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Fall Season

Guided Rock Climbing in Colorado

Learn Rock Climbing Skills in Colorado

Dare New Heights: Learn Rock Climbing Skills in Fall

Guided Rock Climbing Tours and Courses in Colorado

Rock Climbing Tours in Colorado

As autumn unfolds in Colorado’s central mountains, the landscape transforms into a vibrant display of natural beauty. With cooler temperatures, stunning fall foliage, comes a less-crowded climbing experience. In fact, locals know that fall is the perfect time to climb in the Breckenridge/Silverthorne/Dillon/Frisco areas. Whether you’re an experienced climber or just starting out, here’s why a fall climb is a must-do adventure.

The Fall Advantage: Ideal Climbing Conditions

Autumn in Summit County brings cooler temperatures that are perfect for climbing, biking, and hiking. Fall’s crisp, dry air ensures that climbing holds remain grippy and moisture-free, improving your performance and safety. Additionally, the cooler weather means you and the rock face are less likely to overheat. And there are fewer visitors.

Guided Rock Climbing Tours
Fall Activities in Colorado

The Beauty of Autumn Landscapes

Climbing in the fall is one of the best ways to enjoy breathtaking fall colors. Surrounding you are vibrant gold and orange aspen leaves which contrast with the deep green of the region’s pine trees and with the rugged rock formations. Imagine scaling a granite face or bouldering in an environment where autumn colors every view, making each climb not just a physical challenge but a fall bonanza.

Top Fall Climbing Spots in Summit County Near Breckenridge and Copper Mountain

Our professionally-certified guides are experienced with the local climbing zones and can choose the best wall for a given group. Here are some our local favorites: 

1. Tenmile Canyon/Officers Gulch: The Tenmile Canyon/Officers gulch area boasts a variety of crags along a stretch of I-70 between Frisco and Copper Mountain. With several crags and a mixture of grades, this area is one of the better within the Summit County area. The rock is a mixture of alpine gneiss and granite with varying degrees of quality. With many sport and/or trad single and multi pitch options, along with bouldering potential, it’s not hard to see why this is a great option in this area. For those looking for a little more of an adventure, this area also holds Mount Royal, a classic 1500 ft multi-pitch sport climb towering over the town of Frisco, that will never disappoint. 

2. Swan Mountain Crag: An easy hike in from Swan Mountain road between Breckenridge and Keystone, you will find a climbing area that is perfect for beginners, families, and children alike. This area offers a variety of climbing options, including bouldering and top-roping routes, as well as a few bolted routes. This wall is mostly shady and cool throughout the summer and fall months, and boasts amazing views of Lake Dillon and the Tenmile Range.

Rock Climbing in Colorado
Group Rock Climbing

Preparing for Your Fall Climb

1. Gear: We supply all climbing gear. You should bring water, food, snacks, closed-toed shoes to walk to the rock, sunglasses, pants or long shorts, a shirt made of synthetics, and an extra insulating or waterproof layer.

2. Check the Weather: Your guide will always check the weather forecast before heading out because fall in the mountains can change quickly with rain or early snow.

What Skills Can I Learn?

Colorado Adventure Guides offers introductory climbs, or courses and trips to practice specific skills that will take your climbing to the next level. Learn: 

Foundational Basics

Anchor-Building

Sport Lead Climbing

Traditional Lead Climbing

Rock Climbing Rescue

Introduction to Rock Climbing Course
Learn Rock Climbing Safety Skills

Safety and Etiquette

Respecting the environment and following Leave No Trace principles helps preserve the natural beauty of climbing areas. Be considerate of other climbers and practice good crag etiquette to ensure a positive experience for everyone. Prioritize safety – wear appropriate gear, use proper techniques, and be aware of your surroundings. Your guide will advise on all of these factors.

Colorado’s Rock climbing in Breckenridge – Summit County during fall offers a combination of cooler temperatures, spectacular autumn colors, and serene climbing spots. So gear up, embrace the crisper, dry air, and enjoy the unique and stunning beauty of our climbing destinations this autumn. The perfect climb surrounded by fall foliage awaits!

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August 27, 2024
Matt Espy
Fall Season
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Best Time To See Fall Colors in Colorado

When To See Peak Fall Colors in Colorado

Best Time To See Fall Colors in Colorado

Paddle Board on Lake Dillon, CO in Fall

Colorado is about to witness the arrival of autumn hues, as there have been early sightings of sporadic yellow leaves in the high country.

As elevation increases, the duration of the fall season becomes shorter. Trees at higher elevations undergo a more rapid transformation and do not maintain their vibrant colors for as long. Generally, areas above 8,500 feet witness the first signs of change in mid-September. Meanwhile, trees at lower elevations take a few additional weeks to display their bright yellow and oranges, usually around early October before fading by early November.

If you are considering a leaf peeping journey, the optimal period to visit the northern mountains is from mid to late September. In the central mountains, it is ideal to go in late September. Lastly, for the southern mountains, late September through mid-October is recommended.

