Whether you’re chasing the fall colors, sipping cider at an orchard, or floating above the Rockies in a hot air balloon, October is one of the best times to explore the Centennial State.
Here’s a complete guide to 20 exciting things to do in Colorado in October that blend seasonal fun with the state’s unbeatable scenery.
Table of Contents
Celebrate the Colors of Fall 🍁
1. Fall Foliage Drives
Colorado’s scenic byways turn into golden highways in October.
The San Juan Skyway near Telluride and Durango is considered one of the most beautiful fall drives in America.
Another must-do is Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, which offers panoramic views from above 12,000 feet before it closes for winter.
- Nearby Attractions: Combine this with a stop at Telluride’s historic downtown or the charming town of Ouray.
- Family-Friendly: Short scenic pullouts and picnic stops make it kid-friendly.
- Food & Drink: Grab a hot chocolate in Estes Park or a craft beer in Durango.
- Accommodation: Stay in cozy cabins in Estes Park or boutique lodges in Telluride.
Pro Tip: Early to mid-October is peak season in most mountain regions.
2. Scenic Drives Through National Parks
Rocky Mountain National Park isn’t the only place to enjoy the fall. Head to Mesa Verde National Park or Great Sand Dunes National Park.
- Nearby Attractions: Visit Durango while exploring Mesa Verde or Alamosa near Great Sand Dunes.
- Family-Friendly: Ranger programs and easy walks keep kids entertained.
- Food & Drink: Stop for Mexican fare in Alamosa or local diners in Cortez.
- Accommodation: National park lodges or family-run inns in nearby towns.
3. Photography Trips
October is a dream month for photographers.
Capture reflections of golden aspens in Maroon Lake near Aspen, or catch sunrise light hitting the Flatirons in Boulder framed by fall colors.
- Nearby Attractions: Explore downtown Aspen or Pearl Street in Boulder.
- Family-Friendly: Kids can enjoy light nature walks while parents focus on photography.
- Food & Drink: Try local cafés in Boulder or après-ski style restaurants in Aspen.
- Accommodation: Mountain resorts in Aspen or boutique hotels in Boulder.
Outdoor Adventures 🌲
4. Hiking and Nature Walks
Cooler weather makes hiking in October comfortable and scenic.
Try Kebler Pass near Crested Butte, home to one of the largest aspen groves in the world, or family-friendly Boulder Creek Path.
- Nearby Attractions: Pair hikes with Crested Butte’s art-filled downtown or Boulder’s Chautauqua Park.
- Family-Friendly: Flat trails like Boulder Creek are stroller-friendly.
- Food & Drink: Grab pizza in Crested Butte or farm-to-table dining in Boulder.
- Accommodation: Lodges in Crested Butte or boutique hotels in Boulder.
5. Wildlife Viewing
October is elk season, and Estes Park’s Elk Fest is a highlight. Visitors can hear elk bugling during mating season.
You might also spot bald eagles, moose, and bighorn sheep in mountain valleys.
- Nearby Attractions: Combine this with a Rocky Mountain National Park visit.
- Family-Friendly: Elk-viewing tours are great for all ages.
- Food & Drink: Dine in Estes Park’s rustic restaurants.
- Accommodation: Mountain lodges and cabins around Estes Park.
6. Mountain Biking
Before the snow falls, Colorado’s biking trails are at their best. Crested Butte is known as the birthplace of mountain biking.
- Nearby Attractions: Combine biking with a visit to Gunnison or Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
- Family-Friendly: Some trails near Crested Butte are beginner-friendly.
- Food & Drink: Refuel at local breweries in Gunnison.
- Accommodation: Biker-friendly lodges in Crested Butte.
7. Rock Climbing
October’s cool temps are perfect for climbing. Popular spots include Garden of the Gods in Colorado and Eldorado Canyon near Boulder, famous for its steep walls and scenery.
- Nearby Attractions: Visit Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs or Boulder’s Pearl Street.
- Family-Friendly: Garden of the Gods has easy climbing routes and nature trails.
- Food & Drink: Enjoy craft beer in Boulder or BBQ in Colorado Springs.
- Accommodation: Hotels in downtown Colorado Springs or Boulder inns.
8. Horseback Riding
Channel your inner cowboy on a fall trail ride.
Ranches near Steamboat Springs and Fort Collins offer guided horseback trips through meadows and mountain ridges.
- Nearby Attractions: Explore Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat or Old Town in Fort Collins.
- Family-Friendly: Pony rides are often available for younger kids.
- Food & Drink: Western-style steakhouses pair perfectly after a ride.
- Accommodation: Ranch stays or ski lodges in Steamboat Springs.
9. Camping and Stargazing
With fewer crowds and clear skies, October is ideal for camping. Great Sand Dunes National Park is an International Dark Sky Park.
- Nearby Attractions: Visit Zapata Falls or San Luis Valley hot springs.
- Family-Friendly: Easy camping spots and stargazing programs are fun for kids.
- Food & Drink: Pack campfire meals or visit local diners in Alamosa.
- Accommodation: Rustic campgrounds or cabins near the dunes.
10. Fishing Trips
Colorado’s rivers and lakes stay active in fall.
Cast a line in the Arkansas River for trout or try fly-fishing in South Platte River near Deckers.
- Nearby Attractions: Explore Royal Gorge near the Arkansas River.
