Here are 20 of the best things to do in Colorado this fall that will make your trip unforgettable.

1. Fall Foliage Drives

Colorado is famous for its scenic byways, and nothing beats driving through mountains lined with golden aspens.

Top routes include the Peak to Peak Highway, San Juan Skyway, and Guanella Pass.

Nearby attractions: Estes Park, Telluride, and Georgetown are great to pair with foliage drives.
Family-friendly activities: Stop for short walks, roadside picnics, or scenic overlooks.
Food & drink: Try mountain cafés and diners along the routes, like Wild Rose in Estes Park.
Accommodation: Cozy mountain cabins and lodges in Estes Park, Telluride, or Ouray.

2. Hiking and Nature Walks

Trails like Maroon Bells near Aspen, Kebler Pass near Crested Butte, and Rocky Mountain National Park glow with autumn colors.

Nearby attractions: Aspen town, Crested Butte’s historic downtown, and Estes Park.
Family-friendly activities: Easy trails like Bear Lake in RMNP or Maroon Lake loop.
Food & drink: Post-hike treats at Crested Butte cafés or Aspen coffee shops.
Accommodation: Stay in Aspen resorts, Estes Park cabins, or Crested Butte inns.

3. Pumpkin Patches and Picking

Popular spots include Rock Creek Farm in Broomfield and Anderson Farms in Erie, where you can find everything from giant pumpkins to corn cannons.

Nearby attractions: Denver and Boulder for extra day trips.
Family-friendly activities: Hayrides, petting zoos, and kids’ play areas.
Food & drink: Seasonal treats like pumpkin pie, apple cider, and food trucks.
Accommodation: Hotels in Denver or Boulder for easy access.

4. Apple Orchards Visits

Fall means apple season, and Colorado has charming orchards worth visiting.

Head to Ya Ya Farm & Orchard in Longmont or Nelms Farm in Golden to pick apples, sip cider, and enjoy farm-style fun.

Nearby attractions: Boulder and Golden downtowns.
Family-friendly activities: Wagon rides, apple tastings, and orchard tours.
Food & drink: Fresh apple cider donuts and homemade pies at the orchards.
Accommodation: Stay in Boulder boutique hotels or Golden’s cozy inns.

5. Corn Mazes

Corn mazes are a fall classic. Anderson Farms and Fritzler Farm Park have some of the largest and most creative designs in the state.

Perfect for families, friends, or even a spooky night adventure with flashlights.

Nearby attractions: Fort Collins and Denver are close for extra exploring.
Family-friendly activities: Mini mazes, pumpkin patches, and kids’ rides.
Food & drink: Funnel cakes, roasted corn, and apple cider on-site.
Accommodation: Hotels in Fort Collins or Denver suburbs.

6. Hot Air Balloon Rides

Fall is one of the best times for balloon rides in Colorado. Snowmass Balloon Festival and rides in Colorado Springs are unforgettable experiences.

Nearby attractions: Aspen, Glenwood Springs, and Garden of the Gods.
Family-friendly activities: Festival games, kid-friendly viewing areas.
Food & drink: Breakfast cafés in Aspen or Colorado Springs before your ride.
Accommodation: Aspen luxury lodges or Colorado Springs resorts.

7. Scenic Train Rides

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad colorado

Hop aboard historic trains like the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad or the Georgetown Loop Railroad.

These scenic rides showcase fall landscapes from a different angle—no hiking required.

Nearby attractions: Durango town, Silverton, and Georgetown’s historic district.
Family-friendly activities: Train museums and children’s play areas.
Food & drink: Local breweries and diners in Durango and Georgetown.
Accommodation: Historic hotels in Durango, Silverton, and Georgetown.

8. Wildlife Viewing

Fall is elk rut season, and places like Rocky Mountain National Park are alive with bugling elk.

You might also spot moose, bighorn sheep, or bald eagles during this time of year.

Nearby attractions: Estes Park and Grand Lake.
Family-friendly activities: Junior ranger programs at RMNP.
Food & drink: Lakeside dining in Grand Lake and Estes Park restaurants.
Accommodation: Lodges in Estes Park or cabins near Grand Lake.

9. Photography Trips

From mirror-like alpine lakes reflecting golden aspens to mountain peaks dusted with early snow, every corner of Colorado is a photo opportunity.

Popular spots include Kebler Pass, San Juan Mountains, and Brainard Lake.

Nearby attractions: Crested Butte, Ouray, and Nederland.
Family-friendly activities: Easy trails for kids to reach scenic overlooks.
Food & drink: Local cafés and mountain bakeries.
Accommodation: Inns and lodges in Ouray, Crested Butte, or Nederland.

10. Oktoberfest Celebrations

Colorado towns like Breckenridge, Denver, and Vail host lively Oktoberfest celebrations filled with steins of beer, bratwurst, and Bavarian music.

