Best Places To Visit In Colorado In The Fall
Colorado brims with beautiful color year-round, branded the "Colorful State" for its breathtaking scenery of mountains, rivers, and plains. That said, the state is especially stunning in fall as its towering aspens transform into shades of golden yellow, illuminating the mountains against a backdrop of vibrant evergreens and soft blue skies.
Colorado brims with exciting trails, boasting overlooks and stunning views of fall foliage, as well as quaint small towns that offer all of fall's best activities, and even a number of national parks ideal for an autumnal camping trip. When planning your next fall adventure, don't miss some of Colorado's top destinations.
Telluride
Though it is most well known for its winter skiing, Telluride buzzes with excitement in autumn. Travelers may hop on the free gondola ride to the Mountain Village, taking in the surrounding views of fall foliage as they make their way to the top. The Mountain Village itself sits within the highest concentration of 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks in North America, and hosts live music events, the Booze and Books festival, and more.
For those in search of a spooky getaway, the Telluride Horror Show is sure to delight, boasting its role as Colorado's largest horror film festival. For three days each fall, visitors revel in gory, thrilling, and terrifying films, all with popcorn and sodas in hand.
There is also plenty to explore in the great outdoors, whether visitors choose to hike through the area or rent a 4x4 and go off-roading. Popular destinations include Ajax Peak, which offers views of the surrounding town, or Alta Lakes, three alpine lakes nestled in the mountains nearby.
Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is another skiing destination and charming Colorado mountain town. It offers an endless array of fall activities, sure to keep you busy through an entire trip, whether it is just for a day or all week long. A hike to the top of Hahn's Peak, an inactive volcano, is ideal for those with an adventurous spirit, boasting a historic 100-year-old fire tower at the top, as well as panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Pack a pair of binoculars and keep an eye out for migrating sandhill cranes or hop in the car and take a scenic drive on Buffalo Pass alongside the rolling hillsides, covered in fall colors and documenting the changing of the seasons. Anglers will find themselves delighted with a fishing trip at Stagecoach Reservoir, while others may enjoy a horseback ride through the vibrant yellow aspens of Steamboat.
Durango
Durango is a small city in Southwestern Colorado near the foothills of the La Plata Mountains, along the Animas River at the base of the San Juan Mountains. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a must-see, as travelers hop on a historic steam-powered engine and enjoy a scenic ride through the mountain vistas of the San Juan National Forest.
For thrill-seekers, Soaring Tree Top Adventures offers the chance to zipline through the fall canopies of the San Juan Mountains for over five hours. There are also guided tours of Mesa Verde National Park, including the historic Cliff Palace and the Long House cliffs dwellings. A hiking trip through the Molas Pass is a section of the Colorado Trail is a great way to enjoy the fall colors, as is kayaking along Lake Nighthorse. For those in search of classic fall activities, Falfa Pumpkin Patch offers pumpkin picking, barrel train rides, and tasty fall treats.
Silverton
Just one hour from Durango (and easily accessible via the beautiful Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad), Silverton is a National Historic Landmark District and stunning fall destination. The town is just a short distance away from seven of Colorado’s most famous 14,000-foot peaks, as well as the breathtaking Alpine Loop scenic byway.
A stroll to the Old Train Depot offers a glimpse into the town's history as well as views of its fall foliage. Near the Old Train Depot is the Animas River, which boasts a backdrop of colorful mountains and autumnal colors. The Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour truly delves into the past, giving visitors a look into the life of a miner from the 1800s. Unforgettably, a hike through the San Juan Mountains is sure to delight, chock full of fall color and spots to camp out overnight.
Aspen
Perched at an elevation of 7945 feet, the town of Aspen is an ideal fall destination, boasting crisp air, crunching leaves, and stunning colors and trees. A trip to Aspen Snowmass, the town's ski resort, is the perfect way to indulge in the beauty of fall. Hop on the Elk Camp Gondola up the mountain and enjoy the panoramic views, and then grab a bike and head out towards 50 miles of trails, which traverse through the golden aspen trees of the area.
The Lost Forest is another interesting destination, home to a zipline course, ropes challenges, climbing walls, and even an exciting Breathtaker Alpine Coaster. Avid hikers may enjoy a trip up Buckskin Pass in the Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness, especially during sunrise or sunset for awe-inducing fall colors, while the Roaring Fork offers a more relaxing stroll.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the state's most popular destinations, and for good reason. Covering 415 square miles of mountainous terrain, meadows, and sparkling alpine lakes, the park offers plenty in terms of fall outdoor adventure. Hiking options range from quiet walks to strenuous trips: relaxing trails include Sprague Lake, Bear Lake, and Holzwarth Historic Site, while more moderate options are Lawn Lake, Pear Lake, and Timber Lake. Other things to do include scenic drives such as Highway 7 Scenic Drive, Old Fall River Road Scenic Drive, and Devil's Gulch Scenic Drive, as well as wildlife viewing as travelers may catch a glimpse of black bears, elk, and moose.
Backpacking and wilderness camping are great ways to enjoy the fall season, watching as leaves fall from the trees, listening to the cool wind whistle through the branches, and taking in the stillness as day turns to night and stars sparkle in the sky.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte is a town in the Rocky Mountains, well-known as a ski town though it also boasts stunning fall colors and plenty of activities. The Kebler Pass is home to Colorado’s largest aspen grove, creating a sea of yellow and gold, as well as a sprinkling of a rich red. Popular hiking trails, by foot, horseback, or mountain bike, include Snodgrass Mountain and Skyland-Bridges, as well as the Lower Loop and Woods Walk trails. The town also hosts Fun Runs for charity, where visitors and locals alike enjoy a 5k along Peanut Road, which boasts scenic views of Peanut Lake. Popular scenic drives include Gothic Road, which traverses through the aspens of Gunnison National Forest and features views of the Elk mountains, as well as Slate River Road, which begins in downtown Crested Butte, runs along Nicholson Lake, and ends up in the town of Pittsburgh.
Fall in Love With Colorado!
An escape to Colorado in the fall is sure to delight, with destinations chock full of the state's stunning foliage, as well as plenty of fall-focused activities and charming communities. Colorado is a must-see in fall, not just because of its breathtaking colors, but because of the life and excitement it offers year-round, home to stunning camping destinations, vast landscapes, and endless activities for the entire family to enjoy.
