Colorado Adventure Guide: Piney Lake

One Bumpy Road

The bumpiest roads always lead to the most worthwhile destinations. That is extremely true when it comes to Piney Lake. A short distance that you think you can reach in a matter of a few minutes but there is no possibility of going over 25 MPH on a road like this. So you take the road slowly with every rock in the road rattling every bone in your body. I say this because I truly want you to know what the journey felt like. Not everyone is built for a journey like this one. But if you are built to go the distance no matter the cost then you will be rewarded by one of the most picturesque views in Colorado.

Piney Lake Ranch in Vail Colorado

Vail is one of the best spots for leaf-peeping. I have now visited during the fall two years in a row and the town is just covered in beautiful golden aspen trees. You can really see some of the best leaves here. But if you are looking for a little more of an adventure with a beautiful lake at the end of the road. Then you have to check out Piney Lake. It is just as beautiful as the Maroon Bells. But the bumpy road manages to keep the area less crowded.

We drove up during the Piney Lake Ranch offseason. Right after they closed up for winter. But the Ranch is supposed to be a beautiful spot for weddings. It also has a nice restaurant that I wish I could have tried. And during the summer you can rent canoes and stand-up paddleboarding. I really wanted to be able to rent a canoe up there but that is something that we will have to return to do during the summertime. But it was really a beautiful place to visit in the fall. I highly recommend the drive, especially if you are a Colorado Native.

Fall Sweaters and Dresses

One of my favorite Fall outfits is a long dress like this Christy Dawn dress. It is a comfortable outfit for me. Especially when I wear a dress with cozy tights underneath on a chilly fall day in the mountains. It is an outfit that has been my favorite style for a long time. Another one of my signature styles is long cardigans like this sage green one that I thrifted. A long cardigan is a great way to make any outfit cozier. One of my favorite ways to incorporate a light layer into my outfit. Long sweaters make the perfect throw on and go look. It is extremely convenient to own a few different colors to mix and match with your entire fall wardrobe. And thrifting is really the way to go when it comes to long sweaters because when you buy them sustainably and brand new. They will take a big chunk of cash.

Fall Hat and Boots

Then there are two of my favorite fall accessories. Boots and hats. my favorite brown boots work out perfectly with most of my wardrobe. And add the perfect touch of vintage and western vibes to any outfit. What makes them even more worthwhile is that they are extremely comfortable and durable. I have worn them in all different kinds of terrain and weather and they still look brand new. Recently I bought this brown Goorin Bros hat and added it to my growing hat collection. I really wanted a neutral fall, felt hat. And Goorin Bros is always one of my go-to places for when I am searching for a new hat. They always have a good selection and I really love being able to go into their store to try on all the hats that catch my eye. This makes it so much easier to find the perfect one. Buying hats online can really be hit or miss because you never know what style will look good on.

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