TRIP ITINERARIES FOR A fALL VACATION
IN GRAND COUNTY, COLORADO

As the seasons change and summer slips away, there is perhaps no more breathtaking destination in Colorado than Grand County. Nestled in the heart of the majestic Rocky Mountains, this beautiful area becomes a showstopper every autumn, putting on a vibrant display of color and life. From the glowing golden aspens that seem to stretch as far as the eye can see, to the vibrant bursts of orange and red that light up the alpine slopes, Grand County offers visitors a front-row seat to one of nature's greatest seasonal spectacles.

The cool, crisp air is filled with the enchanting bugle of elk, while the Colorado River reflects the brilliant hues of the changing foliage. Whether you’re hiking through aspen groves, biking along trails scattered with fallen leaves, or soaking in the view from a hot spring, fall in Grand County is simply magical.

To help you make the most of this stunning fall season, we've prepared several detailed fall vacation itineraries tailored to suit a variety of travel styles and interests. From quick weekend getaways to extended mountain retreats, these guides are packed with ideas to make sure you catch the best of what Grand County has to offer in the fall. So grab your hiking boots, pack your camera, and get ready to experience the true splendor of the Colorado Rockies in all their fall glory.

7-Day Fall Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Granby Ranch Exploration

  • Stop by City Market on your way to the condo and pick up groceries for your stay

  • Arrive and check into Sundog Condo

  • Take a short hike around Granby Ranch to stretch your legs

  • Cook a comforting dinner at the condo or dinner at Brickhouse 40 in Granby

Day 2: Granby Ranch Fall Activities

  • Make breakfast at the condo complete with your coffee of choice. (Standard brew machine, French press, or Nespresso machine with milk frother)

  • Spend the day hiking or mountain biking Granby Ranch trails

  • Enjoy lunch at Bluebird Bistro at the base of Granby Ranch

  • Take the chairlift for panoramic fall foliage views

  • Cook dinner at the condo

  • Soak in the neighborhood jacuzzi under the stars

Day 3: Rocky Mountain National Park Day

  • Prepare breakfast and pack sandwiches for lunch

  • Drive to Rocky Mountain National Park for a day of hiking and wildlife viewing

    • Drive Trail Ridge Road for fall foliage

    • Have a picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint

    • Go for a short hike in the Kawuneeche Valley

  • Stop at scenic viewpoints between RMNP and Sundog to admire the fall colors

  • Drive back to Granby for dinner at Granby Garage or Maverick’s for a casual dinner

  • Return to the condo to enjoy stargazing by the outdoor firepit with hot chocolate

Day 4: Grand Lake Adventure Day

  • Make breakfast at the condo

  • Drive to Grand Lake for a day of kayaking or paddleboarding, weather permitting.

  • Eat lunch in Grand Lake at Sagebrush BBQ & Grill.

  • Visit the Kauffman House Museum to learn about local history

  • Return to the condo and prepare dinner or grab dinner in Granby at Brickhouse 40.

  • Cozy up with a book or movie night at the condo

Day 5: Hot Sulphur Springs and Local Flavors

  • Make breakfast at the condo

  • Drive to Hot Sulphur Springs (about 20 minutes)

  • Spend the morning soaking at Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa

  • Grab lunch at Dean Public House in Hot Sulphur Springs

  • Visit Never Summer Brewing Company in Granby for a beer tasting

  • Return to condo for a homemade dinner

  • Enjoy evening stargazing by the outdoor firepit

Day 6: Winter Park Day

  • Make breakfast at the condo

  • Drive to Winter Park for shopping and exploring

  • Take the gondola at Winter Park Resort for panoramic fall views

  • Have lunch at Casa Mexico or Durbar Nepalese & Indian Bistro

  • Return to the condo and prepare a fall-themed charcuterie board for dinner

  • Enjoy an evening of puzzles and board games

Day 7: Relaxation and Departure Day

  • Prepare breakfast at the condo

  • Take a morning stroll around Granby Ranch

5-Day fall Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Granby Ranch

  • Take a grocery stop at the City Market

  • Check in and settle in at Sundog Condo

  • Take an evening hike on Granby Ranch trails to see the fall colors

  • Prepare dinner at the condo

Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park

  • Make breakfast at the condo complete with your coffee of choice. (Standard brew machine, French press, or Nespresso machine with milk frother).

