Top Ten Fall Colors Hikes in Summit County, Colorado
Let’s go leaf peeping!
Oh yes, fall is here and the colors are changing overnight and we are fast approaching the “peak week” of fall colors in Summit County. The fall colors are expected to be at their best from September 16 thru September 26. However, some groves of aspen are already changing…so let’s jump right into Summit County’s best hikes for fall colors!
Best Family-Friendly Trail
Rainbow Lake
The Rainbow Lake Trail is both easy to access [trailhead parking is right on the edge of Frisco, walkable from downtown] and easy to hike. You’ll start at the Rainbow Lake Trailhead, which is also called the “2nd Avenue Trailhead” or “Zack’s Stop”. There are a few trails leaving this trailhead so be sure you follow the one nearest the large trailhead map. Once you get onto the trail it is easy to follow, though there are a few off-shoot trails.
You can treat this as an out-and-back trail or you add a little elevation gain by connecting to the Masontown Trail or even the Mount Royal Trail [both lead you near the parking lot, just be sure to turn right to go down to the trailhead rather than right to go up Mount Royal]. Dogs are allowed but need to be on leash.
Best Alpine Lake
Lower Cataract Lake
You will be surrounded by color as you drive up to Cataract Lake, a great taste of what you will find at the lake. Lower Cataract Lake is located near the parking area and has a 2.5 mile trail around it. There is also an Upper Cataract Lake that is accessible from the same trailhead; however, it is much further [about 10 miles round trip]. The lower lake is great for a picnic lunch or taking out a kayak or stand-up paddle board.
The road leading to the Cataract Lake trailhead is a semi-maintained gravel road. Any reasonably mountain-worthy car will be able to navigate the trail but know that it can be a bit bump or have washboard sections. Dogs are allowed.
Best Mountain Summit
Buffalo Mountain
The trek up to the summit of Buffalo Mountain is no joke but the views are amazing once you get there. You will start at the top of the Wildernest neighborhood and immediately begin climbing up, up, up. The trail goes through the 2018 Buffalo Fire burn area then climbs up above treeline. Once you’re above treeline you will have views of Silverthorne, Dillon, and Frisco.
This trail starts at a very popular trailhead with limited parking. If you don’t start before 8am you will likely need to take the free Summit Stage bus up from the Silverthorne Station. It is a 15 minute ride. Dogs are allowed and must be on leash as you are hiking through wilderness area. Keep in mind, the upper trail is through a boulder field which may be difficult for some dogs.
Best Mountain Views
Gold Hill
The Gold Hill trail is rated as “easy”, which is somewhat accurate. It is a shorter trail but it does start with uphill hiking and is very exposed to the sun which means it can easily become a very hot hike. However, the exposure allows for a plethora of views all around. Most fall colors will come from small groves of aspens or the far off mountainsides. You can also make this hike longer by continuing on the Colorado Trail or even up to the Peak Trail.
This is not a busy trail but the trailhead parking area is quite small. An early start will get you a parking spot. Dogs are allowed but should be leashed.
Best “Easy Access” Trail
Officers Gulch
The Officers Gulch trail is very easy access — it has it’s own designated exit ramp off I-70. The trail around Officers Gulch Pond is an easy mile loop, a great way to stretch your legs. If you’re looking to add a bit more distance to your day but don’t want to drive further pop over to the parking area on the south side of the interstate [same exit]. You will see the Tenmile Rec Path that stretches from Frisco to Copper and is lined with colorful aspen trees. It is paved and easy to walk along, just keep an eye out for people on bikes.
There is parking on either side of the interstate with a road going under. Parking isn’t plentiful but the jaunt around the pond is quick and short so people are often on the move. Dogs are allowed but should be leashed.
…Want More Fall Hikes?
We have them! Summit County has hundreds of miles of trails and we know of at least five more with stunning fall colors. Get another five hikes known for amazing fall colors by “purchasing” AFF’s FREE downloadable PDF.
