Colorado might be famed as the “Centennial State,” but it’s not called “Colorful Colorado” without a reason. Come autumn, it’s hard not to fall in absolute love with the landscape and natural beauty of the state. With the mountain peaks beginning to feature white dust, the aspens changing hues, and the scent of delicious food in the air, autumn in Colorado is heaven in every sense. When we visited Colorado in fall, our holiday was filled with adventures, autumn foliage, history and culture, festivals and events, and food, food, and more food! Did you know that we even rode a train, explored abandoned ghost towns, and got lost in a corn maze? Yes! Clearly, Colorado in autumn has a lot to offer, and then some. Here’s a detailed guide to visiting the Centennial State in the fall.
If you’re confused about where to begin, here are some of the best places To Visit In Colorado.
Table of contents
Weather
Autumn in Colorado usually spans from mid-September to eaarly November, with the timings differing across different parts of the state.
- Mid-September to early October: In areas with higher elevations like Telluride, Crested Butte, and Aspen, fall begins in mid-September. Aspen trees turn a bright yellow, making for a striking contrast against the blue skies and the dark green pine forests.
- Early to mid-October: Areas like Colorado Springs, Boulder, and Estes Park begin to see a mix of red, orange, and yellow hues. These foothills still don’t see a drastic drop in temperatures, so it’s a great time to visit.
- Late October to early November: Finally, Colorado’s last phase of autumn takes place mostly in the lower elevations like Fort Collins, Denver, etc. While the hues begin to fade, you’ll find brilliant foliage along rivers and in parks.
Average high fall temperatures are 66 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average lows are 38 degrees Fahrenheit. However, in the plains cities like Denver, it doesn’t feel like autumn until you’re well into October. Also, the weather can change very quickly in the Rocky Mountains, so don’t forget to dress in layers.
Train Rides
10
Did you know that most of Colorado’s success and development were highly dependent on the extensive railroad systems across the state? What’s great is that many of them still operate even today, offering us the chance to travel through gorgeous regions inaccessible by road.
For instance, we traveled onboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad line between Georgetown and Silver Plume, passing through some stunning forests with brilliant fall hues. In autumn, they had a special program that included a two-mi guided hike through the fall foliage before we hopped back on the train! It’s a recurring event throughout the fall, so book your tickets here.
There’s also the Durango and Silverton train ride that boasts scenic views of the Animas River and the San Juan Mountains. Plus, there’s the Leadville Colorado and Southern Railroad in the heart of the Rockies, which is a 2.5-hour mesmerizing trip through the San Isabel National Forest.
Farmers Markets
9
If you love local crafts and fresh fruits and vegetables like us, then you’ll love visiting the many farmers’ markets across Colorado during autumn. We even love meeting the people who made and grew them and interacting with the community, so it was a cherry on top to visit some amazing farmers’ markets across the state.
On a Saturday in October, we traveled to Alamosa, the largest city in the San Luis Valley and home to the Alamosa Farmers’ Market downtown. The vibrant place was filled with rainbows of artisan wares ranging from beaded jewelry to handmade tortillas, squash, and root veggies. Another Saturday morning event is the Greeley Farmers’ Market, whose slogan is “Real Food. Real Farmers. Real Fun!” And that motto is spot-on for this more than two-decade-old event that celebrates the bounty of the region. Think corn, chili peppers, apples, peaches, and more.
If you’re on the western slopes of the Rockies, you can pick up prepared and fresh goods at the Montrose Farmers’ Market. This seasonal weekend market sees ranchers and farmers reconnect and travelers and locals become fast friends over artisan baked goods, jams, fruits, and veggies.
Festivals
8
The advent of autumn ushers in a whole lot of festivals in Colorado, no matter the kind you’re looking for. One category of festivals in abundance is harvest festivals, like the Annual Mountain Harvest Festival in downtown Paonia. This celebration of everything local has everything from crafts and arts to local produce even. Applefest in Cedaredge even has a car show, along with tons and tons of apples, of course.
What is autumn without pumpkins, right? We headed out with the family, kids, elders, et al, to the Botanic Gardens Pumpkin Festival at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The ticket price included not only access to the 10-acre pumpkin patch but also the amazing corn maze and a host of family-friendly things to do. If you’re looking for something spectacular, try the Anderson farms in Erie, which has an epic seven-acre corn maze and pumpkin patch! Or, you could try something a lot zanier and head to Aurora’s annual Punkin Chunkin Colorado Festival, where pumpkins are hurled into the sky — Modern Family style!
No mention of Colorado fall festivals is complete without talking about Oktoberfest, right? It’s a really big deal in Denver, where there are more than a quarter of a million people during this six-day September fiesta.
