When you want to have fun this fall, your best options can be found outdoors. In Colorado, autumn brings brilliant foliage that can be enjoyed amongst spectacular scenery in its top vacation destinations. From soaking in hot springs and breathtaking scenic drives to big thrills like sandboarding, here are just of few things you can do this fall in the Rocky Mountain State.
Soak in the Hot Springs
What Is It? Many of Colorado’s hot springs are bucket list worthy.
Why Do It? A top place to be is Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, a luxurious mountain resort with numerous geothermal springs, including 30 small pools that are right inside Chalk Creek, which runs alongside the property for a fabulous natural soak. Visitors can purchase day passes or spend the night in one of the many different cabin options.
Good to Know: Spa services are available too, including massage, and the outstanding Mary Murphy Steak House on-site is open as well.
Listen for Elk & Enjoy Foliage in Rocky Mountain National Park
What Is It? There are many reasons to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in the fall.
Why Do It? This is the time of year when you’ll often hear the elks bugling as it’s elk mating season, and you’ll have the opportunity to spot all sorts of other wildlife, like moose, deer and Bighorn sheep. Of course, it also offers spectacular leaf-peeping opportunities.
Good to Know: Take a drive on Trail Ridge Road, which runs through the park, and you’ll see lots of golden bronzes, brilliant yellows and fiery orange hues.
Take a Scenic Drive on the Million Dollar Highway
What Is It? One of the most beautiful stretches of roadway in Colorado, the Million Dollar Highway is a 25-mile-long route along US 550 that travels between Silverton and Ouray in the southwestern part of the state.
Why Do It? While it’s stunning all year long, autumn is arguably the best time to embark on this short trip. The endless twists and turns that follow along the edge of sheer cliffs are renowned for showcasing Switzerland-like views that include the towering jagged peaks of the San Juan Mountains. Combined with the vivid foliage colors, it’s a jaw-dropping sight.
Good to Know: After reaching Ouray, stick around and enjoy the town’s natural hot springs and many other allures.
Board Down a Dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park
What Is It? During the summer, the sand in Great Sand Dunes National Park can get as hot as 140 degrees, but come fall, it’s much more pleasant here, and it feels as if you’re standing in the middle of the Sahara without flying overseas.
Why Do It? Tucked between the San Juan Mountains and the Sangre de Cristo Desert, it’s home to the country’s tallest dunes, some soaring over 700 feet while providing the chance to try sandboarding or sand sledding.
Good to Know: You’ll need a sled or board that was specifically made for sand, not something made for the snow. They have a special design with the extra slick base material and special wax and can be rented at outfitters like Kristi Mountain Sports in the San Luis Valley.
Experience the Thrill of Whitewater Rafting
What Is It? Colorado is home to countless rivers that provide thrilling whitewater for rafting, and many outfitters have a variety of tour options.
Why Do It? While the water levels dip significantly by fall, if you go in September, the Arkansas River will provide easy and technical rapids, depending on the run chosen, with the crowds gone and the water crystal-clear, while autumn foliage offers a gorgeous backdrop.
Good to Know: It’s one of the most popular rafting rivers in the country, with departure points from destinations like Buena Vista, Salida and Canon City.
Apple Picking and More
What Is It? Fall is apple season and in Colorado, there are many farms that allow you to pick your own and enjoy them sliced, baked, sauced, candied, juiced, in pies or fried over pork chops.
Why Do It? Ya Ya Farm & Orchard in Longmont is a more than 100-year-old orchard using organic practices to grow its signature variety of heirloom apples. Not only can you fill up a bag with fresh apples here, but you can enjoy all types of other activities like pressing your own cider and cuddling with the farm animals.
Good to Know: There are Percheron Draft Horses, chickens, turkeys, and peacocks here, along with spots for picnicking.
Get Lost in the Corn Maze at Anderson Farms
What Is It? It just isn’t fall without visiting a pumpkin patch or running through a corn maze, and thankfully, you’ll still have the opportunity to do that here in Colorado.
Why Do It? While there are many different options, you’ll find the longest-running corn maze at Anderson Farms in Erie, with a 25-acre corn maze and a pumpkin patch. Some of the other activities they’ve traditionally had include hayrides, gem mining, gourd launching, and pedal karts.
