9 Unforgettable Fall Getaways From Colorado Springs
The landscapes surrounding Colorado Springs come to life in autumn, as hues of gold, amber, and crimson paint the trees and hillsides. Within a short drive, several nearby destinations are ideal fall escapes, providing a perfect balance between outdoor adventure and gentle relaxation. Towering aspen trees, warm fireside evenings, and lively seasonal festivals create an inviting atmosphere for those seeking a break from everyday life. The invigorating mountain breeze and radiant foliage, alongside diverse outdoor activities, fully capture the beauty and spirit of autumn.
Whether exploring dense forests or unwinding in a quiet mountain resort after a day of adventure, these locations highlight the natural grandeur of Colorado in one of its most picturesque seasons. Each of these nine fall getaways offers something special during this magical time of year.
Cripple Creek
A scenic hour-long drive through mountain roads lined with orange and red-toned aspens leads to Cripple Creek, a historic mining town steeped in autumnal appeal. Cripple Creek’s radiant seasonal colors are particularly striking around Victor Pass, where the landscape takes on a brilliant glow. Cripple Creek’s annual Fall Festival provides a festive touch, featuring local crafts, hearty seasonal cuisine, and family-friendly activities, all set against a gorgeous backdrop of changing leaves.
With quaint inns and accommodating bed-and-breakfasts, like Gold Strike Inn, Cripple Creek offers an ideal retreat where the refreshing brisk breeze and spectacular scenic outlooks combine to create a rejuvenating harvest destination filled with scenic wonder and hospitable charm.
Mueller State Park
Located just 45 minutes west of Colorado Springs on Highway 24, Mueller State Park becomes a dazzling autumn paradise, as radiant groves light up the surrounding landscape. During fall, outdoor enthusiasts flock to the park’s numerous trails, such as the scenic Cheesman Ranch Loop, which provides panoramas of the colorful foliage. Wildlife, including elk, deer, and various bird species, can often be seen wandering the park’s placid meadows, enhancing the calming experience of quiet hikes and picnics under the brilliant canopy.
Woodland Park
Only 30 minutes from Colorado Springs, Woodland Park is a prime fall destination known for its breathtaking scenery and seasonal enchantment. Perched at a higher elevation and often called the “City Above the Clouds,” Woodland Park presents striking vistas of Pikes Peak, beautifully framed by brilliant autumn foliage. During the fall months, local festivals (like Hallow-Palooza), outdoor markets, and pumpkin patches add to the rich seasonal atmosphere, making it a lively yet relaxing vacation trip. The town’s Lovell Gulch Trail is an ideal way to experience the elegance of the region, with trails winding through forests ablaze with color.
Pikes Peak Highway
Less than an hour from Colorado Springs, the Pikes Peak Highway presents an unforgettable drive through some of Colorado’s most exceptional scarlet scenery. The 19-mile twisting road takes travelers through ever-changing landscapes, where the colors of the trees reach their peak around mid-October. Scenic pull-offs along the route are excellent opportunities for photography, allowing visitors to capture the panoramic vistas and sweeping outlooks of the bold foliage.
As the road ascends toward the summit, the crisp atmosphere becomes noticeably cooler, adding to the sense of seasonal wonder. At the top, the Summit Visitor Center offers a welcoming stop with warm refreshments and spectacular horizons stretching across the Rockies.
Palmer Lake
Located about 30 minutes north of Colorado Springs along the I-25, Palmer Lake is a peaceful fall sanctuary offering undisturbed lakeside sights and a quiet atmosphere. In the autumn months, the calm waters of the lake reflect the vivid colors of the season, creating a picture-perfect setting. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking on the lake or exploring the nearby Palmer Lake Reservoir Trail, which has scenic hiking paths lined with red, orange, and golden leaves.
The quiet ambiance of Palmer Lake makes it a wonderful spot for leisurely picnics by the water or relaxing walks along the shore, where the refreshing mountain breeze can be fully appreciated.
Buena Vista
Situated about two hours from Colorado Springs, Buena Vista offers a fitting resort filled with the spectacle of valleys covered in sunlit foliage. The city, nestled along the banks of the Arkansas River and surrounded by the majestic Collegiate Peaks, bursts into luminous shades during fall, creating an enchanting setting for exploration. Outdoor activities are abundant, with scenic hiking trails that wind through groves of aspen trees and the rejuvenating Cottonwood Hot Springs providing a soothing experience.
Visitors can also enjoy the nearby Salida Harvest Festival, which adds a touch of local festivity to the season.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge, located approximately 2.5 hours from Colorado Springs, transforms into an autumn wonderland as colorful foliage and chilly mountain breeze fill the town with seasonal magnetism. The scenic drive to this iconic mountain resort takes travelers through mountain passes adorned with brilliant colors, as well as the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.
Once in Breckenridge, a variety of seasonal events await, including the popular Breckenridge Oktoberfest and haunted walking tours, which add excitement to the season. The nearby hiking trails, such as the Sawmill Reservoir, offer a chance to explore the rugged majesty of the area as the leaves turn.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Less than an hour west of Colorado Springs, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument offers a unique blend of picturesque geography and ancient heritage. This is especially true in the fall when the surrounding amber-hued tree lines create a striking contrast against the area’s geological wonders. Visitors can explore the park’s extensive trails, such as the Hans Loop Trail and Petrified Forest Loop Trail, which wind through landscapes rich in paleontological significance, revealing petrified trees and fossils that provide a glimpse into Colorado’s prehistoric past.
The quiet and serene setting, enhanced by the varied fall colors, makes the monument an ideal destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Florissant Fossil Beds is not only a silent refuge but also an educational experience with its informative Visitor's Center and Hornbek Homestead, allowing visitors to appreciate both the awe-inspiring nature and traditional legacy.
Royal Gorge
Royal Gorge offers one of Colorado’s most dramatic autumn landscapes, only a little over an hour southwest of Colorado Springs. The towering cliffs of the gorge, highlighted by the fiery hues of fall, create a breathtaking contrast with the Arkansas River flowing below. The scenic drive along the river adds to the visual magnificence, leading to the Royal Gorge Bridge, one of the world’s highest suspension bridges.
The fall-themed Royal Gorge Route Railroad, curving through the picturesque landscape of the gorge, provides another way to experience the eye-catching scenery. Hiking trails, such as the Overlook Trail along the rim, present further opportunities for exploration. The serene river and majestic views make Royal Gorge a perfect destination for an autumn escape filled with awe-inspiring scenery and tranquility.
Experience Colorado's Vibrant Fall Getaways
Each of these cherished destinations offers the perfect opportunity to experience the vibrant hues and refreshing air of Colorado’s fall season, all within a short drive from Colorado Springs. From idyllic hikes through glowing tree groves to relaxing evenings spent in intimate mountain hotels, the fall season’s beauty reveals itself at every turn. These getaways provide moments for quiet reflection, exciting outdoor adventures, and seasonal festivities, making them an ideal destination to escape the demands of daily life. As the season’s wonders unfold through refreshing outdoor activities and peaceful retreats, now is the time to plan a memorable autumn trip and savor the magic of Colorado’s natural luster during its most colorful time of year.
