As the temperatures drop and summer fades into fall, Colorado transforms into a golden paradise, with aspen trees lighting up the landscape with brilliant hues of yellow. Some of the most accessible places for Front Range residents to reach are along the I-70 mountain corridor, where vast expanses of autumn color can be seen along the highway and tucked into the mountainsides.
This fall, GoI70 partnered with Presley Richardson of @ColoradoChecklist on Instagram to share with her followers that the Colorado mountains are accessible for hiking and leaf peeping completely car-free. Presley rode Pegasus from the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood to the Vail Transportation Center, then used the free West Vail Red Bus to access the Trapper’s Run trailhead for some early-season leaf peeping. Check out her experience here.
Here are some other ideas for car-free fall hikes this leaf peeping season:
Idaho Springs
Take Pegasus from either Denver Union Station or the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood to the Idaho Springs Bus Shelter. From Idaho Springs, make your way to the Scott Lancaster Memorial Trail to convene with nature.
Frisco
Take Pegasus from either Denver Union Station or the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood to the Frisco Transfer Center. Then board the Summit Stage to Community Center to access the Miners Creek Trailhead with multiple offshoots available. Learn more about Summit County’s Transit to Trails program here.
Vail
Take Pegasus from either Denver Union Station or the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood to the Vail Transportation Center. Many hikes are available using the free Vail bus! View a list of trails and their corresponding bus route here.
Don’t forget to keep these tips in mind as you plan your car-free leaf peeping trip this fall:
Check the foliage reports: Peak color times vary depending on elevation and weather, so make sure to check foliage reports before you go to catch the colors at their best.
Start early: Morning light makes the fall colors even more vivid and offers better photo opportunities, not to mention you’ll beat the crowds.
Pack for the weather: Colorado’s fall weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains. Dress in layers and be prepared for anything from warm sunshine to chilly winds.