  • Pack a lunch.

  • Full day at Rocky Mountain National Park:

    • Drive Trail Ridge Road for fall foliage

    • Have a picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint

    • Wildlife viewing in Kawuneeche Valley

  • Return for dinner at the condo

Day 3: Grand Lake and Scenic Drive

  • Prepare breakfast at the condo

  • Drive to Grand Lake and take a morning kayak surrounded by fall colors

  • Grab lunch at One Love Rum Kitchen in Grand Lake

  • Take a scenic drive back to the condo

  • Cook dinner at the condo

  • Relax in the neighborhood jacuzzi

Day 4: Local Fall Flavors and Hot Springs

  • Prepare breakfast at Sundog

  • Visit Fraser Experimental Forest for a fall hike

  • Grab lunch at Maverick’s in Granby

  • Take an afternoon soak at Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa

  • Return to condo for dinner

  • Enjoy an evening of puzzles and board games

Day 5: Granby Ranch

  • Make breakfast at the condo

  • Take a morning chairlift ride at Granby Ranch for fall views

  • Grab lunch at Bluebird Bistro

4-Day fall Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Granby Exploration

  • Stop for groceries at City Market

  • Check into Sundog Condo

  • Take an evening walk around Granby Ranch.

  • Cook dinner at the condo.

Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park

  • Make breakfast at the condo complete with your coffee of choice. (Standard brew machine, French press, or Nespresso machine with milk frother)

  • Pack a lunch

  • Full day at Rocky Mountain National Park:

    • Drive Trail Ridge Road for fall foliage

    • Have a picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint

    • Wildlife viewing in Kawuneeche Valley

  • Grab dinner at Granby Garage on your way home

  • Return to the condo for some R&R by the outdoor firepit or in the neighborhood jacuzzi

Day 3: Grand Lake and Hot Springs

  • Prepare breakfast at the condo

  • Spend the morning at Grand Lake (take a scenic walk or kayak the lake)

  • Grab lunch at Sagebrush BBQ & Grill in Grand Lake

  • Enjoy an afternoon soak at Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa

  • Return to condo to eat dinner and relax

Day 4: Granby Ranch

  • Make breakfast at the condo

  • Take a morning chairlift ride at Granby Ranch for fall views

  • Grab lunch at Bluebird Bistro

3-Day fall Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Granby Ranch

  • Grab lunch at Bluebird Bistro on the way

  • Check into Sundog Condo

  • Take an afternoon hike at Granby Ranch to see fall colors

  • Enjoy dinner at Brickhouse 40 in Granby

Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park

  • Eat breakfast at the condo complete with your coffee of choice. (Standard brew machine, French press, or Nespresso machine with milk frother)

  • Pack a lunch

  • Spend a full day at Rocky Mountain National Park:

    • Drive Trail Ridge Road for fall foliage

    • Have a picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint

    • Go for a short hike in the Kawuneeche Valley

  • Stop by Maverick's Grille in Granby for dinner on your way home

  • Return to Sundog for an evening soak in the neighborhood jacuzzi

Day 3: Granby Ranch

  • Make breakfast at the condo

  • Take a morning chairlift ride at Granby Ranch for fall views

  • Grab lunch at Bluebird Bistro

Tips For A Fall Trip To Grand County, Colorado

  • Time your visit for mid to late September for peak fall colors, and choose weekdays over weekends to avoid the crowds

  • Pack layers as the weather can change quickly in the autumn.

  • Acclimatize to the altitude: drink plenty of water, take it easy on day one, and limit alcohol

  • Check weather forecasts daily and keep plans flexible

  • Download offline maps and keep your gas tank full

No matter which itinerary you choose, a fall visit to Grand County promises unforgettable memories of Colorado's autumn splendor. From the vibrant foliage and wildlife encounters to cozy evenings by the fireplace at Sundog Condo, each day brings new opportunities to experience the magic of fall in the Rockies. Remember to pack layers for variable weather, bring your camera for countless photo opportunities, and stay flexible with your plans – Mother Nature's schedule is her own during this transitional season.

Whether you're seeking adventure on mountain trails, relaxation in mineral hot springs, or simply want to witness nature's most colorful display, Grand County in the fall offers something for everyone. We look forward to helping you create your perfect autumn escape in the heart of the Colorado Rockies!