The main reason people live in Colorado is to enjoy nature. During the summer and winter months, being outside can be more challenging because of heat or extreme cold. The best season to enjoy the great outdoors is fall in Colorado, when the leaves are changing and there are dozens of unique activities to do.
The aspens turn gold and red during the fall in Colorado, prompting people to go for drives to enjoy them. There are many public paved routes that wind through aspen forests. Maroon Bells, located just west of Aspen, is one of the most popular. It’s known as the most widely photographed area of Colorado due to a mirror-like lake and stunning landscape. Buses are available at the Aspen Highlands Ski Area.
A unique event occurs in the Rocky Mountain National Park every fall in Colorado when the elk compete for mates. Called the “elk rut,” this is when the more than 3000 elk in the area come out. The mature males have bugling contests where they belt out a call that other males answer, which sometimes results in a fight between the two as their herds of females watch. The toughest male gets to be in charge of his own harem of females and offspring, which he has to defend throughout the rest of the year.
The spectacle, which takes place in September and October, draws more than 70,000 visitors to the National Park, but the elk are visible even from places like Estes Park High School on the eastern edge of the park.
Go on an off-roading trip on one of Colorado’s beautiful mountain passes to see views of the leaves changing. There are dozens of 4WD trails ranging from easy to difficult. Schofield Pass is a moderate trail between Marble and Crested Butte that meanders through ghost towns as well as on a foliage tour. Make sure to read the descriptions and be prepared for early snow, which often happens in October, and tough driving conditions by driving a Jeep or another off-roading vehicle.
The cooler weather in the fall prompts many to dig out their hiking boots and go for a climb. Check out the Golden Gate Canyon State Park 30 miles west of Denver. The Black Bear and Horseshoe Loop trail is 5.4 miles and winds through a dense aspen forest and the ruins of an old homestead site. It’s a nice trail because it’s hikers-only, so there’s no chance of getting run over by a mountain biker. The added bonus is that there are fall colors going on at the same time.
There are great rock climbing and bouldering spots all over the state of Colorado, but Boulder has some of the best. Fall is the perfect time to get some bouldering in before the snow comes. Check out Eldo (Eldorado State Park), which has 500 technical rock climbing routes.
Fans of The Shining like to go stay at the Stanley Hotel, the inspiration for Stephen King’s novel, which is a great Halloween-time activity. The laughter of ghost children is regularly heard at night, and there are ghost tours, too. But the hotel is also a resort, bringing in well-known musicians for concerts and hosting weddings and corporate events.
Apple picking is a time-revered fall activity, and Colorado has many farms that allow visitors to pick bushels of the fruit. Some also offer berries and flowers for the picking. Make sure to wear closed-toe shoes. A few allow dogs– call ahead to make sure.
Anderson Farms in Erie Colorado has the state’s biggest corn maze at 30 acres. They also have pumpkin picking and nighttime activities.
Some of the most challenging mountain biking in the country is found in Colorado. If there’s only time to visit one area, check out Breckenridge for the most accessible, iconic riding trails.
Colorado is known for craft beers. Each city has its own version of Oktoberfest, but the Great American Beer Festival attracts international visitors. Held during the fall in Colorado, the three-day event in downtown Denver showcases 4000 beers a year and awards prizes for the best ones.
Colorado has enough activities to fill up an entire fall schedule. Whether it’s low-key or adrenaline-spiked, there’s something for everyone.
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