Colorful Colorado – October Visit – Peaks and Places

Having lived in Denver, Colorado, I had to make a trip back this year to witness the transformation of the Aspens and other foliage. With the arrival of fall, the lush greenery gives way to brilliant yellows, particularly in the iconic aspen groves. I was lucky enough to make it back out to the mountains in early October. By this time, a lot of the Aspens had already changed color and lost their leaves, but I was able to see a few that were still hanging on to their bright colors. During my time back in Denver, I made a day trip into the mountains to visit two of my old favorite quick hikes – the Rainbow Lake Trail in Frisco and the Old Dillon Dam Trail in Silverthorne – both offering very different but equally spectacular view of Colorado and the fall colors, and both that can easily be done in a single day trip into the mountains.

Old Dillon Dam Trail, Silverthorne

A little over an hour outside of Denver, the Old Dillon Dam Trail in Silverthorne is a must-visit destination for fall foliage enthusiasts. This easy-going trail offers a leisurely walk up to the Old Dillon Reservoir, surrounded by groves of aspen trees and the occasional view of the new Dillon Reservoir and Buffalo Mountain. The trail provides panoramic views of the reservoir and the surrounding mountains, creating a serene atmosphere that’s perfect for the crisp fall weather.

Trail Details:

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: Approximately 1.7-mile loop
Elevation Gain: 215 feet
Highlights: Dillon Reservoir, aspen groves, scenic views

The Old Dillon Dam Trail is not only a paradise for hikers (and your pups!) but also an excellent spot for birdwatching and picnicking. Its accessibility and tranquil ambiance make it an ideal destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature’s vibrant autumn palette. We even saw some Flyfishers enjoying the gorgeous weather.

Rainbow Lake Trail, Frisco

A short drive from Silverthorne, nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Frisco, one of my favorite little mountain towns, is home to the Rainbow Lake Trail, a small part of an extensive trail system. This moderate hiking trail is a hidden treasure, especially during the fall season. The trail meanders through the forest at the base of the Tenmile Range, putting you right inside the changing Aspens, leading you to the picturesque Rainbow Lake. Surrounded by trees perfectly spaced for your hammock, the lake reflects the golden hues of fall, creating a view that’s perfect for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. If you’re lucky, you may even see a beaver or muskrat playing around in the lake. If you’re extremely lucky, you may event glimpse a moose hanging around the lake.

Trail Details:

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: Approximately 1.5 mile out and back
Elevation Gain: 170 feet
Highlights: Aspen groves, Rainbow Lake, stunning fall foliage

There were many families and pups hanging out at the lake once we arrived. People were lounging in hammocks, playing along the lake bed, and enjoying sandwiches on some rocks.

An Easy Day Trip

Embarking on a day trip to explore both Rainbow Lake Trail and Old Dillon Dam Trail is a great way to experience Colorado’s fall splendor, without having to wake up before the sun rises. We left Denver around 8am, making a short stop for some Starbucks, before heading up i70 to the mountains. As much as I complain about this highway (especially during ski season), it really is a gorgeous stretch of road taking you up and into the mountains. After hiking both of these trails, we finished around 1:00pm and headed into Frisco for some lunch. There are a lot of good options for food in this little town, but I would recommend Prosit, a personal favorite of Eric and mine, for some beer and brats.