Shimmering golden aspens take center stage in Colorado from mid-September to late October. Crisp mornings and warm afternoons make it the perfect time for a scenic mountain drive to enjoy Colorado’s fall patchwork quilt of colors before a snowy blanket drapes the landscape for winter. Popular routes like Guanella Pass and Independence Pass are stunning, but they can be crowded on fall weekends. This avid road tripper, meteorologist and expert on Colorado experiences is sharing her four favorite fall drives you may not know about in Breckenridge, Vail, Steamboat Springs and Southwest Colorado.
1. Breckenridge – Mining History on Boreas Pass to Hoosier Pass Loop
Sitting at 9,600’ feet above sea level, Breckenridge is one of the first places to get peak color in Colorado, usually around September 18-26th. One of my favorite leaf peeping road trips is to combine Boreas and Hoosier Passes for fall colors with a dose of mining history.
On your way up Boreas Pass, make your first stop at Wakefield Ranch to see Aspen Alley. The small parking area is at the base of Boreas Pass Road and not even two minutes from downtown. You get a bonus of mining relics at one of Breckenridge’s best spots for an array of colors. The ranch is private, but there are stellar hiking and biking trails for epic photo ops in golden aspens. The first 4 miles of Boreas Pass Road are paved before it turns into a narrow dirt road for six miles to the summit. The views of the town, Breckenridge Ski Resort and Blue Lake are stunning. Boreas Pass was one of the earliest routes to Breckenridge. It became a narrow gauge railroad route in the 1880s.
Bakers Tank is an interesting piece of railroad history on the drive up to the summit. The water tank served the Denver, South Park and Pacific Narrow Gauge Railroad starting in 1880 and later the Colorado and Southern until the line was abandoned in 1937. You’re on the Continental Divide and at 11,482’ above sea level when you stop at the summit of Boreas Pass. C.&S. (Colorado and Southern) boxcars, Ken’s Cabin and the Section House make for great photo opportunities at the summit. The Section House was built in 1882 and is still used for rustic overnight accommodations in Colorado’s hut system in winter (reservations required).
There are also several trails if you’re up for high alpine hiking. As you descend the rocky switchbacks on the southern side of Boreas Pass, you are treated to views of South Park. The valley basin is surrounded by 14,000’ peaks. Hunters and trappers traversing the Rocky Mountains in the 1840s were the first to use the term South Park. The unincorporated community of Como feels like a ghost town with a little life still in it. Como was originally the tent city for laborers working on the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The town was named after Lake Como in Italy. The one-room Como Hotel was originally the Como Eating House built in 1897. Pop in the Mountain Man Gallery before doing the 10-mile jaunt on Highway 285 to Fairplay, known as the “Trout Capital of Colorado.”
The town of Fair Play was established in 1859 at the start of the Colorado Gold Rush. It was changed to one-word Fairplay in 1869 and is still called that today. This is a great time to grab a latte at Java Moose or ice cream cone at Silver Scoop Creamery. For more substantial eats and fun pub grub options, saunter into Platte River Saloon or McCall’s Park Bar on historic Front Street along the Middle Fork of the South Platte River. Take at least an hour to explore South Park City in Fairplay. The open-air museum opened in 1959 with historic mining structures moved from mining towns in the high gulches of the Mosquito Range. The buildings are furnished with roughly 40,000 items donated from families in Park County. After strolling through the saloon, general store, cabins and other buildings in the mining town, come back to present day and continue the drive over Hoosier Pass (Highway 9). On the way up the pass, you go through Alma.
Sitting at 10,355’ in elevation, it was founded in 1873 and was originally an office for the Boston Colorado Smelting Company. In its mining heyday, it was home to about 10,000 people. With its close proximity to several of Colorado’s 14ers (14,000-foot peaks), extensive outdoor recreation and Breckenridge, Alma is a growing community. The summit of Hoosier is your second chance to stand on the Continental Divide and last stop on this loop drive. The high mountain pass tops out at 11,542’ above sea level before you descend back into Breckenridge.
- Other Things to Do: See the Breckenridge Troll Isak Heartstone, drive French Gulch Road and hike Sallie Barber Mine Trail, go underground in a real gold mine on a tour at Country Boy Mine, hike to Jessie Mill and Preston Ghost Town in Gold Run Gulch
- Where to Eat: Cuppa Joe Café for lattes, Daylight Donuts or Clint’s Bakery & Coffeehouse for grab-and-go, Amazing Grace for breakfast, Canteen for lunch or happy hour, Downstairs at Eric’s for pizza, Giampietro for Italian, dinner at Briar Rose or Breckenridge Distillery, Crepes a La Cart for a sweet or savory treat
- Where to Stay: Gravity Haus
2. Vail – Highway 24 with Military History
Fall colors typically peak in the Vail Valley between September 25 to October 5. U.S. Route 24 near Vail is a scenic drive combining fall foliage, mining and military history and stunning scenery of jagged peaks and pastoral valleys.