1. High Mountains (Summit County, Aspen, Vail, Rocky Mountain National Park): You can often expect the peak fall colors to occur in late September to early October. Higher elevations will change color earlier than lower elevations.

2. Foothills (Boulder, Denver, Colorado Springs): Peak fall colors in the foothills and lower elevations usually happen in early to mid-October.

3. Western Slope (Grand Junction, Montrose): In the western part of the state, the peak fall foliage season typically takes place in mid-September to late September.

4. Southern Colorado: Areas in the southern part of the state, such as Durango and Telluride, usually experience peak fall colors in late September to early October.

Book A Fall Adventure With Colorado Adventure Guides!

Discover the stunning allure of Autumn in the Rockies through Colorado Adventure Guides. Take your pick from a variety of guided escapades, encompassing hiking, biking, and rock climbing excursions. Rest assured that our skilled guides, who are well-versed in local knowledge, will guarantee an extraordinary journey for you.

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September 6, 2023
Matt Espy
Fall Season
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Colorado Fall Adventures

5 Bucket List Fall Activities In Colorado

Top Fall Activities Around Summit County

Fall Rafting Trips

Autumn is the season when we reap the beauty of Colorado’s long, snowy winters and bright, sunny summers. Trees that grew a foot in spring, leafed out exuberantly, and sucked in the high alpine sunshine now burst into a last flash of color as the sun declines toward the horizon. It’s leaf-peeping season! But why sit in your car driving around roads crowded with gawkers when you can get off the beaten path and enjoy golden aspens and rosy dogwoods with your friends in Colorado’s wild lands.

Seeking autumn adventures in Summit County, CO? Look no further than Colorado Adventure Guides. Embark on a captivating guided hike, mountain bike ride, climbing excursion, or mellow float on the Colorado River to witness the breathtaking golden aspens that adorn the Colorado landscape during fall. With their extensive knowledge of Summit County’s prime locations for autumn foliage, the expert guides at CAG will lead you to unforgettable sights.

1. Rafting On The Upper Colorado

Okay, so yes, the river will be lower than in spring, and the whitewater will be more manageable, but maybe it’s not such a bad thing not to get overly wet when the weather will be milder and the sun softer. Days in September and October are often quite warm down in the river valley, and the colors you’ll see on the drive over to Rancho del Rio alone will be worth your time. Once on the river you’ll see dogwoods and willows radiating the full spectrum of red-orange-yellow colors. Fall grasses wave yellow and orange in the breeze, and the duck and geese with their grown chicks will be filling up on ripe grass seed, preparing to head down to warmer climates. Needle’s Eye rapid at lower levels is tricky, and Yarmony is bony, but your guide will funnel you through narrow passes. You’ll zip through tall, dark, stony canyons and float past ranchlands and river islands covered with colorful fall vegetation. Experience autumn from water level, a whole new perspective.

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State Bridge On The Upper Colorado
Introduction to Rock Climbing Course

2. Guided Rock Climbing Tour

Frankly, fall is our favorite time to rock climb. There’s less chance of afternoon showers that make the rock slick, and the sunshine is milder so you won’t bake on the rock wall. Most families have gone home because kids are back in school, and local aficionados are around to guide you. We’ll provide all the gear you need and teach you climbing fundamentals.

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3. Mountain Bike Through Aspen Groves

Hop on a mountain bike and cruise up and down Dillon, Frisco, or Breckenridge’s mountain bike trails. We’ll load your group and your bikes up in a van, and drive you over to some of the best singletrack runs in the state. If you want to boost your confidence and expand your range of trail options, our guides will teach you skills like berm and flat turn cornering, beginner drops and jumps, introduce you to technical riding, and more. Tell us what you want, and our guides will take you there: grinding climbs, flowy downhills, or cruisers past winding historic mining towns. Most trails will take you past forests with yellow-orange aspens and towering pines.

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Mountain Biking Through Aspen Groves in Summit County, CO
Fall Activities in Colorado

4. Hike Through The Fall Colors

Hike aspen-lined trails to new heights. Our guides will lead you up their favorite fall trails away from the crowds. In the fall hiking trails are often lined with fresh fallen golden aspen leaves, and you can walk over a route reminiscent of the yellow brick road to Oz. A whole corridor of aspens glows like a golden tunnel, shining warmly all around you. The aroma is kinder and more loamy than that of a clean, stark piney forest scent; the atmosphere is soft and wistful. Take a picnic and enjoy this brief, special season with the whole family.  Learn about preparing for variable fall weather here.

