Fall is an amazing time to visit Summit County, Colorado. The mild fall weather is ideal for outdoor activities, and the crisp mountain air is invigorating. And if you haven’t witnessed Colorado’s brilliant fall colors, it’s really something to add to your bucketlist. While the Fall is typically considered the shoulder season in Summit County, there is still a ton to do during this time of year, from hiking and biking, to concerts, leaf peeping, and more. Here’s a rundown of the top things to do in Summit County in fall!
Fall Weather in Summit County
Fall in Summit County typically brings beautiful blue sky days, and cooler daytime highs and nighttime lows. September can feel like an extension of summer, with highs from 65°F to 75°F during the day and dipping into the 40s at night. October has comfortable daytime temperatures in the 50s and 60s, and by November, it’s much colder, with highs between 30°F and 50°F and nights as low as 10°F as the snow starts to fall for the winter season. While early fall is generally dry and sunny, light snow may start in October, particularly in higher elevations.
Things to Do in Summit County in the Fall
Leaf Peeping
Summit County is known for its spectacular fall foliage, a gorgeous sight of golden aspens blazing against a backdrop of evergreen forests and mountain peaks. The fall colors typically come into full coverage in mid to late-September and they can last through the first week of October.
One of the best ways to experience the fall colors is by taking a scenic drive. The Boreas Pass Road offers stunning views of the changing aspens and panoramic vistas of colorful mountainsides around Breckenridge. Another popular route is Swan Mountain Road between Keystone and Breckenridge, which provides spectacular views of Lake Dillon and the Tenmile Range framed by fall foliage – don’t miss the Sapphire Point Overlook for some epic photos.
If you want to take a break from driving, hitch a ride on the Breckenridge Gondola, Keystone Gondola or the Copper Mountain chairlift for incredible views of the colorful slopes from up high.
Hiking and Mountain biking
If you want to be immersed in the fall colors, there are tons of great hiking and mountain biking trails across Summit County. The Rainbow Lake Trail in Frisco is a relatively easy 1.5-mile loop that offers beautiful views of aspens reflected in the lake’s surface. For a more challenging hike, consider tackling Mohawk Lakes near Breckenridge, where you’ll see waterfalls, historic mining structures and panoramic views of the colorful Tenmile Range. Mountain bikers will love riding through the tunnel of brilliant yellow at Aspen Alley, or marveling at the colorful scenery surrounding the paved Ten Mile Canyon Trail outside of Copper Mountain.
Fishing
Fall is a prime time for fishing in Summit County. The cooler water temperatures make fish more active, and summer crowds have thinned out. Popular spots include Dillon Reservoir, which is one of only two places in the contiguous U.S. where you can fish for Arctic char. The Blue River and Ten Mile Creek are excellent options for fly fishing, with opportunities to catch rainbow trout, brown trout, and Kokanee salmon. Local area outfitters will have everything you need and offer guided tours as well.
Golfing
Summit County golf courses offer a beautiful fall backdrop for a round of golf. The Jack Nicklaus-designed Breckenridge Golf Club features three nine-hole courses and breathtaking views at over 9,000 feet in elevation. Keystone boasts two championship courses, including the River Course, known for its dramatic elevation changes and magnificent views. Additionally, the Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks in Silverthorne is celebrated for its immaculate greens and spectacular scenery, often ranked among the top golf experiences in Colorado.
Georgetown Loop Railroad
About 30 minutes from Summit County, you can take a scenic train ride to discover a bit of Colorado history. The Georgetown Loop Railroad takes you on a 6-mile loop through gorgeous mountain scenery while providing an informative overview of the area’s mining history. You have the option to add a tour of a silver mine and pan for gold, and themed holiday rides start in November.
Frisco Historic Park & Museum
The Frisco Historic Park and Museum showcases life in Summit County from the 19th century onwards, with exhibits covering everything from early Ute settlements to the area’s mining and railroad history. Admission is free and you can wander the grounds, or stop into the museum to pick up self-guided tour information. The park’s buildings are stunning set against the backdrop of fall colors and a perfect place to capture striking photos.
Fall Summit County Events
The towns around Summit County host a variety of fun fall events worth planning a visit around. Visitors can enjoy Oktoberfest in Breckenridge, celebrating local brews, food, and live music. The Fall Fest in Frisco brings art, crafts, and family-friendly activities to the heart of the town. And the Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival features 3 days of tastings, live music and food with the fall colors as the backdrop.
Frisco Fall Fest
The Frisco Fall Fest takes place in early September, with an art show and sale kicking things off on Friday. An Oktoberfest theme and family-friendly environment (dogs are welcome too) keeps the party going on Saturday. From lederhosen and live music to incredible local art, this is fall with a Frisco spin.
Breckenridge Oktoberfest
Typically held in mid-September, Breckenridge Oktoberfest is the largest street festival in the Rocky Mountains. This three-day celebration features authentic German beer and cuisine like schnitzel and Bavarian pretzels, polka dancing and live music. Visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere and participate in traditional games as well as family-friendly activities.
Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival
In early October, Breckenridge hosts the Craft Spirits Festival, a three-day event celebrating the art of distilling. Visitors can sample a wide variety of spirits, from whiskey and bourbon to vodka and gin, while enjoying live music and food from local vendors. The highlight of the festival is the Still on the Hill Grand Tasting, where you can sample the best craft spirits the region has to offer.
Plan Your Visit
With farmers markets, scenic hikes, and cultural festivals, fall in Summit County is the perfect time to embrace the beauty and spirit of the mountains.Whether you’re visiting Silverthorne, Breckenridge, Keystone, or Copper Mountain, you’ll find a wide range of vacation rentals that offer a comfortable and convenient home base for a fall adventure. Book your Summit Mountain Properties vacation rental today and experience the beauty of Summit County in the fall!
