Sep 2, 2010

Fantastic Fall Family Hike

X10U8 Beats Oktoberfest in Breckenridge

By Lisa T. Bergren

Last Fall, we drove up to Breckenridge to take part in their annual Oktoberfest, which oddly, happens in mid-September. But it was fine with us. Mid- to late-September is an excellent time to take a drive in the mountains of Colorado.

It’s an even better time for a fall family hike.

Breckenridge Oktoberfest

We stopped in town, found a parking spot and walked the street. Even by noon, it had a drunken, boozy atmosphere, with lots of beer tents and long lines to sample the brews. While I’m all for a good time—and felt a little stupid for expecting anything more than that—I was still hoping the city would opt for some more family-friendly activities. It felt awkward to be walking along with our teen, tween, and kindergartner, seeing little more than some middle-aged people dressed for the occasion in lederhosen and dirndls, a German band and a whole lotta college kids getting wasted before the sun reached its zenith.

The few carnival rides they’d brought in on Main Street were having technical difficulties—there wasn’t enough power—and the bungee/tramp needed power too, so tickets we purchased at ten in the morning were ultimately unusable until one in the afternoon. While we waited, we crossed the river and let the kids do a few of the big inflated slides and jumpers. We returned to pick up some lunch—definitely a highlight. We sampled bratwurst, sauerkraut, and an amazing local chef’s salmon sandwich with German potato salad.

Onward and Upward: X10U8

After my hubby drained his lone stein of ale, we took a local’s advice and drove up above town to the trailhead for X10U8. There, we breathed a sigh of relief. While storm clouds gathered over the mountains, above us was a robin’s egg blue sky and trees that were postcard worthy. There were old, decaying mines and rustic, weather-grayed fencing that belonged in a Sundance catalog.

We walked through a thick aspen grove—with leaves rattling in the wind but not yet ready to fly—and then climbed upward, past old shafts in the hillside and piles of tailings. We paused often to enjoy the views below us, in one direction, all the way to Breckenridge and beyond, in to the other, the narrowing pass. The kids loved peering into the dilapidated shafts and finding treasures like an abandoned snowmobile on the trail.

We hiked for a couple of hours—about 2.5 miles on the X10U8 and Minnie Mine trails, with about 750’-1000’ total elevation gain (guessing; can’t find reference on the Net)—and then emerged below, through that fantastic aspen grove. We looked back as we walked to the car, marveling again at the sight. Above us, the aspens were turning gold and other trees, deep umber, orange, and red. Truly a spectacular location for a family hike.

Details:

• To get there, head up Wellington and take a right on French Gulch Road
• Park in parking lot at right by gravel pit
• Trailhead is across the road and farther up (very short walk)
• Dogs are allowed, on a leash
• Mountain bikes allowed; no motorized vehicles
• Here is Breckenridge’s trailhead map; it shows you how to find Wellington and French Gulch; farther down it shows detail (box) on the “Golden Horseshoe Trails”

This hike is classified as “difficult.” While there are portions of steep grade, 75% of it is gentle, undulating trail or a slow, steady climb. If our six-year-old and this forty-two-year-old can do it, so can you. Just take your time, allow frequent breaks, and enjoy. (It’s totally worth it!)

Next time, I think we’ll hike to the Sallie Barber mine (it has most of its original equipment and interpretive signs)—established in 1882 during the Colorado Gold Rush—or do X10U8 again in the morning, with a visit to the Country Boy Mine for a tour in the afternoon. Mixing a bit of history with a hike makes it just about perfect for me.

What about YOU? Have you gone to Breck’s Oktoberfest w/ kids and loved it? What did I miss? Or do you have a perfect fall family hike of your own? Details, please. Comment below…