Anglers and summer travelers know Bailey and North Park well because of its proximity to the Platte and all the recreation that it offers. But fall is when Bailey and the rest of the small towns along the 285 corridor come alive.

Bailey is the gateway to Colorado’s newest state park, Staunton State Park, and sits just outside Pike National Forest. There are plenty of hikes, bikes and climbs through both forests and fall may be the best time to do both. (We’d also recommend the Ben Tyler trail through the Lost Creek Wilderness, but gear up: weather conditions can change quickly on the long trail. The trailhead is just west of Bailey along 285, between Bailey and Grant.)

Staunton State Park has long been a destination for many Colorado climbers, but since the park’s formalized inclusion into the state park program in 2013, many of those climbs weren’t maintained or properly kept. Now, as part of the state’s natural resources program, the climbs are more accessible and easier to find.

Outside Bailey, beyond 285, are plenty of cabins and small resorts that can turn a day trip to Bailey into a much longer excursion. There are horseback camps and plenty daylong adventures to keep travelers entertained, and both Bailey and Grant offer interesting places to eat to get ready for the day.

For breakfast of lunch, we’d suggest Kenosha Cafe, located in Grant. The diner-style menu is hearty and filling to fuel up for the rest of the day. For dinner, Hog Heaven barbecue is a good choice for pulled pork and traditional Southern fare. Coney Island is a Bailey staple, people line up during the summer to get a hot dog and drink for the day. During the fall months that line may not be as long, so it’d be a good idea to go see what everyone is talking about.

Of course, Bailey and Grant are both the types of towns you’d expect in Colorado: plenty of rustic cabins, easy access to hiking and beautiful fall colors to find. But what you mind not expect is that they’re so close. Only 45 minutes on 285 transports you to one of the best hidden gems for the shoulder travel season.