Fall in the Rockies: Try a Long Hike or Enjoy a Scenic Drive

Hello Fall – even though we are in shoulder season, there are plenty of amazing and fun things to do in Eagle County. Hiking, biking, scenic drives, oh my!

Gore Lake Trail is one of the most beautiful lake hikes in Colorado. This moderate to difficult, dog-friendly hike is 12.5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2,890 feet, with most of the elevation gain in the last 2 miles. You can choose to make it a day trip or haul your gear up for a breathtaking night under the stars. If you do plan to camp, you will need a free permit that is unlimited and self-issuing at the wilderness boundary sign before starting your trek (lucky for you, so EASY)! Be sure to pack layers as fall camping can be a little chilly, and remember that there are no campfires permitted, and you need to pack out all trash (including TP) and beware of the mountain goats.  To get to the trailhead, take the East Vail Exit 180 and take Bighorn Road until it dead ends at the free parking lot. After the hike, celebrate your achievement with Eagle County’s best ice cream at Sundae located in Edwards and Vail Village.

Hiking from Minturn to Lionshead Village in Vail (or vise versa) is another fun full-day hike that is great for enjoying the fall colors. This is a moderate to difficult 12-mile hike, that can be made easier if you catch the Eagle Bahn Gondola #19 down into the village before it closes, making it only 8 miles. Enjoy breathtaking views from the top of Eagles Nest! When you are finished, just hop back on that gondola before it closes and enjoy a drink and appetizer at Blue Moose Pizza, or a wonderful seafood dinner at a long-time local favorite Montauk Seafood Grill.

Whether you are just visiting for the day, or you decide to glamp it at 4 Eagle Ranch there is fun to had by all. Take an exhilarating zip line ride with Zip Adventures through the canyon & over the creek, experiencing some of the longest and fastest zip lines in the state of Colorado. If you like to stay close to the ground, you can enjoy a 2.5 hour off-road ATV adventure where you will explore Blue Lake, cool volcanic formations, and much more throughout the Castle Peak Wilderness area. Enjoy the afternoon on the property, and then take part in a wagon ride & dinner experience or join the live music and line dancing. Please check 4 Eagle Ranch’s website for dates that they offer these special events.

Want to enjoy a scenic drive? Fall on Independence Pass is definitely it! Start your day early at Loaded Joe’s in Avon, a true locals’ place known for its coffee and fun, friendly atmosphere. For breakfast, try the pulled pork breakfast burrito or the lemon ricotta pancakes. Then take Highway 24 through the quaint old mountain town of Minturn, past Redcliff, and into Leadville. Just past Leadville, veer right on to Highway 82 and pass some of the most beautiful lakes in CO –  the Twin Lakes.  Finally hitting your destination at 12,096ft is Independence Pass at the Continental Divide, where you will need your coat, hat and mittens! Take some time to walk to the lookout and enjoy the views. There are a few hikes that allow you to take in many rock formations and different mountain ranges, but be sure to have layers and water to avoid altitude sickness. On the way down, visit the once thriving mining town known as Independence Ghost Town, and tour some of the structures that date back to 1880. As you continue into the Roaring Fork Valley, stop at the Grattos and tour the ice caves and waterfalls. This is a great place to have another snack or the lunch that you packed. You can either spend the rest of the day/night in Aspen, or travel onward to Glenwood Springs for dinner and perhaps a soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs. Finally head back through the Glenwood Canyon to Avon to round out this round trip adventure through Colorado’s majestic mountains. (Note: Independence Pass is typically open from late May to late October.)