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5. Paddle Board Tour On Lake Dillon

Tour Lake Dillon’s Islands on a stand up paddle board or in an inflatable kayak. In the fall, summer’s strong afternoon winds and clouds typically die down, and the Lake can be sunny and smooth as glass even in the second, and warmer, half of the day. The Reservoir is lined with shrubs that change from green to red and orange, exploding like small campfires on the shores you’ll cruise past. Tall grasses on the uninhabited islands turn golden and bright, and ducks and geese cruise past diving for fish or eating seeds on the shore. You may see deer and elk with furry fall racks jousting for mates, and eagles and osprey hunting fish before the lake freezes over solid. Bring the whole family; we’ll supply all you need: splash jackets, life vests, and SUPs or kayaks. This is a great place to learn the basics of stand up paddle boarding.

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Paddle Board on Lake Dillon, CO in Fall

Book A Fall Adventure With Colorado Adventure Guides!

Experience the beauty of Fall in the Rockies with Colorado Adventure Guides. Choose from a range of guided adventures, including hiking, biking, and rock climbing expeditions. Our expert local guides will ensure an amazing experience for you.

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August 14, 2023
Matt Espy
Fall Season, In The Area, Things to Do, Trails - Routes - Peaks
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Fall Activities in Colorado

5 Tips for Fall in Colorado

5 Tips for Enjoying Fall in Colorado

Make the most of your fall adventures in Colorado with a few of our seasonal tips!

Colorado Fall Adventures

It’s the time of year when the days get shorter and the mornings begin with a frosty chill in the air. Summer is about to give way to fall, but winter isn’t here yet, and that means there’s still plenty of time left to get out and enjoy some time adventuring in the mountains. It’s most tempting to flock to trails along stands of aspen trees as they light up in yellow and orange, and we wouldn’t blame anyone for doing just that. But after you’ve gotten your leaf-peeper fix in, don’t forget about all the high alpine adventures still to be had.

Fall is arguably the best time to get up in the alpine in Colorado. The tundra flushes with hues of gold and maroon and clear, bluebird days become the norm. Especially after a monsoon season like we’ve had this summer, the high peaks seem to beckon this time of year. As summer transitions to the colder months, we start to see fewer thunderstorms in the forecast which means less electricity in the sky to shy us away from the alpine. These favorable forecasts mean more opportunities to tackle bigger hiking and mountaineering objectives.

If you’re making your way to Colorado’s High Country this September and October, here are our tips for how to make the most of this wonderful season.

Fall Hikes in Colorado

1. Layers!

Summer has slipped away and winter is on its way. The mornings have some extra chill to them now, with temps often plunging into the 30’s as the days go on. Most adventures will start off rather chilly, but with blue skies and mild weather in the forecast, the days warm up quickly. So whether you’re out for a short morning hike or a full-day ascent, always have an extra layer or two on hand. And even though mid-day may seem warm, the sun only sinks faster these days and as soon as it’s gone that chill comes right back.

Leaf Peeping in Colorado

2. Beat the Crowds

Here in Summit County, things start to slow down a little after Labor Day weekend. Long gone are the crowds that come in July, and that means more mountain solitude for us to enjoy. But just because the crowds have thinned, that doesn’t mean they’re gone completely. This time of year, most people will seek out areas thick with aspens for their fall color viewing pleasure, and you should absolutely do that too (no one can deny how beautiful it is). But after you’ve taken a fall drive along Boreas Pass Road and biked the leaf-covered berms on Aspen Alley, set your sights to the high alpine for solitude and a little extra adventure.

Fall in Summit County Colorado

3. Fall Fourteeners

Summer thunderstorms scare you off from your 14er summit attempts? Well those dark clouds come around less often in September and October, which means more weather windows for summiting Colorado’s highest peaks. This is a great time of year to go for the longer missions, or even just to sleep in a little before starting your hike. More often than not, you won’t have to worry about being back below treeline by the early afternoon, so you can linger a little more in the alpine.

Check the Weather Before Hiking

4. Check the Weather

While thunderstorms are far less frequent as the days get shorter and cooler, that doesn’t mean they’re gone completely. Always check the weather before heading out. Plus, this will give you a better idea of what layers to bring. It may be 35 degrees at the trailhead, but half way through your day you could be basking in 75-degree sunshine. Be prepared for extreme temperature changes in a short amount of time! Don’t be surprised to catch some snow snow flurries on the same day you were hiking in a tee shirt.

Fall in Summit County Colorado

5. Catch the Colors!

Experiencing Colorado’s aspen groves turn to bright orange and yellow is truly an unforgettable site! Unfortunately, there is a pretty tight window of time to get your leaf peeping in. Due to the high alpine temperature swings a wintery cold snap can come along and cause the aspen’s to lose their leaves. Get after it while the getting is good! If the aspen groves are starting to turn, make time to get out and enjoy your favorite fall activities while the colors are still peaking.

Hire a Guide for Fall Adventures

Colorado Adventure Guides offers amazing guided adventure to experience Fall in the Rockies. Book one of local expert guides to go on a fall hike, bike ride or rock climbing expedition.

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September 26, 2022
Matt Espy
Fall Season, In The Area, Trails - Routes - Peaks
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