My wife has always talked about going to see the leaves change color in Colorado, but its usually the busiest time of year for me workwise and we can't get away. We might actually have a chance first weekend in October to make that happen.

I was thinking of flying into Denver and then driving out to Breckinridge for the weekend, but I've never actually stayed anywhere around there. Any recommendations on where to stay around there or somewhere around that area?

Anytime I've gone to CO has always been spent camping and hiking so I'm not sure where to stay. I assume ski resorts probably have rooms and such available even without snow on the mountains (at least not a lot)

Breckenridge (and the other mountain towns) will be open. Businesses often use October and early November for maintenance so some of the shops/restaurants could be closed but not across the board.

Recommend Alpenrock and Gravity Haus in Breckenridge as far as hotels go. Fireside Inn if you are more B&B kind of people.

If you're just going for a weekend, the convenience of a hotel is probably worth it over finding an apartment.

the great part is that is shoulder season, so it won't be super busy out that way.

There is a direct flight from Dallas to Vail and the price wasn't bad this summer. It was really nice not having to drive from Denver.

Best color Change Will be high alpine between Vail / leadville and breck and leadville. Piney Lake is always really pretty too. Loveland pass Will Have a Good show too if You Drive from Denver.

Breck is awesome, stay close to Main Street. We just spent last week there, not crowded but you'll notice an uptick in people walking up/down Main St as it gets closer to the weekend.

Restaurants - stay away from the BBQ places, anything in Texas will be miles better. We like these casual places: Empire Burger, Blue Stag, Kenosha, Peaks of Asia. More upscale: Ember, Hearthstone, have also heard great things about Aurum, Carlin, Rootstalk but haven't made it to those three.

The drive out or back gives you some good chances to view the leaves if you take a slight detour over Gunella and/or Kenosha Pass. Google is going to probably route you via I70 through Frisco.

Not what you asked, but the color change happens pretty quick, doesn't stick around. That part of the state is often the first to change, October might be a bit late. There's some estimates for this year you can look at online.

Grew Up in Vail and Peak Leaf pepping Is My Birthday: oct 3. They're timing it perfect.

On your drive from Denver into the mountains, stop for lunch at Beau Jo's Pizza in Idaho Springs. Mountain pie! You're welcome!

Been many times to Breck and/or Aspen in October. It's such a great time to go and the weather is usually still decent. Way less crowds. Yes, some stores/restaurants will be closed, but there will be plenty open.

Like most have said, Breck, Leadville, Vail, Aspen will have great colors. Staying in walking distance from Main Street if in Breck is a plus.

milner79 said:

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On your drive from Denver into the mountains, stop for lunch at Beau Jo's Pizza in Idaho Springs. Mountain pie! You're welcome!

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#tourist trap

Maybe we did it wrong, but that place kinda sucks. We stopped there two years ago, Idaho Springs is not worth a stop IMO.

If the color change drops too far south, the Cumbres and Toltec RR offers some great fall colors.

https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/1951896/replies/28754546

tejas_ayanem said:

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milner79 said:

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On your drive from Denver into the mountains, stop for lunch at Beau Jo's Pizza in Idaho Springs. Mountain pie! You're welcome!

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#tourist trap

Maybe we did it wrong, but that place kinda sucks. We stopped there two years ago, Idaho Springs is not worth a stop IMO.

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I understand if Idaho Springs is not your thing. But did you not like Beau Jo's pizza? Love their mountain pies.

I would definitely look into when the fall foliage is expected to peak this year. I did see several recent forecasts indicating that Colorado's fall colors may arrive a little earlier than usual, with Breckenridge/Summit County potentially seeing the best color in mid-to-late September.

If you're planning for the first weekend of October, you could still catch some beautiful foliage, but I'd be prepared for it to be toward the tail end of the season this year.

I also love Gravity Haus in Breck, it has a great location and I really loved the vibe there!

Enjoy your trip, and hopefully you get some cooler weather while you're there!

Fdsa said:

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There is a direct flight from Dallas to Vail and the price wasn't bad this summer. It was really nice not having to drive from Denver.

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For those that don't know, The airport is in Eagle, CO not Vail, but the name of the airport is Eagle Vail. It is approximately 30 miles west of Vail. Much shorter drive than Denver International, but sometimes people think the airport is in Vail.

For Breckenridge, the Eagle Vail airport is about 65 miles away. Denver international is about 100 miles away. Just something to consider when comparing costs on plane tickets and rental cars.

ASE is closing in April for 7 months. When that hits, EGE is going to cost a $$$$.

Appreciated all the feedback. Unfortunately work has gotten in the way again as well so we won't be making the trip this year.