Fall in love with fall,co
Fall is Colorados best kept secret. The trails are quieter, accommodation is cheaper, the weathers cooler and its at least two months before people show up to ski. In my opinion this is the best time of year to visit Colorado.
When to visit?
Timing your trip to coincide with peak Fall color is hard to as the color is dependent on the weather. However, for the last three years the best time to capture the Fall colors of Colorado has been the last week in September and the first week in October. Fall color varies dependent on altitude so these two weeks are pretty much guaranteed to deliver some color at lower or higher elevations. Below is a suggested itinerary for a 1 or 2 day road trip itinerary to take in some of the most spectacular fall color Colorado has to offer.
Where to begin?
As with all great Colorado road trips base your stay in Frisco, Colorado. Nestled between Mount Royal and Lake Dillon its charming streets and quiet atmosphere give way to lively nightlife and days full of color. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in true local Colorado mountain town culture, it’s in Frisco that you’ll find local restaurants and a rich mountain town culture perfect for a weekend getaway. This road trip begins and ends in Frisco.
Stage 01: boreas pass to Grant, CO
An inevitably busy day calls for a great breakfast to start the day. Try the cozy Butterhorn Bakery & Café on Main Street; they offer amazing breakfast and pastries all day. A renowned local hang out its best to get there early. If you don't want to wait in line they offer coffee and freshly baked pastries to-go. In addition to fueling your self take some time to fill up your gas tank. Where we are going you'll need it...
.01 Sapphire point overlook
Located a short detour on CO Route 9. Sapphire Point Overlook sits between Keystone and Breckenridge on Swan Mountain Road, at an elevation of 9,500 feet. The overlook offers a stunning view of Dillon Reservoir, hemmed in by the Gore and Tenmile mountain range. A short walk on a well maintained trail is a perfect opportunity to stretch legs and tire out the kids before the drive over the pass.
.02 Boreas Pass
After leaving Sapphire Point overlook take Co Route 9 to Breckenridge. Finding the start of the Boreas Pass requires a little effort so use this google map to help.
Steep and steeped in history, the Boreas Pass climbs to 11,400+ ft and offers some of the best fall foliage Colorado. Almost immediately on the pass you will be met with spectacular fall color from Aspens lining this disused railroad. The pass served as an early route for thousands of prospectors during the Colorado Gold Rush who crossed from South Park to look for gold in the valley of the Blue around Breckenridge. The town of Boreas, now a ghost town, lies abandoned at the summit. With step grades and high altitude this road is not for the feint of heart. The road is well maintained but can be bumpy towards the summit. Stick with it and you will be rewarded on the other side of the pass with incredible views of the Araphoe Basin. There is no need for 4x4.
.03 The shaggy sheep
Follow Boreas Pass until it dead ends at the town of Como. Turn left on Route 285This is the perfect stop for lunch before continuing on to stage 2. The Shaggy Sheep opened in in July of 2016 and it serves fresh & healthy sandwiches and salads to keep you fueled up for the next part of our road trip full. Find them at 50455 US 285, Grant, Colorado, 80448.
Stage 02: Guanella Pass to georgetown
.04 Mt Bierdstadt
Once you have refueled the family head back West on 285 before turning right onto Guanella Pass Road. The Guanella Pass Scenic Byway is a great introduction to Colorado's Rocky Mountains. Climbing to timberline, the byway takes in views of 14,060-foot Mount Bierstadt and the alpine tundra before descending into cool groves of aspen and pine, as well as the historic town of Georgetown. From the town of Grant along U.S. Hwy. 285, head north on Guanella Pass Road to the town of Georgetown. The paved road leads you over 11,669-foot Guanella Pass with its spectacular views of Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt. Guanella pass is consistently one of the top 1o places for fall foliage in the state of Colorado.
.05 THE PAW OF APPROVAL
At the foot of the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway in Historic Georgetown, CO, sits Guanella Pass Brewery. A true mountain brewery. You know its good as Guanella Pass Brewey is the official brewery of Parker the snow dog. Add him on facebook or watch him on the opening credits for most televised Denver Broncos games . This pet friendly brewery asks you to follow these three simple rules.
1st bark—dog gets verbal warning
2nd bark—dog gets written warning
3rd bark—owners asked to leave but dog gets to stay
.06 Greys peak and greys anatomy
By now you are desperately deleting apps on your phone to find room for the incredible pictures you have taken on your road trip. Its time to head back to Frisco. From Georgetown take i70 west towards Dillon and Frisco. If you want more spectacular views take a detour across loveland pass (U.S Route 6). You'll see Greys and Toreys peak, 2 more of colorados notorious 'fourteeners' before descending back into Summit County. Settle down at 481 West main street, with views of Greys peak from the balcony and Greys Anatomy on Netflix in front of the fire.
