Cue the Colorado Colors
Your ultimate fall road trip awaits.
"Colorful Colorado" may be the state’s tagline — a motto adorning state highway signs and road maps — yet it’s also inspiration to embark on the ultimate fall road trip. Watch Mother Nature work her brilliant paint brush across the Rocky Mountains, as summer greens give way to shimmering gold aspen groves, vibrant orange sunsets, and crimson red foliage. Here’s your itinerary for the best leaf-peeping in the state, with The Club’s alpine residences as your Colorado touchstones.
Telluride to Snowmass
Road(s) Less Traveled: Start in one of the state’s southernmost (and most famous) resorts, Telluride, and make your way north to Snowmass. While in Telluride, Imogen Pass, Tomboy Road to Tomboy Ghost Town, and Ophir Pass are day trips from town and always worth a fall drive. When leaving for Snowmass, you’ll traverse majestic mountains near the tiny towns of Ridgeway and Ouray, and cross over the gorgeous McClure Pass on Highway 133, which frames the craggy peaks of Chair Mountain.
Telluride
Happy Trails: The Bear Creek Trail is a five-mile, out-and-back hike to a waterfall. Within the Lizard Head wilderness area, Telluride’s fall colors will be on full display, with views of Hope Lake, El Diente Peak, and Wilson Peak. Bridal Veil Falls (a must!) is a two-mile, out-and-back trek, where your reward is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the country.
Alpine Adventure: Ride the free, dog-friendly gondola for aerial town views and colorful valleys. Saddle up for a horseback ride through fall leaves and follow trails through woods and over streams. Offroad in group 4X4’s or rent a Jeep and explore on your own. Alternatively, paddle your way to prime colors via kayak or paddleboard on Alta Lakes.
On The Calendar: The annual Telluride Blues & Brews Festival boasts postcard-worthy views and musical legends on stage, with 50 microbreweries serving up over 150 unique brews.
Where You’ll Stay: Located in Mountain Village, five 4 to 4.5-bedroom residences are located at Heritage Crossing, with restaurants and shops of Main Street easily accessed via a free gondola and pampering at The Spa at The Peaks just a short walk away.
Snowmass
Happy Trails: Whether you choose to tackle via foot or mountain bike, the Tom Blake Trail ascends Snowmass Mountain and is lined with brilliant aspen trees which come fully alive in autumn. Plus, White River National Forest is home to the famous Maroon Bells — the most photographed peaks in North America. Pack a picnic and hike to Maroon Lake for striking fall foliage.
On the Calendar: The 49th annual Snowmass Balloon Festival takes place September 13 – 15. This Rocky Mountain tradition features three days of 30-plus balloon launches at sunrise set against Snowmass Mountain and surrounding peaks, with live music and plenty of fun for the kiddos.
Where to Dine: Celebrate local and sustainable agriculture with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies and its farm-to-table, five-course alfresco dinners held at Rock Bottom Ranch. Take a guided farm tour and learn about local producers who made the ingredients for your meal. Hike up Snowmass Mountain (or ride the gondola) for elevated fare at Elk Camp Restaurant. When exploring downtown Aspen, Matsuhisa Aspen is housed in a 120-year-old Victorian on Main Street and is a favorite local sushi spot with tasty artisan cocktails (try the Gardener).
Where You’ll Stay: Five family-friendly alpine residences at the Timbers Club offer easy ski-in/ski-out access to Snowmass Mountain. Fall hiking and biking trails are a five-minute walk from your front door, and after a day of adventure, you can take advantage of the resort’s heated pool, hot tubs, spa, and fitness center.
Snowmass to Steamboat Springs
Road(s) Less Traveled: An easy and scenic drive through the famous Glenwood Canyon along I70, you’ll arrive to Steamboat Springs via Highways 9 and 40. After arriving, Steamboat Lake and Hahn’s Peak both overlook incredible colors from every direction. Additionally, Rabbit Ears Pass is one of the area’s most iconic spots for fall foliage viewing. Head east out of Steamboat on US-40 where you’ll climb the pass and witness a local’s (almost) best kept secret.
