5 Reasons to Visit Breckenridge in the Fall

5 Reasons to Visit Breckenridge in the Fall

By Stacy Calderon

 The countdown is on to opening day at the ski resort, but no one’s waiting around for the party to start. In the town of Breckenridge, there’s something to do all year long, especially during the fall. A lot of it is conveniently just steps from your rental condo or house, making it the perfect autumn getaway. Here are five reasons to visit Breckenridge in the fall.

1. The Aspens

Leaf-peeping is a bona fide pastime in Colorado. The aspens turn a crisp, clear gold, and put on a gorgeous display set against the dark green pine trees. You can enjoy the view from the deck or patio of your Breckenridge rental with a local craft beer in hand. You also have the option of taking a color tour along mountain roads or enjoying the fall show from the hiking trail.

2. Celebrate the Season

Breckenridge Wine Classic, Octoberfest,  Breckenridge Film Festival, Breckenridge Strings, Ciders and Sours, Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival, and Dia De Los Muertos. You may have trouble fitting all this into your schedule. Breckenridge is partying all season long, and that makes the fall a perfect time to visit. Fall is a short season in this mountain town, but it’s jam-packed with things to do.

3. Ghost Tours

Breckenridge, founded in the Pikes Peak gold rush of 1859,  has plenty of ghost tours to send shivers down your spine. Whether it’s tales from historic Breckenridge’s haunted past or the strange stories of weird happenings since the ski resort opened in 1961, you’ll find the tour that will leave you sleeping with the lights on!

4. Work Up a Sweat

It should surprise no one that Colorado is the fittest state in the nation. Just look at the activities Coloradans have at their disposal — the entire Colorado Rockies to hike, bike, run, fish and enjoy. Breckenridge has an extensive system of trails for hiking, biking and running — many of them just steps from your rental. Be aware: Even though many fall days are warm, you should always have adequate clothing and shoes with you when you venture into the High Country. Carry a snack and a water bottle. And keep in mind that the weather in the mountains is notoriously tricky, and you want to be ready for a sudden storm.

5. Go West

There is almost nothing better to ease muscles that are sore from all that hiking and running and biking than a natural hot spring. Head west on I-70, and you’ll find Glenwood Springs, a historic mountain town that boasts a natural hot spring among tons of other fun things to do. One famous fact about Glenwood Springs: The notorious Old West gunslinger Doc Holliday died here. You can visit his grave in the Linwood Cemetery above Glenwood Springs.

Breckenridge is famous around the world for its fantastic skiing and winter wonderland, but fall is the time for that perfect mountain getaway. You don’t have to wait for the snow to fall in Summit County, Colo., to enjoy all the beauty and fun in Breckenridge.

Stacy Calderon is a health and fitness expert in Colorado. When she’s not working out at the gym, you might find her hiking one of Colorado’s 14-ers. She has a passion for photographing the fall and winter colors in the high country.