Fall In Love With Clear Creek County

Located just 20 miles west of Denver, the Victorian Mountain Towns of Idaho Springs, Empire, Georgetown, and Silver Plume make the perfect destination for Colorado fall favorites! From weekend getaways to craft beers, unique shopping experiences and activities be sure to include Visit Clear Creek when planning your next fall excursion, and who knows, you may just fall in love!

Autumn brings stunning views and vistas to Clear Creek County with the spectacular color changes of the aspen, oak, cottonwood and willow trees. The historic towns of Clear Creek County are especially charming when dressed in their autumn gold, red, and orange finery.

St Mary’s Glacier Trail is the perfect place to take someone in search of snow as there is some to be seen year-round at 11,236 feet above sea level. Drive along picturesque Fall River Road until you reach the small mountain community of St Mary’s and the Town of Alice. If you want to hike to the glacier it is just under 2 miles round trip and parking lot fee is cash only and please do not park in non-designated areas as vehicles will be ticketed and/or towed.

Breathtaking views are around every corner and there are so many ways to experience color season you’ll never want to leave!

From giant pancakes to freshly roasted coffee many local businesses have something unique to offer. Choose from traditional breakfasts, grab n go burritos, benedicts, omelets, gravy and decadent green chili.

Be sure to start your morning off right and stop by one of our breakfast spots sure to satisfy every hungry traveler!

Clear Creek County is perfectly situated to access some of the most scenic drives in the Rocky Mountains. Add the fall colors and you have a perfect plan for leaf peeping, wildlife watching, and photography. It is quite easy to spend the entire day exploring these gorgeous routes!

From Victorian homes transformed into unique bed and breakfasts to mountain side retreats and even yurts, there is a place for everyone to relax, unwind and breathe in the cool, crisp, fall mountain air.

Enjoy a cozy getaway and stay where you play!

Exploring the Rocky Mountains on horseback is a great way to experience the beauty and solitude that attracted so many early settlers to Clear Creek County. Saddle up with local outfitter, A&A Stables and bask in the golden glow of the aspens!

The memories you make will be the real treasure of your ride.

Dig into Colorado’s Historic Gold Rush and Silver Boom with a mine tour. With five mines to choose from, Clear Creek County captures the sheer magnitude of Colorado’s mining history.   Your mining “bucket list” should include:

• ARGO Mill and Tunnel
• Capital Prize Mine
• Edgar Experimental Mine
• Lebanon and Everett Mines
• Phoenix Gold Mine

Did someone say Pizza?

Clear Creek County is home to several local, independent pizza restaurants. Choose from deep dish Chicago style to traditional, thin and crispy, as well as the one and only Colorado Style Mountain Pie!

Our pizzas are sure to compliment the fall activities and fun you have shared throughout the day!

This fall enjoy live music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in Historic Downtown Idaho Springs at the Miner Street Market. There will be additional fall favorite events too ~ such as; Pumpkinfest and Octoberfest at the Georgetown Loop Railroad, Pumpkin and Pints, Halloween Fun Run, Pumpkin Smash, and the Annual Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival!

Be sure to check out our Events Page for details.

Sip on fall flavors at our local craft breweries! From Pumpkin Harvest Ale to Trail Tag Hazy IPA, Märzen, Peak to Peach Palisade, and Oktoberfest there are many blends to help you enjoy the change of seasons.

With breweries and tasting rooms in Idaho Springs, Empire, Georgetown, and Silver Plume you are sure to be surrounded by fall scenery as you sip on local suds and enjoy time with family and friends.

Wind down the day with a gourmet dinner and ambient atmosphere. Cuisine ranges from Elk-Tar-Tar to Bison Burgers, Pho, Smothered Burritos, and beyond.

After dinner enjoy live music and entertainment at a few local watering holes such as the SweetEasy, 511 Saloon, or the Vintage Moose.

Pumpkin spice and everything nice! Our boutiques and retailers are sure to have the perfect gift or selfish necessity to complete your fall excursion. Choose from handmade soaps, chocolates, and teas. Some merchants carry one-of-a-kind keepsakes, imported goods, jewelry, clothing, and accessories. Children to adults there is something for everyone and for every season!

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through our mountain communities and peruse the art galleries, boutiques, and unique shops. Every purchase supports small business!

Last but definitely not least – Discover heart pumping adventure from ziplines to challenge courses, aerial parks and even via ferrata.

We hope you will come visit us this fall and experience it all!

Travel along beautiful hiking trails and let your imagination run wild. From the sights and smells of autumn to the rugged terrain under your feet, the winding trails of Clear Creek County will have you surrounded in the colors of fall.

Georgetown Outdoor Discovery offers guided hiking tours year-round, allowing you to wander while they mind the trail.

We hope you enjoy your time in Clear Creek County and ask that you visit with kindness and care.

With these 7 Leave No Trace principles you too can help us protect our lands for future generations to come: : Know Before You Go, Stick To The Trails, Leave It As You Found It, Trash The Trash, Be Careful With Fire, Keep Wildlife Wild, and Share Our Trails And Parks.