This stretch of the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway runs for 30 miles between Minturn and Leadville. From Vail do the short drive to Minturn at the confluence of the Eagle River and Gore Creek. Grab breakfast at Sunrise Minturn in this colorful and eclectic small town founded because of the railroad in 1904. It’s in the Holy Cross Wilderness Area and White River National Forest.
There are multiple pull-offs along Highway 24 to stop and enjoy the view. About 4 miles south of Minturn before climbing Battle Mountain Pass and immediately before a bridge crossing the Eagle River is Tigiwon Road. Turn off on this road for stunning old growth aspen groves. Tigiwon Road leads to the trailhead for hikes to Mount of the Holy Cross and Notch Mountain. Gilman is the abandoned town nestled on the side of Battle Mountain. The zinc and lead Eagle Mine closed in 1984. Gilman and the Eagle Mine are on private property so you can only see the abandoned town from a distance before and as you drive up Battle Mountain Pass.
One of the highlights of Highway 24 is the spectacular cantilevered steel arch bridge over Fountain Creek. The Red Cliff Bridge was completed in 1940. Before crossing the bridge, turn off for a short detour to see Red Cliff, a mining town founded in 1879. Just beyond the majestic Red Cliff Bridge, take Homestake Road for a great river valley full of spectacular fall foliage. A wonderful challenging hike off of this road is Whitney Lake. For a longer hike, Missouri Lakes Trail is also off of Homestake Road. Shortly after crossing Red Cliff Bridge, enjoy the swampy willows of the subalpine forest decked out in deeper fall hues of rust, burnt orange and sienna.
As you enter expansive Pando Valley, you’re in for a military history lesson. The U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division were alpine soldiers or ski troopers. They trained at Camp Hale in this picturesque valley surrounded by rugged mountains. Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument is one of the nation’s newest national monuments. It preserves what’s left of the more than 1,000 buildings and structures along with weapon ranges in the former mountain and winter warfare training camp. As you take a self-guided tour of the concrete foundations and pillars at 9,200 feet, imagine what it would be like in adverse winter conditions. Keep driving Highway 24 to the summit of Tennessee Pass at 10,424 feet on the Continental Divide. The 10th Mountain Division Memorial is there.
The red granite monument has the names of 1,000 soldiers killed on battlefields in Italy and the Aleutian Islands during World War II. From here you can drive on to Leadville and loop back to Vail on I-70 or turn around and drive Highway 24 again to Minturn. Once back in Vail, go see the bronze sculpture “Ski Trooper” near the covered bridge. It pays tribute to the soldiers who trained in the 10th Mountain Division including one of the founders of Vail, Pete Seibert, who was severely wounded in World War II. Siebert and Earl Eaton founded Vail in the 1960s.
- Other Things to Do: Lunch with a llama while hiking with Paragon Guides, stroll through Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, explore the Vail Nature Center, drive up to Piney River Ranch and hike to Upper Piney River Falls, shop in Vail Village, visit the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame
- Where to Eat: Two Arrows or Yeti’s Grind for lattes, The Little Diner for breakfast, Vintage for brunch, Sweet Basil for lunch, La Bottega for happy hour and Alpenrose for dinner
- Where to Stay: Antlers at Vail
3. Steamboat Springs – Two Scenic Lakes on a County Road Drive
A palette of autumnal hues typically peaks in Steamboat Springs between September 15 to 25 but there’s often some color into early October. Rabbit Ears Pass typically puts on a colorful show and there are several pullouts to enjoy expansive views of the Yampa Valley as you drive into town. My favorite fall foliage drive in the area is Routt County 129. For 34 miles, it’s filled with fall colors, expansive ranches, tiny towns and jaw-dropping views. It’s so good I drove it twice in two days to enjoy it late afternoon and in the morning.
If you’re up for a moderate 4-mile trek, tack on hiking to Mad Creek Barn at the beginning or end of your scenic drive. There are colors along the route, especially in the aspen grove right before you get to the picturesque meadow that’s home to this historic barn built in 1906. Along 129, make your first stop on the drive at the small parking area at about Mile 7 at Red Dirt Trailhead/Christina State Wildlife Area. You can either hike part of the trail or just enjoy wandering through fall colors along the river. Shortly after that, the forest gives way to beautiful ranch land.
At mile 16.5 you’ll encounter the town of Clark. Sitting at an elevation of 7,271 feet, it was established on September 16, 1889. Stop in the Clark General Store to get picnic provisions. Just after crossing a small bridge over Elk River as you’re heading north out of Clark, turn right onto Seedhouse Road and drive a couple of colorful miles along the river.
