Fraser and Winter Park in the early fall with the Hermansens
Before I left for Kuwait, I got a four-day pass. Rather than
go home and say goodbye again and do house chores, Alita and I decided to go to
a third space. We did not want to spend most of our precious time driving, so
we opted to check out Fraser and Winter Park (Outside of ski season, it’s a
little under 2 hours from Boulder or Denver).
Like most towns off of this stretch of I-70, Fraser and
Winter Park are more popular as winter destinations (and after than probably
summer destinations). Without really planning to, we have found these and
similar towns to be fun to visit in the quieter fall.
Hiking, Camping and Fishing
With the logistics of a baby and a 4-day pass, we only
managed one of the three. However, we were really pleased to find that in
addition to the stunning vista afforded by more rigorous hikes, the area has
quite a few hikes that are friendly to those carrying kids (and someday soon
enough, slightly more mobile ones). The Winter Park & Fraser Chamber ofCommerce website was the best resource that we (Alita) found. There you can
find two pdfs: one of descriptions of good day hikes and a second rough map of
the trail system. I say rough map because the trail lines are pretty thick and
some of the trailhead locations seem approximate to me.
Vasquez Nature Path
One-way distance: 0.65 miles
Trailhead: 39.901846°, -105.804645°
Elevation gain / loss (south to north): 60 ft, 160 ft
 |
| South to North Elevation Profile |
While we accessed this trail from the Twin Bridges Trail, it
also terminates at a road that can be easily reached and appeared to have
parking. While there are a few boulders here and there, the trail is pretty
smooth walking.
 |
| Bella clears the path of dangerous animals |
Vasquez Creek is a small affair but with the path never far
from the stream it would be perfect for a future family trip where I might only
have an hour or two to fish. It has a few nice shoots and pockets of water that
look perfect for doing two to three drifts and moving on.
 |
| Alita adds to the beauty of some already good-looking pocket water |
 |
| Nice little pool on Vasquez Creek |
The trail also had what appeared to be two campsites. While
I am not sure how official these are, they did look like rather pleasant (and
free?) places to stake a tent.
 |
| Nice creek-side campsite |
Twin Bridges
One-way distance: 0.5 miles
Trailhead: 39.908388°,-105.799972°
Elevation gain /loss (west to east): 150 ft both ways
 |
| West to East Elevation Profile |
There is space for about three cars about 150 ft past the
trailhead. The trail goes down quickly and with some loose gravel, but is not
hard walking. The first of the twin bridges comes as the trail crosses Vasquez
Creek. Then there is some nice easy walking – although we did go by some
curious wood piles and a clearcut.
 |
| Some odd little wood piles |
 |
| Easy walking on the Twin Bridges Trail |
The Twin Bridges trail basically ends at the second bridge
over Little Vasquez Creek.
 |
| Knud Peter checks out Little Vasquez Creek |
Discovery, Challenger and Jim Creek Trail
Trailhead: 39.881942°,-105.754783°
Discovery and Challenger Trail Loop: 1.25 miles, 320 ft of
gain
Jim Creek Cut-off: 39.881889°,-105.745369°
Jim Creek Trail: 1.9 miles, 840 ft of gain
 |
| Counterclockwise Elevation Profile of Discovery - Challenger Trail Loop |
 |
| Jim Creek Elevation Profile (from the Discovery Trail cut-off) |
The Discovery Center features lots of boardwalk and flat
wide paths. The trail is shaded for most of the way but also features so great view
of the valley. According to the sign at the entrance there is also fishing a
short ways off the far side of the Challenger Trail (39.883104°,-105.745955°).
 |
| Bella inspects the boardwalk for safety |
 |
| Wide paths of the Discovery and Challenger Trails |
 |
| Getting water across the divide to the thirsty front range |
We got about a mile (or just under halfway) up the Jim Creek
Trail. We did not make it to the meadows which the Winter Park / Fraser Chamber
of Commerce touted to have excellent views; we did still get some great view of
the other side of the valley which was just beginning to show some fall colors.
 |
| Fall colors from Jim Creek. Little man laments that he cannot see them. |
Fraser – Winter Park Trail
This bike path parallels Route 40 between Fraser and Winter
Park. It would be great if you wanted to use bike transportation, but we
skipped it since there were so many great options that got away from the
highway.
Eateries and Breweries
Hideway Park Brewery
This place is a new (June 2014) nano-brewery right the Route
40 downtown of Winter Park. True to its nano designation, space is tight and I suspect
it will be standing room only come ski season. But in the shoulder season we
were able to belly right up to the bar.
The day we showed up they had six offerings on tap – two IPAs
(one wet hopped with Colorado hops), two reds, a rye stout and a golden ale. The
rye worked really well in the stout – I like it better than I have liked rye in
other styles. The Bru Brew IPA was both Alita’s and my favorite although the
Pocket Rocket Red was a close second for me. Overall though it was a solid
line-up. No food, but they had some popcorn with a fun selection of spices to
throw on them.
 |
| Looking good |
Elevation Pizza
The strip-mall like location of this pizzeria did not set my
expectations too high, but I left realizing that Alita had found a great place
to pick up a pizza to take back to the cabin. They have pretty good specials
for each day of the week, so check it out when you go in or ask when you call.
I ended up getting a half-and-half of the Adam Bomb (green chilis, pepperonis
and cream cheese) and the Ranger (pesto sauce, spinach, garlic and chicken).
Both were amazing even without the days hiking under the belt.
Smokin’ Yards BBQ (Idaho Springs)
While not in Winter Park or Fraser, this was a nice halfway point
between our start and our destination that had come highly recommended. If you pass by around a meal time it's worth a stop. You can
get to it easily from the first Idaho Springs exit as you head west. The
outdoor seating afforded some great views of Clear Creek. We both tried the
Carolina Pulled Pork which was a wise choice.
