Since Breckenridge was named one of Forbes’ “5 Greatest Places in Colorado to See Fall Colors,” we decided to gather our favorite fall bike rides to catch this stunning foliage in Breckenridge and Summit County. We’ve already discussed some of our favorite summer bike rides and look forward to experiencing the fall colors by bike.
When will the leaves change?
It is predicted that Breckenridge will experience peak colors the last week of September, with trees beginning to change around September 10th. This all depends on when temperatures start to drop at night, along with storms or precipitation that could cause leaves to fall sooner.
Fall Rides
Aspen Alley
Aspen Alley is aptly named for its aspens. This one-way bike ride is a stunning 1.3-mile single-track trail through Breckenridge’s aspen groves. The ride is mostly downhill, with 15’ of elevation gain and 519’ loss. To get back to your starting point, either plan to shuttle, ride uphill the way you came, or take Boreas Pass Road back to your starting point.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Your bike: Mountain Bike
For a longer more challenging adventure, try the 11.5-mile Baker’s Tank and Aspen Alley Loop trail. This ride climbs 1,482’ to a maximum elevation of about 11,000’. You’ll begin from the Stephen C. West Ice Arena, climbing switchbacks that lead out onto a gravel road and eventually into more technical downhill sections. You’ll eventually turn onto Boreas Pass Road, which leads into Aspen Alley.
Difficulty: Intermediate/Difficult
Your bike: Mountain Bike
French Gulch Loop
The French Gulch Loop trail takes riders on 15.8 miles over 2,449’ of climbing. This ride combines 11 trails for a fun ride through the aspen trees. Read more about Breckenridge’s Best Mountain Biking Trails
Difficulty: Intermediate
Your bike: Mountain Bike
Kenosha Pass
This 32.5-mile Kenosha Pass to Breckenridge trail is not for the faint of heart. This ride takes you on segment 6 of the Colorado Trail and reaches 12,000’ at Georgia Pass. This ride combines the best alpine views with stunning fall foliage, as you ride one epically long stretch of single track. You will need to drop a car and shuttle to the start of the trail, unless a 65-mile ride is in your fall plans. For those looking for a slightly shorter adventure, the ride to Georgia pass and back is 12 miles one way, and still offers some of the best alpine and leaf-peeping views.
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Bike: Mountain Bike
Boreas Pass
Boreas Pass travels from Breckenridge to Como, Colorado in a 6.5 mile stretch of dirt and gravel road (13 miles round trip) and climbs 662’ to top out at 11, 500’. This high alpine road is known for its aspens and fall foliage; it also offers views of Breckenridge Ski Resort and surrounding peaks. This is a well-maintained road that most vehicles are easily able to travel, so bikers need to be aware of cars on the road. This also means, however, that visitors can view the beautiful aspens on this stretch of road even if biking isn’t their transportation of choice.
Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate
Bike: Gravel Bike
Sky Chutes Bike Shuttle
The Sky Chutes bike shuttle and ride is a unique experience brought to you by Breckenridge Ski & Sport! Unlike the Kenosha Pass ride, you don’t need to figure out your shuttle transportation. Our team will drop you off at the start of this ride on the Tenmile Canyon Rec Path, just below the Mayflower Gulch parking lot. You’ll ride on the Tenmile Canyon Rec Path downhill to Frisco, with a short uphill back into Breckenridge on the Blue River Bikeway. This ride is one of the best in the area and offers stunning mountain and foliage views the entire way. Learn more about why an E-bike is a fun, convenient ride!
Difficulty: Easy
Bike: E-Bike
Dillon Reservoir Loop
Ride the Summit County Recreational Pathway system around the Dillon Reservoir. This 18.7-mile loop is perfect in all seasons and rewards with views of the reservoir and mountains. You’ll ride over Swan Mountain into Frisco, and across the Dillon Dam. The Summit County Rec Path is an extensive system of paved paths that offers biking, running, walking, and roller-skating opportunities throughout the county. Another popular rec path ride is the path from Breckenridge to Frisco.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Your Bike: E-Bike/Leisure Bike
No matter which ride you choose, Breckenridge Ski & Sport will get you set up with the perfect bike. Take 25% off rentals with online bookings and simply stop in and pick up your bike!