Wildlife Watching
7
To say that Colorado is an animal lover’s paradise with 11 national forests, 9 national monuments, 8 national wildlife refuges, 4 national parks, and 43 state parks. So, there is no shortage of spotting fabulous fauna, no matter when you go. When we traveled the state in autumn, we visited specific spots to spot fauna specific to that region. For instance, Bighorn Sheep Canyon, a rafting hotspot, is home to Colorado’s official state mammals. It was also where we saw gorgeously flamboyant fall hues along the Arkansas River. If you indulge in riverfront camping or a whitewater excursion here, look out for sheep, mule deer, and red-tailed hawks.
If you’re an avid birder, we highly recommend the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge near Walden. Founded as a rearing and nesting habitat for migratory birds, it’s home to many avian species as well as other fauna. Finally, there’s the 200,000-acre-huge conservation area that is the Pawnee National Grassland in the eastern plains. The windswept, dramatic vistas are home to unique bird species, including the state bird, the lark.
Fall Foliage Drives
6
Autumn is one of the best times to go on drives in the Rocky Mountains. The vibrant foliage displays begin in the higher elevations, working its way down when it gets colder. We were excited to see splashes of red, orange, and yellow along the rolling alpine roads, and we’ve explored the whole of Colorado this way!
In Northern Colorado, the Trail Ridge Road, with towns like Grand Lake and Estes Park, Buffalo Pass, and the Flat Tops Byway is perfect for long scenic drives. Central Colorado, with Independence Pass, Kebler Pass, and the Grand Mesa Byway were the best drives for exploring the western slopes of the Rockies. However, it’s Southern Colorado that has our heart, with the Highway Of Legends at the foothills and the rugged, oft-overlooked Alpine Loop.
The highlight of our our road trip and where we saw Colorado best fall colors was the Million Dollar Highway! Stretching between Silverton and Ouray, with most of U.S. Route 550 looped into it, the road is one of the most dangerous roads in the U.S. And everyone, including us, will tell you that despite the danger, it’s worth driving along it.
Haunted Delights
5
If you love a good, spooky vibe, then Colorado is the place to be, without question. The state is full of abandoned ghost towns, historical sites, and eerie destinations, like Estes Park’s Stanley Hotel. It’s said to be the inspiration for Stephen King’s ‘The Shining,” with local lore even saying that ghosts roam its halls. No wonder it’s called one of the world’s most haunted hotels.
Ghost towns are a part of the intrinsic fabric of Colorado, and we can’t promise you won’t see spirits in Carson, a remote ghost town near Lake City. Reaching this place itself is challenging; either you hike a challenging trail or head here on 4×4 motorcycles, OHVs, bikes, or other vehicles. Beyond it lies another abandoned ghost town, Old Carson, where the views of the surrounding region are spectacular.
That’s not all; there are walking tours of historical sites with reenactments of gruesome tales in Central City. Of course, there’s also the 1893-built Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs, billed as one the most haunted lodgings in all of Colorado. Think unexplained, strange paranormal activity like flickering lights, a woman’s screams, and even a WWII military crematorium in the basement. Jeepers creepers!
If you’re interested in everything haunted, check out this Guided Ghost Story and History Tour in Colorado Springs.
Hot Springs
4
Colorado is famed for Glenwood Springs is just an hour’s drive away from Aspen and Vail and is a famous hot springs destination in the Roaring Fork Valley. The picturesque town was perfect for us to relax and enjoy the lovely fall scenery. The highlight for us was soaking in the world-famous Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, the world’s largest hot springs pool. Having opened in 1888, the pool is part of the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, a 107-room lodge with a restaurant, a gift shop, and even an Athletic Club. The best bit? It was a short walk to downtown across a pedestrian bridge.
“We enjoyed the hot springs in Colorado all the more in autumn, especially when the temperatures fell!”
WOW Travel
This isn’t the only hot springs hotspot in the state. Steamboat Springs, for instance, offers recreation year-round, including two hot springs, Strawberry Park and Old Town. Even Ridgway is known for Orvis Hot Springs, while Ouray is home to the Ouray Hot Springs Pool. When you’re heading along the Million Highway, don’t forget to stop at Pinkerton Hot Springs just before Durango.
Check Rates on:
Historical Sights
3
Colorado has a motley of historical sites and attractions that have the perfect vibe for enjoying autumn in the state. Since we love towns with historic architecture, we visited the quaint former mining town of Rico, just a short drive from Telluride. We walked up and down the historic structures-lined main street, with the surrounding San Juan Mountains making for the perfect fall backdrop. Just 45 minutes south of Vail lies another incredible town Leadville, once the state’s capital. On our way out from Vail, we stopped at the historic downtown, which offered incredible views, and enjoyed a delicious lunch.
Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs are located over an hour south of Denver. While the latter is home to the stunning Manitou Cliff Dwellings, a prehistoric Native American settlement, the former is home to the Garden of the Gods.
