Travels Archives - Karee Russell

🍂 Fall Family Adventures in Avon, Colorado

October 23, 2025Karee Russell

A Perfect Colorado Mountain Getaway Near Vail and Glenwood Springs

Experience the best of fall in Avon, Colorado! Discover family-friendly activities, fall hikes, scenic photo spots, and top restaurants near Vail and Glenwood Springs. Your ultimate guide to autumn adventures in the heart of the Rockies.

Why Avon, Colorado Is the Perfect Fall Destination

Tucked between Vail and Beaver Creek, Avon, Colorado is one of the state’s most underrated mountain towns — especially in the fall. The aspen trees shimmer gold, mountain air turns crisp, and the whole Vail Valley feels like a postcard. Unlike bustling Vail, Avon offers a more relaxed, affordable, and family-friendly vibe while still being minutes from world-class attractions.

From scenic gondola rides and lake walks to hot springs and pizza nights, Avon is your basecamp for both outdoor adventure and cozy mountain charm. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teens, there’s something here for everyone.

🍁 Top Things to Do in Avon, CO in the Fall

1. Stroll or Paddle at Nottingham Lake

At the heart of Avon sits Nottingham Lake, a sparkling alpine lake framed by golden aspens and mountain peaks. In the fall, it’s a painter’s palette of colors — the perfect place to walk, picnic, or rent a paddleboard.

The paved loop trail around the lake makes for an easy family stroll or a stroller-friendly jog. Pack hot cocoa, let the kids feed the ducks, and don’t forget your camera!

Best photo spot: Capture the reflection of the fall foliage in the lake during sunrise or sunset for golden-hour magic.

Insider tip: Check the town’s schedule — you might catch a fall festival or outdoor movie night at Nottingham Park.

2. Take a Scenic Gondola Ride in Vail

Just ten minutes away, Vail offers one of Colorado’s most stunning fall experiences — a ride up the Eagle Bahn Gondolafrom Lionshead Village. As you rise above the valley, you’ll see waves of yellow and orange aspens carpeting the mountainsides.

At the top, enjoy easy alpine walks or grab a family lunch at Eagle’s Nest Café. Kids can burn off energy at Epic Discovery, which features ziplines, tubing, a climbing wall, and a mountain coaster (open through early fall).

Photo tip: The viewing platforms near the gondola summit give panoramic shots of Vail Valley — ideal for family portraits or social media reels.

3. Leaf-Peeping Hikes Around Avon and Beaver Creek

If you love to hike, fall in Avon is your season. The crisp air and fiery leaves make even short hikes feel magical. Here are a few family-friendly fall hikes near Avon:

Beaver Lake Trail (Beaver Creek): Moderate hike through golden aspens leading to a sparkling alpine lake.
Eagle River Trail (Avon): Flat, peaceful, and perfect for young kids or bikes.
Booth Falls Trail (Vail): A bit steeper, but the waterfall halfway up is totally worth it.

For non-hikers, drive the Scenic Byway toward Minturn or Vail Pass. The switchbacks are lined with golden groves — one of the most beautiful drives in Colorado.

Pro tip: Aspen leaves peak between mid-September and early October depending on elevation.

4. Day Trip to Glenwood Springs & Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

About 75 minutes west of Avon lies Glenwood Springs, a town famous for hot springs, mountain views, and one-of-a-kind attractions. The highlight? Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park — America’s only mountain-top theme park.

Take the gondola up Iron Mountain, then explore the Fairy Caves Tour or test your courage on the Giant Canyon Swing, which arcs out 1,300 feet above the Colorado River. For little ones, there are mild rides, scenic lookouts, and playground areas.

Afterward, soak in the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool or the Iron Mountain Hot Springs, both offering spectacular fall scenery and kid-friendly pools.

Best photo spots:

The Lookout Deck at the top of the gondola
The Glenwood Canyon Overlook along I-70
The Colorado River bridge at sunset

Bonus tip: Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and enjoy shorter wait times for cave tours.

📸 Best Fall Photo Spots in the Avon–Vail–Glenwood Area

Nottingham Lake, Avon – Aspen reflections in still water = instant postcard.
Beaver Creek Overlook – Ideal for family portraits framed by yellow aspens.
Vail Village Bridge – Iconic shot with mountain peaks behind the alpine-style buildings.
Glenwood Caverns Viewing Deck – Panoramic valley views glowing in afternoon light.
Eagle River Path – Great for candid, nature-filled family photos.

Photography tip: The best lighting for mountain photos is between 8–10 AM and 4–6 PM, when the light is warm and soft.

🥾 What to Pack for a Fall Trip to Avon

Colorado weather can change in minutes — be ready for everything!