Good to Know: Some rather spooky attractions are added for Halloween, like the Ghost Town, Zombie Paintball Hunt and Terror in the Corn. Check the official website before you go for the latest information.
Go Ziplining at the Royal Gorge
What Is It? Located south of Pikes Peak near Canon City, Royal Gorge offers all sorts of thrills, and as zip-lining is generally a solo activity, it’s the perfect thing to enjoy in fall.
Why Do It? The zip line tours whiz across the breathtaking canyon and includes the world’s first “flight line” free fall belay system. There are 20 zip lines in total, from classic to extreme courses that span over three miles.
Good to Know: While the classic course is the most popular, adrenaline seekers won’t want to miss the Extreme Zip Line Course, considered to be one of the fastest courses in North America.
Enjoy Oktober-FEAST in Breckenbridge
What Is It? One of the best Oktoberfest festivals in the U.S., Breckenridge’s celebration is fun for all.
Why Do It? It’s a traditional celebration held over the first weekend of autumn that includes authentic German food, collectible steins, and lots of tasty brews from one of Colorado’s best breweries.
Good to Know: It also features live music, surrounded by colorful foliage splashed across the Ten Mile Range. Check out the official website for more details on dates and times.
Hit the Off-Road Trails
What Is It? There are thousands of miles of off-road trails open to off-road vehicles like ATVs, four-wheel drives and motorcycles throughout the state, providing a ton of fun for thrill-seekers.
Why Do It? West of Fort Collins at Red Feather Lakes, the Roosevelt National Forest features over 100 miles of double-track ATV trails, and near Grand Junction in western Colorado, the Grand Mesa Trails provide miles and miles of trails for all skill levels, including the more advanced, passing glistening lakes, lush meadows and dense forests.
Good to Know: Close to Telluride at Lizard Pass, you can ride while taking in the awe-inspiring views of the San Juan Mountains blanketed in their autumn hues.
Hike Through the Aspen Grove Near Crested Butte
What Is It? You’ll find some of Colorado’s most dramatic autumn transformations in areas where there are lots of Aspen trees, which you’ll find in the heart of the Rockies, including historic Crested Butte.
Why Do It? There are massive groves here where you’ll be surrounded by gold, with the best time to come to see the magnificent display in early fall.
Good to Know: The Three Lakes Loop is one of the best for enjoying it, and it’s suitable for nearly all fitness levels. The 2.8-mile roundtrip trek showcases the largest aspen forest in the state, making it ideal for leaf-peeping while providing lake access too.
Go Mountain Biking
What Is It? There are miles and miles of mountain biking trails throughout the state, so if you like to ride, you’ll have a nearly endless list of options. Aspen is a top spot and hosts Sky Mountain Park, one of its newest trail systems.
Why Do It? There are multiple ways to reach the park, with the most popular route from the Aspen bike path that starts on Hopkins Avenue in downtown Aspen.
Good to Know: Ride for about two miles until passing the Buttermilk bus stop, turn left at the next pedestrian tunnel, continue until it begins ascending and then climb the Airline Trailhead that will be to your right. It travels to the intersection with Cozyline, providing access to the Sky Mountain Park trail, Skyline, and Deadline.
Observe Animals at Denver Zoo
What Is It? Fall is a great time to visit the Denver Zoo, with summer’s heat fading. Plus, it’s one of the best things to do with kids in the Denver Metro Area!
Why Do It? It’s home to over 4,000 animals from 750 different species, from delicate butterflies to slithering reptiles and lumbering elephants.
Good to Know: In Predator Ridge, you can hear the roar of a lion, and at Northern Shores, watch the frolicking polar bears. Primate Panorama is always a hit with its fun and curious orangutans.
Take a Step Back in Time at Mesa Verde National Park
What Is It? Mesa Verde National Park is located near the Four Corners area of Colorado and is a fantastic place to visit in the fall, with few crowds and pleasant weather.
Why Do It? The UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the home of the Ancestral Pueblo people, who inhabited the area for over 700 years, settling around 550 AD.
Good to Know: The park preserves nearly 5,000 archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings.
