As the weather begins to cool off, a trip to Colorado’s high country can provide relaxation and recreation with a backdrop of stunning scenery, as aspens begin to turn gold.
Summit County is a delightful destination for a weekend getaway, with countless activities that make the most of cooler temperatures, gorgeous mountain views, and fall foliage. The peak of autumn color is expected to begin in late September, so it’s an ideal time to plan a trip.
After arriving on Friday evening, enjoy dinner at Briar Rose Chophouse and Saloon This beloved restaurant has been delighting guests with steaks and wild game in their dining room for decades, and their saloon is a cozy spot to enjoy a cocktail or small plate before a night on the town.
Begin your Saturday morning with a scrumptious breakfast at Crepes a la Cart in Breckenridge, which has savory or sweet options from its walk-up location on charming Main Street. Enjoy Nutella, Bananas Foster, Breakfast Veggie, Croque Madam, and many other varieties to start your day on a delicious note.
After fueling up, hike to Mohawk Lakes for gorgeous vistas along the trail. You’ll venture through pine forests, aspen groves, and cascades along the way to Lower and Upper Mohawk Lake. It’s about 3 miles to the lower lake or 3.3 miles to the upper lake on this out-and-back trail. Make sure to take photos in front of Continental Falls.
For a more mellow morning, stroll on the Sawmill Creek Trail, which can be accessed from the base of the Snowflake Chairlift on Four O’Clock Road. Enjoy a gentle slope up to Sawmill Reservoir and beautiful views over the water to the ski resort. It’s a shaded 1.5-mile hike along the creek.
After working up an appetite, enjoy lunch at the Canteen Tap House and Tavern back on Main Street in Breckenridge. This favorite of locals and visitors alike features shareable appetizers, burgers, house-smoked ribs, and more.
After lunch, walk the historic blocks of downtown Breckenridge and peruse shops for outdoor gear, unique clothing, home décor, and more. Or stroll through the Breckenridge Arts District with galleries, workshops, and outdoor sculptures.
After a full day of hiking, arts, and lovely scenery, relax at Blue River Bistro for dinner. Start with the Crispy Tiger Shrimp or Honey + Cashew Brie before tucking into Bison Short Ribs or the Mountain River Elk at this cozy spot on Main Street.
On Sunday, explore the neighboring towns of Dillon and Frisco, starting with the sunrise from Sapphire Point Overlook between Breckenridge and Keystone, boasting panoramic views of Dillon Reservoir and the Gore and Tenmile Ranges.
Stop for breakfast at Bread + Salt on Frisco’s pedestrian-friendly Main Street, with options from their Huevos Rancheros to the Truffle Scramble to the Sunrise BLT. Rent a bike and take a spin along the rec path with sparkling views of the marina and surrounding mountains offering plenty of places for photos before leaving Summit County with memories of a weekend well spent in the mountains.
