Fall Foliage in Vail, CO
In mid to late September, Colorado comes alive with vibrant colors as the leaves change to reflect the fall season. There is no better place to witness this spectacular sight than in Vail, with its Rocky Mountains backdrop and wide-open spaces.
Vail fall foliage peaks toward the end of September and into the first week of October, but timing can vary depending on location. It is not the temperature that affects the leaves’ coloring, but the changing of the season with days becoming shorter and nights lasting longer.
With the plethora of hiking and biking trails in Vail, it is quite easy to find beautiful spots to capture the changing colors on film.
Below are our recommended locations for the perfect picture of the changing colors in Vail:
Berrypicker Trail – Located on Vail Mountain, this trail has elevated scenery and certain spots in the trees give you a window to a meadow with views of the Gore Range. This is an intermediate hike, so plan appropriately with sturdy hiking boots or shoes, water, and a warm jacket.
Big Horn Creek Trail – In East Vail, there is the Big Horn Creek Trail that curves through ponds and passes by old mining camp remnants. It is a great trail for unique photographs. Around mile 2, there is a side trail that leads to an overlook of Bighorn Creek.
Cross Creek Trail – An easy to difficult hike, depending on how far you wish to go, offers beautiful views, options to connect with other trails, and an open meadow in a glaciated valley. This trail is in Minturn, about a 15-minute drive from Vail.
Eagle’s Nest – If you would prefer to not hike, you may take the Eagle Bahn Gondola up to the top for mesmerizing views from Eagle’s Nest on Vail Mountain. Additionally, Many of our vacation homes and condominiums have wonderful views of Vail and the surrounding area should you wish to stay in your vacation rental to play games by the fireplace!