- Family-Friendly: Easy fishing ponds are great for kids.
- Food & Drink: Grab a hearty breakfast at local diners in Canon City.
- Accommodation: Riverside lodges or cabins along fishing towns.
Family-Friendly Fall Fun 🎃
11. Pumpkin Picking
Pumpkin patches pop up across the state in October.
Popular picks include Anderson Farms near Erie, which also has a giant pumpkin launcher, and Rock Creek Farm near Broomfield.
- Nearby Attractions: Visit Boulder or Denver for a full fall weekend.
- Family-Friendly: Hayrides and petting zoos keep kids busy.
- Food & Drink: Apple cider donuts are a must-try on-site.
- Accommodation: Hotels in Boulder or Denver suburbs.
12. Apple Orchard Visits
Fall means apple season in Colorado.
Head to Ya Ya Farm & Orchard in Longmont for apple cider, fresh pies, and a scenic orchard picnic. Some orchards even let you press your own cider.
- Nearby Attractions: Combine with a Boulder or Lyons day trip.
- Family-Friendly: Picnic areas and u-pick options for kids.
- Food & Drink: Fresh cider slushies and pies on-site.
- Accommodation: Farm stays or local inns in Longmont.
13. Corn Mazes
The Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield has one of the most creative mazes, while Fritzler Farm Park in LaSalle adds spooky night mazes for thrill-seekers.
- Nearby Attractions: Explore Denver or Fort Collins after a maze visit.
- Family-Friendly: Daytime mazes and games are perfect for kids.
- Food & Drink: Snack on kettle corn and cider on the farm.
- Accommodation: Family hotels in Denver or Fort Collins.
14. Attend Local Fairs & Craft Markets
Colorado towns embrace October with craft fairs showcasing local art, handmade goods, and seasonal treats.
The Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show kicks off the holiday shopping season early.
- Nearby Attractions: Pair markets with city sightseeing in Denver.
- Family-Friendly: Live music and kid-friendly workshops.
- Food & Drink: Try local chili or food truck eats.
- Accommodation: Downtown Denver hotels for easy access.
Seasonal Festivals & Events 🍺
15. Oktoberfest Celebrations
From Denver’s citywide celebrations to the charming Breckenridge Oktoberfest, Colorado knows how to pour a pint.
Expect Bavarian food, music, and lots of German beer against a mountain backdrop.
- Nearby Attractions: Visit Main Street in Breckenridge or Denver’s LoDo district.
- Family-Friendly: Parades and live music are fun for all ages.
- Food & Drink: Pretzels, bratwurst, and craft beer galore.
- Accommodation: Ski resorts in Breck or downtown Denver hotels.
16. Harvest Festivals
Celebrate the bounty of fall at harvest festivals across the state.
The Palisade Peach Festival may be over, but October brings grape harvest celebrations in wine country and local farm markets buzzing with seasonal produce.
- Nearby Attractions: Explore Palisade wineries or Grand Junction’s art scene.
- Family-Friendly: Petting zoos and kids’ games at local festivals.
- Food & Drink: Fresh peaches, pies, and vineyard tastings.
- Accommodation: Vineyard B&Bs or hotels in Grand Junction.
17. Ghost Tours & Haunted Attractions
Take a ghost tour at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining, or wander through historic mining towns like Central City with their haunted legends.
- Nearby Attractions: Explore Estes Park shops or Black Hawk casinos near Central City.
- Family-Friendly: Some tours offer milder “family nights.”
- Food & Drink: Cozy pubs in Estes Park or casino dining near Central City.
- Accommodation: Stay at the Stanley Hotel or historic inns nearby.
Unique Colorado Experiences 🎈
18. Hot Air Balloon Rides
Few experiences compare to floating over valleys and snow-capped peaks in a hot air balloon.
Colorado Springs Balloon Classic is one of the largest fall balloon festivals.
- Nearby Attractions: Pair with a visit to Garden of the Gods.
- Family-Friendly: Balloon festivals often include kids’ activities.
- Food & Drink: Brunch spots in downtown Colorado Springs.
- Accommodation: Hotels near Garden of the Gods or downtown Colorado Springs.
19. Scenic Train Rides
Ride through glowing canyons and forests on classic railways.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the Georgetown Loop Railroad are especially scenic in October.
- Nearby Attractions: Explore Durango’s historic downtown or Georgetown’s Victorian streets.
- Family-Friendly: Train rides are perfect for kids and seniors alike.
- Food & Drink: Grab comfort food in Durango or Georgetown cafés.
- Accommodation: Historic hotels near Durango or Georgetown.
20. Wine Tasting at Vineyards
Colorado’s wine country near Palisade is at its peak during October harvest season.
- Nearby Attractions: Pair with Colorado National Monument hikes.
- Family-Friendly: Some vineyards offer kid-friendly picnic areas.
- Food & Drink: Farm-to-table dining in Grand Junction.
- Accommodation: Stay at vineyard guesthouses or Grand Junction hotels.
Pro Tip: Pair your wine tour with a hike in the nearby Colorado National Monument for a perfect day trip.
Final Thoughts
October is one of the best times to explore Colorado—whether you’re chasing fall foliage, sipping cider, or joining spooky ghost tours.
The mix of outdoor adventure, seasonal flavors, and festive events makes it the perfect time for both locals and travelers to experience the state.
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