About five minutes north of downtown Silverthorne, Angler Mountain Trail is one of Summit County’s best fall hikes. It’s a moderate trek with a steep start, but the reward is worth every step as you soak in panoramic mountain views and golden aspen groves that glow in late September.

View from top of Angler Mountain Trail in Silverthorne, CO

Trail Details

• Distance: 2.5 miles one way

• Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet

• Starting Elevation: 8,620 feet

• Ending Elevation: 9,820 feet

• Trailhead: Small parking lot tucked into a neighborhood in Silverthorne

The trail climbs quickly from the start, giving you postcard-perfect views of colorful neighborhoods and surrounding peaks. Around the half-mile mark, the path crosses a road and winds into a shady pine forest before opening into a small meadow.

Hiking Through Golden Aspens and Alpine Meadows

The real magic of this hike comes just past the first mile when the trail enters a stunning grove of golden aspens. The leaves shimmer in the sunlight, creating a canopy of gold overhead. In the meadow beyond, you’ll catch sweeping views of Silverthorne and Dillon Reservoir.  It’s a perfect spot to pause and soak it in. During my late afternoon hike, three deer bounded across the meadow, adding a delightful sighting to the hike.

After crossing the meadow, the trail climbs again into another aspen grove. When you emerge, it’s a “wow” moment as the vista opens to reveal the Gore Range and Tenmile Range. At about 1.7 miles in, the trail dips briefly before the steady climb to the junction with the Ptarmigan Peak Trail.

Soaking in the Views

At the top, the views are spectacular. You can see the Gore Range stretching dramatically to the north, the Tenmile Range to the south, and the town of Silverthorne tucked below. I spent at least 15 minutes here, just breathing in the fresh mountain air and letting the golden glow of fall wash over me.

The return to the trailhead is just as spectacular as you hike down with sweeping views.

Tips for Hiking Angler Mountain Trail

• Arrive early or mid-afternoon—the parking lot is small.

• Bring layers. Fall days in the Rockies mean crisp mornings, warm afternoons, and sudden temperature drops.

• Don’t rush—this is a trail to savor, especially during peak aspen color.

Whether you’re visiting Summit County for a day trip or enjoying a fall escape in Silverthorne, Angler Mountain Trail is a must-do hike in fall.