Nearby attractions: Summit County lakes, Denver museums, and Vail villages.
Family-friendly activities: Kids’ games, live music, and parades.
Food & drink: Bratwurst, pretzels, and Colorado craft beers.
Accommodation: Breckenridge ski lodges, Denver hotels, or Vail resorts.

11. Harvest Festivals

Celebrate the season with pumpkin carving, hayrides, and seasonal treats at local harvest festivals.

The Palisade Peach Street Festival and Parker Fall Festival are among the favorites.

Nearby attractions: Palisade wineries and Parker’s Main Street.
Family-friendly activities: Petting zoos, hayrides, and games.
Food & drink: Peach pies, cider, and food trucks.
Accommodation: Stay in Grand Junction or Denver suburbs.

12. Ghost Tours and Haunted Attractions

October wouldn’t be complete without some chills and thrills.

Join ghost tours in haunted towns like Georgetown, Manitou Springs, or explore spooky attractions like 13th Floor Haunted House in Denver.

Nearby attractions: Garden of the Gods, Denver’s Union Station.
Family-friendly activities: Family-friendly “lite fright” events.
Food & drink: Late-night cafés and themed bars.
Accommodation: Historic inns in Georgetown, Colorado Springs hotels, or Denver stays.

13. Wine Tasting at Vineyards

Colorado’s wine country, especially around Palisade, is perfect in the fall.

Nearby attractions: Grand Junction and Colorado National Monument.
Family-friendly activities: Farm tours, fruit tastings, and bike rides.
Food & drink: Local wine pairings, farm-to-table restaurants.
Accommodation: Vineyard stays or Grand Junction hotels.

14. Mountain Biking

Fall trails are less crowded and cooler, making it ideal for biking.

Spots like Fruita, Crested Butte, and Winter Park offer world-class rides through colorful landscapes.

Nearby attractions: Colorado River near Fruita, downtown Winter Park.
Family-friendly activities: Beginner-friendly trails and bike parks.
Food & drink: Mountain breweries and bike cafés.
Accommodation: Lodges in Crested Butte, Fruita motels, or Winter Park resorts.

15. Camping and Stargazing

Crisp nights and clear skies make fall one of the best times for stargazing in Colorado.

Try camping at Great Sand Dunes National Park or State Forest State Park for dark skies and brilliant stars.

Nearby attractions: Alamosa town and Walden.
Family-friendly activities: Ranger-led stargazing events.
Food & drink: Campfire cooking or nearby local diners.
Accommodation: Campgrounds, cabins, or lodges in nearby towns.

16. Fishing Trips

Colorado’s rivers and lakes remain active in fall.

Fly fishing on the Colorado River or Blue River is a great way to relax amidst autumn scenery.

Nearby attractions: Silverthorne, Glenwood Springs.
Family-friendly activities: Easy-access ponds and family fishing areas.
Food & drink: Riverside grills or local diners.
Accommodation: Glenwood Springs hotels or cabins near Silverthorne.

17. Rock Climbing

Cooler temps make fall the perfect season for climbing. Spots like Eldorado Canyon, Shelf Road, and Boulder Canyon are favorites among climbers of all skill levels.

Nearby attractions: Boulder’s Pearl Street, Colorado Springs.
Family-friendly activities: Beginner climbing walls and guided tours.
Food & drink: Breweries and pizza spots in Boulder and Colorado Springs.
Accommodation: Boulder hotels or camping near Shelf Road.

18. Scenic Drives Through National Parks

From Rocky Mountain National Park’s Trail Ridge Road to Mesa Verde, national parks offer some of the best scenic drives.

Nearby attractions: Estes Park, Durango, Cortez.
Family-friendly activities: Visitor centers, easy boardwalk trails.
Food & drink: Local diners near Estes Park or Mesa Verde.
Accommodation: Lodges in Estes Park, Durango inns, or Cortez hotels.

19. Horseback Riding

Experience the Rockies the old-fashioned way—on horseback. Outfitters across Colorado offer fall rides through meadows and mountain trails.

Nearby attractions: Estes Park, Steamboat Springs, and Buena Vista.
Family-friendly activities: Pony rides and beginner trails for kids.
Food & drink: Ranch-style BBQs or mountain cafés.
Accommodation: Ranch stays, cabins, or Steamboat Springs resorts.

20. Attend Local Fairs and Craft Markets

Fall craft fairs and local markets showcase handmade goods, seasonal décor, and unique finds.

Check out events in Denver, Boulder, and small mountain towns for local charm.

Nearby attractions: Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Denver Union Station.
Family-friendly activities: Kids’ workshops and family crafts.
Food & drink: Local bakeries, food trucks, and coffee shops.
Accommodation: Denver downtown hotels, Boulder inns, or mountain B&Bs.

Final Thoughts

Whether you want adventure, relaxation, or family fun, these 20 activities will make your autumn trip unforgettable.

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20 Best Things to Do in Colorado This Fall

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