Five Fall Foliage Drives in a Luxurious Mercedes-Benz for Inspiring "Leaf Peepers"

Tucked away in the Colorado Rockies, Vail is a destination for all seasons – but fall in particular is quite majestic. The leaves are turning colours, the mountains look alive and the air is crisp. Take in the beautiful flora and fauna on one of five drives in a complimentary Mercedes-Benz house car from Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail.

1. Stay Local

Venture around Eagle County to take in more than 1,600 square miles (4,100 square kilometres) of scenic beauty. Begin with a drive to the base of Beaver Creek to see our beautiful sister ski resort. Next, head over to Bachelor’s Gulch to capture expansive views of the Gore Range, Vail Mountain and Castle Peak before taking the car to Lake Creek to see gorgeous ranches and cattle grazing. For a great evening drive, go to Bachelor Gulch and Bellyache Ridge for the best views of Vail Valley. Then head back to the Resort for a night cap at The Remedy, complete with a backdrop of uninterrupted mountain views.  (1.5 hours)

2. History Reinvented

Head through the old railroad town of Minturn and drive up Battle Mountain Pass, past the deserted mining town of Gilman and continue up Tennessee Pass past Ski Cooper, then make your way into the highest incorporated town in North America, Leadville at 10,200 feet (3,100 metres). The main street is teeming with history, from the Silver Dollar Saloon where people such as Doc Holliday and Oscar Wilde frequented to the great National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum. Return to Vail by driving past the Climax Molybdenum Mine via Copper Mountain and Vail Pass. (2 hours)

3. Colorado's Caves and Caverns

Meander along the Colorado River as you head west on I-70, into the spectacular Glenwood Canyon, Mother Nature’s crown jewel. Carved out for more than three million years by the power of the Colorado River and snow-melt from the Continental Divide, today you can tour subterranean passages with amazing cave formations. Stop at Grizzly Creek to walk down and dip your toes in the Colorado River, visit the Hot Springs pools, hike at Hanging Lake, or head straight into the historic town of Glenwood Springs. Glenwood Springs boasts local boutiques and dining options to those looking to relax and take in the scenery. (2.5 hours)

4. Touch the Sky

Head towards Aspen via Leadville and continue on over Independence Pass. This is one of the most spectacular mountain passes in Colorado, as it climbs up to 12,000 feet (3,650 metres) over the Continental Divide, past beautiful lakes and above tree-line.  Enjoy lunch in Aspen and then come back to Vail through Glenwood Canyon. Top off the evening with dinner at Flame, our modern mountain steakhouse. (1.5 hours)

5. The Golden Hour

Drive to Breckenridge, Colorado’s largest historic district. Since the discovery of gold in 1859, this town has evolved from a former mining town to a beautiful mountain town complete charming cafes, bustling nightlife and trendy boutiques. Right before sunset, make sure to take a loop around Lake Dillon to see the light bounce along this large fresh water reservoir. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, take in the beautiful aspens changing colour from green to gold – the mountains truly look alive. (2 hours)

Looking for something more adventurous? Activities abound in Vail, a town that offers more than 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) of breathtaking terrain. Go on a hike. Book a private fly fishing excursion.  Take a sunset hot air balloon ride. Whitewater rafting along the Colorado River. There are many ways to see the beautiful changing of the leaves. Connect with our knowledgeable Concierge team to arrange transportation, activities and more during your stay.