Both Breckenridge, Vail and their surrounding Summit and Eagle counties are home to some incredible hiking trails year-round. While these hikes hold beautiful green vistas in the warmer months with lush green aspens and pines, these trails truly come alive in the fall. Enjoy the brisk autumn air and colorful leaves, as you embark on a fall Colorado hiking adventure. Learn why fall is also the best time to visit Colorado!
Below you will find 10 of the Peak 1 Express team’s favorite fall hikes near Breckenridge and Vail. And if you’d rather explore by car than foot, check out 4 amazing scenic drives near Summit County.
1. Salt Lick Trail
Located near the Old Dillon Reservoir, the Salt Lick Trail allows for enjoyable scenery at every turn. In the peak of fall, expect golden aspens and a carpet of leaves covering this 5.2-mile trail. As you pass by beaver ponds and open meadows, this is an easy trail for beginners. This route also connects to the Lily Pad Trail and can be made into a loop with several other trails.
Distance: 5.2 miles out and back. Can be turned into a 6.3 mile loop
Elevation gain: 944 ft.
Dogs welcome, must be leashed
2. Ptarmigan Trail
The Ptarmigan Trail offers views of the Gore Range, Buffalo Mountain, Red Peak, Willow Peak, Red Buffalo Pass to the west and Breckenridge’s Ten Mile Range, Peak One, Ten Mile Canyon, and Lake Dillon to the southwest, rendering panoramic views of Summit County. Beginning near Silverthorne, the out and back trail is a “must do” hike for the whole family to enjoy. While this is a beautiful, invigorating walk in any season, the golden aspen make this a spectacular fall adventure.
Distance: 4.2 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 1.154 ft.
Dogs allowed, must be leashed
3. Eaglesmere Lakes
Off of the Surprise Lake trailhead, the Eaglesmere Lakes hike begins past Green Mountain Reservoir and the Blue River in Silverthorne. While hiking for the first mile or so, you will hear the sound of Cataract Falls as they plunge into Lower Cataract lake, a very soothing sound when hiking in the fall. The hike reaches 3 lakes at the top, as well as a gentle meadow. While this trail is considered moderate, it does have a fair bit of elevation gain over 3.7 miles.
Distance: 7.4 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 1,833 ft.
Dogs allowed, must be leashed
4. Chihuahua Lake
The Chihuahua Lake trail located past Dillon, Colorado is an invigorating adventure, with fall being a great time to explore, as represented by the lustrous aspens in the lower section of the trail. This trail takes you up through double track and then single track trail through forested aspens and other foliage up to Chihuahua Lake, a stunning alpine lake set against Colorado’s craggy landscape. The lake is one of Summit County’s most picturesque and definitely worth stopping for a picnic or photo.
Distance: 7.2 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 1,879 ft.
Dogs allowed, must be leashed
5. Elliot’s Ridge Trail
Located in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area, the Elliot’s Ridge trail travels up the spine of the Gore Range and offers expansive views of the Ptarmigan Wilderness Area. During autumn, aspens spill fall colors across the neighboring peaks and gullies, offering spectacular views, even once you hike past tree line. During the initial climb, you’ll pass Blue Lake as you make your way up to enjoy the views.
Distance: 10.3 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 1,345 ft.
Dogs allowed, must be leashed
Upper Piney River Falls Trail
Beginning at Piney River Ranch near Vail, the Upper Piney River Falls Trail starts at picturesque Piney Lake. It then climbs through open meadows before entering the forest and reaching a waterfall after a few switchbacks. Passing through several aspen groves, the trail will be brightened by the changing leaves as you travel the 3 miles up the scenic trail.
Distance: 5.9 miles
Elevation gain: 688 ft.
Dogs allowed, must be leashed
Pitkin Lake Trail
Pitkin Lake is located 4.45 miles north of Vail in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area. It fills a large cirque just above treeline at the head of a broad, glaciated valley. Visitors will enjoy varied scenery along several staged climbs into the upper valley, where the landscape opens to rolling alpine meadows on the approach to Pitkin Lake. This is a more challenging hike, but reaching the lake will make the steep ascent worth it.
Distance: 9.5 miles
Elevation gain: 2,975 miles
Dogs allowed, must be leashed
Deluge Lake Trail
The Deluge Lake Trail is highlighted by aspens, expansive alpine meadows, and open tundra. You will enjoy varied terrain, spectacular scenery, and well-earned solitude at Deluge Lake. This trail is steep, making for a challenging way up, but the peaceful trail rewards with magnificent views.
Distance: 9 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 3,444 ft.
Dogs welcome, must be leashed
Booth Falls Trail
Booth Falls is another astounding Colorado fall hike. The waterfall at the end isn’t flowing as hard this time of year, but the golden aspens definitely make this strenuous hike worth it. You’ll climb through Eagle’s Nest Wilderness with views of the Gore Range peaks, valleys, and rivers.
Distance: 3.9 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 1,315 ft.
Dogs welcome, must be leashed
Surprise Lake Trail
Surprise Lake is a gentler hike great for families. It offers creek crossings, aspen views, and surprise lake at the end. As a more moderate experience, it leaves plenty of time in the day for exploring the nearby Minturn area.
Distance: 5 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 682 ft.
Dogs allowed, must be leashed
The Breckenridge and Vail areas located in Summit County and Eagle County offer some of Colorado’s best fall hiking trails, featuring glorious aspen trees and stunning mountain backdrops. You’ll find trails appropriate for everyone from families to extreme adventurers. Let Peak 1 Express help you explore the best of these trails this fall with an affordable shuttle. We’ll pick you up at DIA and deliver you directly to your lodging throughout Summit County and Vail Valley. Book your shuttle today!
Written by Rosa Canales, Marketing Specialist