Layers: Lightweight base layers, fleece jacket, and a warm outer shell.
Waterproof hiking shoes or boots
Sunscreen & sunglasses (mountain sun is strong year-round)
Reusable water bottles (hydration is key at 7,400+ feet!)
Swimsuits for the hot springs
Camera or phone with extra storage for all those golden aspen shots

🍴 Where to Eat Around Avon, Vail & Glenwood

🥞 Family Favorites in Avon

Northside Kitchen – A must-visit for breakfast and donuts as big as your head.
Gondola Pizza – Local go-to for pizza night after a day outdoors.
Ticino – Cozy Italian comfort food with an inviting, family vibe.
Bob’s Place – Great for casual bites, sports on TV, and hearty portions.

🍔 Best Spots in Vail

Westside Café – Famous for mountain-sized breakfasts and kid-friendly fare.
The Fitz Bar & Lounge – Modern mountain dining with incredible views.
Pepis Restaurant – Iconic Bavarian-style spot right in Vail Village.

🌮 Where to Eat in Glenwood Springs

Slope & Hatch – Creative tacos and hot dogs the whole family will love.
The Pullman – Elevated comfort food (best for date night).
The Lookout Grille – Eat lunch with a view at the top of Glenwood Caverns.

Foodie tip: Make reservations for dinner during peak fall weekends — Avon fills up fast when the aspens turn.

🗓️ Sample 3-Day Fall Itinerary for Families

Day 1: Arrive & Settle In

Check into your Avon stay (many condos have full kitchens — ideal for families).
Stroll around Nottingham Lake and take golden-hour photos.
Dinner at Northside Kitchen for comfort food and desserts.

Day 2: Adventure in Vail

Breakfast at Westside Café in Vail.
Ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola, explore the mountaintop, and hike an easy loop.
Lunch at Eagle’s Nest Café with a mountain view.
Explore Vail Village for shopping and photos.
Dinner back in Avon at Ticino or Gondola Pizza.

Day 3: Day Trip to Glenwood Springs

Drive to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park (1 hour 15 minutes).
Spend the day riding the gondola, exploring caves, and taking in views.
Lunch at The Lookout Grille or Slope & Hatch.
Relax at the Iron Mountain Hot Springs before heading back to Avon.

🌄 Why You’ll Fall in Love with Fall in Avon

There’s a reason locals call Avon the “Heart of the Valley.” It’s where alpine adventure meets small-town warmth. You get the best of Vail’s scenery, Beaver Creek’s luxury, and Glenwood’s fun — all without breaking the bank.

Fall in Avon isn’t just beautiful; it’s peaceful. It’s waking up to gold-dusted peaks, sipping hot chocolate by a lake, and creating family memories that feel timeless.

So pack your camera, grab your layers, and head to Avon, Colorado this fall — where the mountains glow, the food comforts, and every day feels like a postcard come to life.

Colorado in October: Fall Colors, Scenic Drives & Golden Adventures

September 27, 2025Karee Russell

Discover the best scenic drives, fall colors, and outdoor adventures in Colorado this October. Explore golden aspens, wildlife, and mountain escapes.

Why October is Magical in Colorado

October in Colorado is a season of transformation. High peaks shimmer with the first dustings of snow while mountain valleys explode in hues of gold, orange, and crimson. The air turns crisp, the crowds of summer thin, and travelers find themselves immersed in one of the most breathtaking displays of fall foliage in the U.S.

Whether you’re chasing aspen groves on a scenic byway, hiking in a national park, or soaking in a hot spring under a canopy of glowing leaves, October is the sweet spot between summer adventure and winter wonder. Here’s how to make the most of your October Colorado trip.

🍁 The Best Scenic Drives for Colorado Fall Colors

Million Dollar Highway (Ouray–Silverton)

Perhaps the most iconic fall drive in Colorado, the Million Dollar Highway winds through the San Juan Mountains with hairpin turns, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping alpine views. In October, fiery aspens light up the steep slopes, creating one of the most spectacular road trips in the country. Pro tip: stop in Ouray for a soak in the hot springs after your drive.

Last Dollar Road (Telluride–Ridgway)

If you love photography, this dirt road is a must. The Last Dollar Road offers jaw-dropping views of the Sneffels Range framed by aspen groves. It’s especially beautiful in early to mid-October, when the golden leaves contrast with snow-dusted peaks.

West Elk Loop Scenic Byway

This 205-mile route connects small mountain towns like Crested Butte, Paonia, and Gunnison. Along the way, you’ll pass rivers, ranches, orchards, and valleys lit with fall color. Stop in Paonia for wine tasting at local vineyards.

Peak to Peak Scenic Byway (Near Denver)

For those short on time, the Peak to Peak is an easy day trip from Denver or Boulder. Stretching from Estes Park to Central City, this drive is lined with shimmering aspens, historic mining towns, and trailheads perfect for short hikes.

