" align="alignleft" width="284"] Ptarmigan trail in 2015[/caption] Another great fall hiking trail in the Summit County area near Keystone is the Ptarmigan Peak Trail in Silverthorne. From Keystone, head West on Highway 6 into Silverthorne. Cross under the I-70 overpass and turn right at the Wendy's, take another right at the first stop sign.  You will then right onto Tanglewood Lane and continue to Ptarmigan Trail Rd and turn right. Follow this road for approximately 0.8 miles to the trailhead parking on the right.  The trail takes you through some nice forest and meadow areas with tons of Aspen trees. You will overlook the Lake Dillon Reservoir and take in some great views of the Gore Range along the way.  The hike continues up to Ptarmigan Peak Pass, which is almost 11 miles if you go the whole way, but even just hiking a few miles and turning around is well worth it if you don't want to go all the way up.  [caption id="attachment_23743" align="aligncenter" width="584"] Great views from the Ptarmigan Trail in Silverthorne Colorado[/caption]