At about mile marker 22 on 129, you’ll see the sign for Pearl Lake. Turn onto the dirt road and drive two miles to a pristine small alpine lake. It’s breathtakingly beautiful and not to be missed on this drive. Have a picnic along the peaceful lake and do a short hike through the aspens. Paddle around the lake if you have a kayak, canoe or paddleboard or cast a line and do a little fishing.
Back on 129, drive another 3 miles to Hahn’s Village at mile marker 25. Turn into the Sage Flats Area of Steamboat Lake for great views of the 1,055-acre lake and Hahn’s Peak. On the other side of the lake sitting at an elevation of 8,100 feet, there’s a full-service marina and public swimming beach. You can rent a cabin or camp at Steamboat Lake State Park. As you continue north of 129, keep your eyes peeled for free range cattle and other wildlife. Just before the pavement turns to dirt, at mile 34, there’s a tiny village of Columbine established in 1897. This is your turnaround spot to make your way back to Steamboat Springs.
- Other Things to Do: See the More Barn in Barn Park, hike to Fish Creek Falls (0.5 miles round trip), fish the Yampa River, mountain bike at Emerald Mountain, go on a trail ride at Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch, stroll through the Yampa River Botanic Park
- Where to Eat: Drunken Onion for grab-and-go, Yampa Sandwich Company for picnic provisions, Creekside Café or Freshies for breakfast, Yampa Valley Kitchen for lunch, Salt & Lime for tacos, Mazzola’s for pasta, The Commons for a food hall, Aurum or Laundry for dinner
- Where to Stay: Steamboat Grand (Mountain Village) or The Bristol Hotel (downtown Steamboat)
4. Southwest Colorado – Million Dollar Highway
The fall colors in the San Juan Mountains and southwest corner of the state usually peak between October 5-15th and sometimes last into late October. Between Ouray and Silverton is a 25-mile stretch of U.S. Route 550 dubbed the Million Dollar Highway. There are several legends on the building of this road clinging to the mountain including costing a million dollars a mile to build.
Before doing the drive, spend a little time in Ouray, nicknamed the “Switzerland of America,” on the north end. Ouray is known for its hot springs. Your first stop on the Million Dollar Highway should be Lookout Point for a wonderful view of Ouray. The first six miles of the drive are dramatic. There are hairpin turns and steep drop offs as you drive deeper into the Uncompaghre Gorge. There’s a large pull off to view Bear Creek Falls and a couple of other waterfalls. When the road mellows, that’s your cue to keep an eye out for mining relics and the two former mining camps of Ironton and Red Mountain Town. Keep going south and you can’t miss one of my favorite spots.
From the Treasury Tunnel trestle, you have an outstanding view of the mining relics and shacks dotting Red Mountain and an expansive view of fall colors across the valley. Miners would ride to their stations on the train from the trestle on the eastern end of the Idarado Mine, one of the largest mines in the San Juan Mountains. Across the road from the trestle is Red Mountain Town. There are still a few homes, but in the late 1800s and early 1900s it was home to almost 10,000 people. As you continue up to the summit of Red Mountain Pass at 11,018 feet look for small waterfalls on both sides of the road. As you descend from the summit, enjoy the stunning view as you pass mining relics tucked up in the mountains and roadside. Silverton is the southern end of the Million Dollar Highway. The Victorian mining town was dubbed the “mining town that never quit” and is filled with mining history. For no crowds, do this drive in the early morning or late afternoon.
- Other Things to Do (Ouray): Soak in hot springs, hike the 6-mile-loop Perimeter Trail, see Box Cañon Falls, visit the Ouray County Museum (Smithsonian Institute calls it the “best little museum in the West”), take a leisurely stroll on the Ouray County Historical Society self-guided walking tour, climb Ouray’s Via Ferrata
- Where to Eat: Mojo’s for coffee and breakfast burritos, True Grit Café for lunch, Gold Belt Bar and Grill for burgers and pizza, O’Brien’s for an Irish pub, Brickhouse 737 or The Outlaw for dinner, Mouse’s Chocolate and Coffee for ice cream
- Where to Stay: Imogene Hotel or The Western
- Other Things to Do (Silverton): Visit the San Juan County Historical Mining Heritage Center, go underground on an Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour, take a self-guided tour of the 1929 Mayflower Gold Mill, walk along notorious Blair Street, drive to Little Molas Lake and hike a few miles on the Colorado Trail, do the challenging hike to Ice and Island Lakes, rent an off-road vehicle from Rock Pirates and head to Animas Forks Ghost Town at 11,200’ on a 4-wheeling adventure on the Alpine Loop, ride the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
- Where to Eat (Silverton): Coffee Bear for lattes and burritos, Handlebars Food and Saloon for lunch or dinner,
- Where to Stay (Silverton): Wyman Hotel