🥾 Outdoor Adventures in October

Hiking Among the Aspens

Fall hiking in Colorado is unforgettable. Trails near Crested Butte, Aspen, and Rocky Mountain National Park offer endless photo ops. Favorites include:

Maroon Bells Scenic Loop (Aspen) – One of the most photographed spots in the world.
Kebler Pass (Crested Butte) – Famous for one of the largest aspen groves in North America.
Bear Lake Trail (Rocky Mountain National Park) – Easy but stunning, especially with reflections of fall foliage.

Wildlife Watching: Elk Rut Season

October marks elk rutting season in Colorado. Head to Estes Park or Rocky Mountain National Park to hear the haunting bugle of bull elk as they compete for mates. It’s one of the most unique wildlife spectacles in the U.S.

Relaxing in Hot Springs

Cooler weather makes October the perfect time to soak in Colorado’s hot springs. Try:

Strawberry Park Hot Springs (Steamboat Springs) – Rustic and scenic.
Glenwood Hot Springs – Family-friendly and central to mountain adventures.
Ouray Hot Springs – A great stop after the Million Dollar Highway.

Mountain Biking

Many trails remain open through October, offering colorful rides through aspen tunnels. Crested Butte and Durango are particularly popular for fall biking.

🌟 Pro Tips for October Travelers

Timing Matters: High elevations change first (late September–early October). By mid to late October, foothills and Front Range cities like Denver, Golden, and Boulder glow with color.
Dress in Layers: Mornings and evenings can be frosty, while afternoons warm up. Always pack a light jacket.
Check Road Conditions: Mountain passes may get early snow; monitor CDOT for closures.
Beat the Crowds: Visit popular spots midweek for fewer tourists and better photo opportunities.

🍂 Must-Visit Towns in October

Crested Butte: Known as the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” but equally stunning in fall.
Aspen: True to its name, Aspen’s surrounding groves are breathtaking in October.
Durango: A perfect base for both fall colors and historic attractions.
Estes Park: Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and home to the Elk Fest.

A Golden Season You Can’t Miss

October in Colorado is fleeting but unforgettable. From golden highways lined with aspens to wildlife encounters and cozy hot spring escapes, every moment feels like a postcard. Plan wisely, pack layers, and take your time — fall here passes quickly, but its beauty will stay with you long after the leaves have fallen.

Memories Per Mile: A Comeback & A New Chapter

August 10, 2025Karee RussellLeave a comment

Hey, everyone! It’s been a while since my last post, and I wanted to take a moment to reconnect, share what’s been going on, and give you a glimpse into the exciting new content coming your way.

Like so many of you, life has been hectic, unpredictable, and full of change. Over the past few months, our pace of travel has slowed down, and while that’s been an adjustment, it has also given me time to reflect on what’s next for Memories Per Mile.

Life Lately: A Shift in Pace

For years, travel has been at the heart of this blog—sharing stories from the road, travel tips, and unforgettable experiences. But lately, our suitcases have stayed put more than usual. Whether due to personal commitments, shifting priorities, or simply the need to pause and recharge, we’ve found ourselves embracing a slower, more grounded lifestyle.

At first, I struggled with what this meant for Memories Per Mile. Would I still have stories to tell without a constant stream of new destinations? The answer is a resounding yes!

Because while the miles may have slowed, the memories and experiences haven’t stopped.

A Fresh Approach to Content

This shift has given me the opportunity to explore new directions for the blog. While travel will always be a core part of Memories Per Mile, I want to expand into deeper storytelling, reflection, and lifestyle content that captures the essence of adventure—whether that’s through past journeys, travel-inspired experiences at home, or finding new ways to fuel our wanderlust when we can’t be on the road.

What’s Coming Next?

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the content I’m working on:
✔ Throwback Travel Stories – Revisiting some of our most memorable trips with fresh reflections and tips.
✔ How to Bring Travel Home – Ways to stay inspired by travel, even when you’re not on the move.
✔ Life Between the Trips – How we’re embracing slower living while still staying adventurous.
✔ Travel Planning & Dreaming – Looking ahead to future adventures and helping you do the same!

This new chapter of Memories Per Mile is about adaptation, inspiration, and storytelling—whether from the road or from home.

Let’s Reconnect!

I’ve missed this community, and I’d love to hear from you! How has your life changed lately? Are you traveling less, shifting priorities, or finding new ways to stay inspired?

Drop a comment below or connect with me on social media—I can’t wait to catch up and embark on this next journey together.

Stay tuned, stay inspired, and remember—every mile, near or far, holds a memory worth sharing.

See you in the next post! 💙