There ’ s nothing quite like the crisp mountain air of the Colorado Rocky Mountains . Autumn is an ideal time to enjoy the great outdoors before the frigid cold sets in for the winter . In addition to all-things-outdoors , autumn in Vail is a wonderful time to enjoy the glorious beauty of the aspen leaves changing color . Every autumn when the temperature falls , the leaves of the glimmering aspen groves change to vivid hues of bright yellow .
HIKING
With picturesque trails and stunning mountain landscapes , hiking in Vail is a gorgeous experience . Of the 166 miles of trail in and around Vail , most have vibrant aspen groves , conifer forests and meadows filled with colorful wildflowers . Public transport is available with drop offs at Booth Falls Trailhead and Deluge Lake Trailhead . Hikers of both trails are rewarded with waterfalls and swimming holes .
BIKING
The Vail Valley is terrific to explore on bike . You can take your bike up on the gondola and ride down or stay low along the river side bike path . Bike rental shops are as ubiquous as ski shops in the winter and offer all the gear you could possibly need , including e-bikes . Our favorite biking trail is the relatively easy Gore Creek Recreation Trail which extends along 12 miles of gentle rolling hills with plenty of flat sections for cruising .
GONDOLA RIDES
Whether you ’ re riding Eagle Bahn Gondola , departing from Lionshead , or Gondola One out of Vail Village — both offer scenic Vail gondola rides with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains , valley and villages below . Riding the gondola during the fall is one of the most spectacular ways to see the incredible golden aspen trees .
SCENIC DRIVES
If you prefer your awe served from behind the wheel , then venture up and along the Top of the Rockies scenic byway which goes from Vail to Leadville along Highway 24 . From the Red Cliff Bridge to the view of Mount of the Holy Cross , there are plenty of stunning views .
WHERE TO STAY
Tucked along the Vail River , the Grand Hyatt Vail is an ideal spot to make your homebase . Creekside guest rooms with balconies open to the relaxing sound of Gore Creek . Looking up guests enjoy the bright mountain stars . Boasting a French chef and the latest in fitness , another highlight is free laundry !
GETTING THERE
United and Frontier Airlines offer nonstop flights between DCA and Denver . United and Southwest Airlines offer nonstop flights between IAD and Denver .
Aspen Trees
Credit : Nathan Anderson
AUTUMN 2023
31 FLYWASHINGTON . COM