When the aspens turn gold and the air starts to get crisp, Summit County is one of the best places in Colorado to visit. Summit County glows in fall colors as aspen groves blaze gold against the dark evergreens—perfect for leaf-peeping on Boreas Pass or lakeside walks around Dillon Reservoir. Use this guide to map out the most scenic drives and hikes, as well as timing and how to best capture the fall colors in Summit County.
When to Visit Summit County for Fall Colors
At 9,000 to 12,000 feet in elevation, Summit County’s aspens typically peak between late September into early October. Depending on weather, planning your visit during the last two weeks of September and the first week of October will give you the best chance of seeing Summit County at its most colorful time!
Tips for Viewing Fall Colors in Summit County
- Time of year: The last two weeks of September into the first week of October is typically when the colors peak, but you’ll find vibrant colors well into October depending on wind and moisture.
- Weekday mornings tend to be the least crowded time for hikes and scenic drives. Fall weekends in Colorado are quite busy.
- Go early or late to beat the crowds and find easier parking at popular trailheads. These times of day are typically better light for photos as well!
- Check conditions before you head out, as dirt roads and trails can change after rain or early snow.
- Dress in layers so you’re prepared for changes in weather and elevation. It can get very cold in high elevations in the fall – be prepared for the weather to change quickly, and for rain to turn to snow up high.
- Light matters for great photos – early mornings can be great to catch reflections on lake trails, and golden hour before sunset can make the aspens glow.
Can’t-Miss Scenic Fall Drives Near Summit County
- Boreas Pass Road: Starting in the heart of Breckenridge, this drive turns into a well-maintained dirt road climbing up through golden aspen tunnels and ending with sweeping mountain views.
- Loveland Pass: Follow Highway 6 past Keystone to traverse the Continental Divide, taking in panoramic views and golden aspen fields along the way.
- Old Dillon Road & Keystone Area Loops: East of Dillon and around Keystone, rolling hillsides of aspens meet ranchland and reservoir views.
- Guanella Pass Road: On the edge of Summit County between I-70 and Highway 285, this historic wagon road winds through colorful forests and occasional ghost towns, with little traffic to worry about.
- Independence Pass: This ambitious route west of Breckenridge connects Leadville and Aspen along Highway 82, with striking panoramic vistas and photo opportunities all along the way. While this is a bit far for a day trip, it would be an excellent extension before or after your visit to Summit County.
Top Fall Foliage Hikes in Summit County
- Old Dillon Reservoir Trail: This easy paved path offers autumn colors and sweeping lakeside views.
- Aspen Alley: Walk through vibrant aspen tunnels on this short trail in Breckenridge – perfect for families and casual hikers.
- Sawmill Reservoir Trail: This easy trail is accessible from Breckenridge, offering an easy wooded path with reservoir views.
- Lily Pad Lake Trail: This popular trail outside of Silverthorne is a moderately difficult 3.3-mile hike passing through aspen groves on the way to two picturesque mountain ponds.
- Monte Cristo Gulch Trail: South of Breckenridge, this moderately challenging hike takes you through willows and aspens and pays off with blue lakes and rugged peaks.
- Ptarmigan Trail: This beautiful moderate 4.8-mile hike climbs through the forest high above Silverthorne and Dillon, offering spectacular views of a patchwork of golden aspens surrounding the lake.
Plan Your Summit County Fall Color Visit
Don’t wait to book your autumn adventure to Summit County! Peak fall color is fleeting and vacation rentals can fill up quickly this time of year. Book your perfect Summit county vcation rental with Summit Mountain Properties – we have 60 professionally managed and well-cared for properties to choose from. Get ready to discover the magic of fall colors in Summit County!
