Michelle and I hiked this one yesterday, and I'm calling it: this is the trail I'd hand a guest who asks for "something pretty, not too brutal, with water."
North Tenmile Creek Trail starts right off I-70 at Exit 201 in Frisco — a dirt lot you can't miss — and then it just follows the creek up into the mountains. Pine forest, aspen groves, open meadows, and the Gore Range staring at you the whole way. The creek is the star, though. It never really leaves you, and there are waterfalls tucked in along the route that'll make you stop mid-stride.
This little gorge stopped us in our tracks — peak fall color doing its thing.
Fall colors are ON right now
We went September 27th and the aspens are turning gold as we speak. If you're reading this in the next week or two, drop what you're doing — this is the window. The stretch through the aspen groves about a mile in is pure gold-on-blue-sky, the kind of thing that makes your phone camera feel inadequate.
Rouge's tips
- Go early. That dirt lot fills up on nice weekends, and afternoon storms are a whole thing up here in summer.
- Survive the first half-mile. It's steep and rocky right out of the gate — then it levels into a gentle grade and you wonder what you were worried about.
- Bring water and a layer. You're at altitude, the weather turns fast, and the creek water is for looking at, not drinking.
- Leash the pup. Dogs are welcome on this one — and if you're staying in our dog-friendly Summit Suite, this is your trail.
- Turn around whenever. It's an out-and-back, so there's no shame in a two-mile waterfall-and-back morning. Got strong legs? Keep pushing toward the Gore Range Trail and the Eagles Nest Wilderness.
Why this one's a guest favorite
It's the rare trail that checks every box: close to Keystone, gorgeous the entire way (not just at some viewpoint at the end), dog-friendly, and flexible — make it a mellow two-hour stroll or a legit half-day. We've sent guests here for years and nobody's come back disappointed. Yesterday just reminded us why.
Your hosts, Shane & Michelle
We live here, we hike here, and we'll point you at the good stuff — then have the hot tub hot when you get back.