Steamboat Springs
Alpine Adventure: Consider a different kind of horsepower to view the leaves, as your Concierge can arrange for unforgettable horseback rides. Or soak in the colors while unwinding in Old Town Hot Springs, located in the heart of downtown. Strawberry Park Hot Springs is located on the edge of the Yampa Valley and features several thermal pools.
Where To Dine: Hugging the banks of the Yampa River, Aurum Food & Wine is a farm-to-table standout. Colorado-inspired dishes include bison short ribs and Rocky Mountain trout. Harwigs is also a top choice, serving modern American cuisine with European influences.
Where You’ll Stay: Located slopeside and minutes from Old Town, One Steamboat Place caters to comfort and is in prime position for fun. Stay in one of The Club’s five 4.5-bedroom residences.
Steamboat Springs to Beaver Creek
Road(s) Less Traveled: From Steamboat, Beaver Creek is a pretty, two-hour drive, with the majority snaking your way along Highway 131, which during fall reveals gold and red aspens, with many shades in between. After arriving, make time to leaf peep at Piney Lake. Set amidst the Rocky Mountains, the serene lake reflects the stunning fall foliage of surrounding aspen trees.
Beaver Creek
Happy Trails: Beaver Lake Trail is a moderately challenging hike offering amazing fall landscapes, from alpine meadows to rocky terrain. Booth Falls Trail also has a captivating canvas of colors. Your reward is Booth Falls — a waterfall surrounded by vibrant foliage.
Alpine Adventure: Fun for all ages, pack your family and friends into a guided 4x4 adventure around the mountain, or take the Centennial Express Lift for a scenic ride to the top of the mountain for a BBQ lunch on the deck of Spruce Saddle.
Where to Dine: Hooked features savory seafood and sushi, with fish flown in by plane within 24 hours of being pulled from the ocean plus an outdoor tiki bar.
Where You’ll Stay: The Club’s four- and five-bedroom luxury residences are just a quick five-minute ride to the base of Beaver Creek Resort. Plus, the residences are just a short walk away from incredible hiking and biking trails.
Beaver Creek to Vail
Road(s) Less Traveled: Beaver Creek to Vail is just a short jaunt along scenic I70. From Vail, Buffalo Pass is an unforgettable stretch of roadway for viewing fall colors. Ascend a few miles up a dirt road and reach brilliant Aspen groves.
Vail
Happy Trails: Hike or bike Everkrisp Trail on Meadow Mountain in nearby Minturn, with moderate climbs and alpine vistas. If wanting to explore Vail Mountain, the intermediate Berrypicker Trail frames fall views of the Gore Range. If desiring a slower pace, take the gondola for a bird's-eye view of fall foliage on and around Vail Mountain.
Where to Dine: A longtime favorite, the Michelin-starred Sweet Basil serves tasty Monte Cristo sandwiches for lunch and dinner includes boeuf bourguignon and pastas. Located just outside of Vail in Avon, Wyld offers a farm-to-table experience celebrating Colorado cuisine with a seasonal menu.
On the Calendar: Oktoberfest Vail brings an international audience together for an authentic Bavarian festival. Clad in dirndls and lederhosen, Vail Oktoberfest attendees prost, polka dance, and eat throughout the fall weekend long. Held the later side of the foliage season, Vail’s Freefall Bluegrass Festival is a two-day, family-friendly event in the streets of Vail Village with food, drinks, kid activities and all-day bluegrass music.
Where You’ll Stay: At the Arabelle at Vail Square, The Club’s three-bedroom ski-in/ski-out vacation homes are located right next to the gondola. Sit fireside between runs or hikes, and stare at epic mountain views. You'll also have access to the spa, outdoor pool, and hot tub.
