Your fall-color getaway starts with a bus ticket. Use regional transit to hop from Denver into the heart of the aspens, then rely on free or low-cost local buses to reach trailheads, lakes and sunny patios with mountain views.
Get to the mountains, car-free
- Bustang West Line – The Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) bus service runs from Denver Union Station and the Federal Center in Lakewood to Idaho Springs, Frisco, Vail, Avon and Glenwood Springs. Book ahead; bikes allowed on some trips.
- Pegasus – CDOT’s I-70 shuttle van services Denver Union Station and Federal Center to Idaho Springs, Frisco, Vail and Avon—great for day trips.
Idaho Springs (Clear Creek County)
Local transit: The Roundabout is Clear Creek County’s free local shuttle connecting Idaho Springs with Georgetown, Dumont and more.
Easy trail access:
- Clear Creek Greenway: From downtown Idaho Springs, stroll the paved creekside path under fall colors along the canyon walls. Use the Roundabout to move between town hubs, and trail access is steps from Miner Street in Idaho Springs. Note: The Clear Creek Greenway Trail is closed between the US 6 and Hidden Valley/Central City Parkway interchanges for I-70 Floyd Hill Project construction.
Patios with a view:
- Westbound & Down: Craft beer, wood-fired bites and a patio with a view of Bridal Veil Falls above town.
- Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub: Historic Main Street brewpub with outdoor seating right in the middle of the action.
Frisco & Breckenridge (Summit County)
Local transit:
- Summit Stage is a free Summit County bus linking Frisco to Breckenridge, along with many other points of interest throughout the county. Most riders transfer at the Frisco Transit Center; summer service typically runs through mid-November.
- The Breck Free Ride bus system is fare-free with town loops to bases, neighborhoods and trail connections.
Frisco transit-to-trails:
- Rainbow Lake (easy, family-friendly boardwalks and aspen groves): short walk from Frisco’s 2nd Ave./Miners Creek area off Main Street.
- North Tenmile Creek (quick canyon color right from town): trailhead sits at the west end of Main Street by I-70; walk or hop off near the Frisco Transit Center.
Breckenridge transit-to-trails:
- Burro Trail (Peak 9): ride Breck Free Ride to the Beaver Run stop; the trail starts right by the base area—great golds in late September.
- Sawmill Reservoir (gentle loop under aspens): access near the Snowflake Lift; also reachable via the Free Ride Yellow route.
Frisco patios & easy-viewing spots:
- Outer Range Brewing: Local brewery featuring mountain views and an upstairs loft vibe.
- Highside Brewing: Located on Main Street edge features a lively deck.
Breckenridge patios and easy view spots:
- Breckenridge Brewery & Pub: A Main Street classic with a mountain-facing patio.
- RMU (Rocky Mountain Underground): A front deck and backyard beer garden right on Main Street.
Vail & Avon (Eagle County)
Local transit:
- Town of Vail buses are free and frequent, including seasonal hikers’ service to popular trailheads in East Vail.
- Avon Transit is fare-free around town (Avon Station is the hub). Regional trips between Vail–Avon–Eagle/Gypsum are available on CORE Transit.
Transit-to-trails:
- From Vail Village, ride the East Vail bus to trailheads for Booth Falls/Booth Lake, Bighorn Creek, Pitkin Creek, and Gore Creek—all renowned for blazing aspen stands. Look for Vail’s “Bus it to Hike it” guidance.
- In Avon, step off at Avon Station and wander the Nottingham Lake loop for lake-level color and sweeping Beaver Creek views; pathways and park amenities sit right in town.
Patios with mountain views:
- Garfinkel’s (Lionshead): A classic sunny deck overlooking the gondola and Vail Mountain—prime golden-hour viewing.
- Stoke & Rye at The Westin Riverfront (Avon): Warm up next to fire pits on the expansive patio featuring Beaver Creek and Eagle River views.
- Vail Brewing Company (EagleVail): Easy bus ride from Avon/Vail featuring a casual patio for a post-hike pint.
Glenwood Springs (Garfield County)
Local transit: The Ride Glenwood city shuttle is free and loops between downtown, hotels, and attractions; RFTA connects Glenwood up-valley to Carbondale, Basalt and Aspen.
Transit-to-trails & paths:
- Red Mountain Trail: From downtown Glenwood Springs stops, walk to the Red Mountain trailhead for sweeping valley views and streaks of gold on the slopes.
- Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path: Access from town (Two Rivers Park area) for jaw-dropping canyon walls and cottonwoods along the Colorado River. Always check for seasonal or safety closures.
Brewpubs & patios:
- Glenwood Canyon Brewpub: Award-winning beers, a patio and “Restaurant Row” location make it a leaf-peeping season favorite.
- Casey Brewing Taproom: Beloved Glenwood original with a large patio at the Grand Ave. taproom.
Wherever you end up this leaf-peeping season, transit it your ticket to bliss.