That’s not all. The Guanella Pass, just outside Denver, has the perfect pitstop in the form of the National Trust Historic Site Hotel de Paris Museum in charming Georgetown. One of the state’s most populous towns during the silver boom, Georgetown and its historic vibe are even prettier during autumn. We visited the famed Hotel de Paris, a hotel-turned-museum showcasing early Colorado history with more than 90% of its original furnishings on display and intact.
Water Adventures
2
Water sports might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but there are many water-related activities in the state. Despite being landlocked, many of Colorado’s lakes and reservoirs feature beaches for relaxing, swimming, and playing. We had the choice of watersports in water, underwater, and overwater. For instance, did you know that Colorado has the country’s sixth-highest number of certified divers? Yes! We did scuba diving right in Downtown Denver! It even had a “Dive With The Sharks” adventure for dive-certified peeps over the ages of 10 with a scuba certification card. There’s also Jefferson Lake, Elk Creek Marina, Blue Mesa Reservoir, and the Curecanti National Recreation Area for ice diving.
We even indulged in fishing, a year-round activity in the state, with countless rivers and lakes. Two things: Do check for restrictions on flies and lures, and everyone who can fish (16 years and above) will require a valid Colorado Fishing License. Or, you could combine your love of fishing and diving and indulge in spearfishing. Other calm overwater activities include kayaking and canoeing. While the former can be done in places like Sylvan, Pueblo, and Bear Creek lakes, you can do both at Navajo Reservoir and Colorado River.
Whitewater rafting and Colorado are practically synonymous, and the season lasts into October too, so we had to try it out, didn’t we? For family fun, head to Rio Grande River, Clear Creek, and Colorado River, which have a pretty calm current with a few adrenaline-spiking spots. Since we didn’t mind a little adventure, we headed out on the Arkansas and Roaring Fork Rivers, complete with stunning sights.
Do you want to go rafting in the heart of Denver? Check out the Middle Clear Creek Beginners Whitewater Rafting tour.
Hiking and Land Adventures
1
There’s no better way to admire Colorado in the fall than to indulge in some of the many hundreds of hikes spread throughout the state. If you’re a fan of the hot springs, try the Flash of Gold Trail in Steamboat Springs or the Hanging Lake Trail in Glenwood Springs. The latter was a moderate but unique four-mi round trip hike that led to what was a stunning emerald green lake.
One of our favorite hikes to do with our kiddos and even doggies in tow was the famous Maroon Bells & Crater Lake Trail in Aspen. Frisco is another place for fall hues, where we hiked the easy Miner’s Creek and Rainbow Lake trails. With tons of gorgeous Aspens, a lake, and mesmerizing views at the end, it was one of our favorite weekend getaways.
If you’re in Vail, we highly recommend the Berry Picker Trail, which lies up a ski hill. As we made our way through the Aspen trees on the difficult and steep trail, we found ourselves hiking for the views. Plus, we took the gondola back down for free!
Did we mention that you can indulge in leaf peeping in the Crested Butte mountains with a mountain biking adventure along the Lupine Loop? Yes!
Where to Stay in Colorado?
- The Little Nell, Aspen: One of Aspen, Colorado’s best hotels, the ski-in, ski-out Little Nell sits right at the foot of the Silver Queen Gondola. So, not only do you get first-track privileges before the lifts open to the public, but you also have free transportation to other mountains! If you’re here towards the end of fall when the first dusting of snow comes, this is the perfect indulgent place to stay. The rooms and suites are luxurious and stuffed with mod-cons, and there’s even a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a jacuzzi.
Check Rates on:
- The Bristol Hotel, Steamboat Springs: This is one of the best hotels in Steamboat Springs. The charming 1948-built hotel is close to the slopes and the town and boasts a bar, a restaurant, and even an indoor hot tub. Moreover, the rooms are charming, comfortable, and delightfully outfitted.
Check Rates on:
Places To Eat
- Bingo Burger, Colorado Springs/Pueblo: What makes Bingo Burger, well, “Bingo Burger, is that they mix robust Pueblo chiles, a quintessential Colorado ingredient, right into the beef. When they’re grilled, the result is a burger patty bursting with addictive flavor. If you have less spice tolerance, pair it with their hand-spun malts and shakes to cool your tingling tongue.
- Buckhorn Exchange: Would you like to eat at the Mile High City’s oldest restaurant? That would be the 1893-opened Buckhorn Exchange, hailed as “Denver’s original steakhouse.” Today, it boasts more than 500 mounted animal heads and historical artifacts. So, not surprisingly, it serves a wide range of meat, ranging from buffalo steak to baby back ribs to more unconventional offerings like quail, Cornish game hen, and elk.
