Autumn is magical almost everywhere, but autumn in Colorado is particularly captivating. The season is marked by blue skies, mild temperatures, and outstanding foliage. For many parts of the state, fall is the last chance to get outside without boots and down parkas, and people make the most of it. Mountain biking, hiking and camping (where you likely will need to break out the parkas, depending on elevation) are some fall favorites.
We’ve made a list of five Colorado fall activities that send our spirits soaring to the peaks of The Rockies. Unpack your favorite sweater and have some outdoor fun!
Pick Your Own Apples
It’s apple season, and nearly every corner of the state has an orchard where you can pick your own apples. Colorado even has a variety of apple that is unique to the state—the Colorado Orange. Many U-pick experiences also offer farm animals meet-and-greets, fresh cider, hay rides, and country stores. Find an orchard near you.
Follow the Foliage
Colorado fall leaves are some of the best anywhere, because we have lots of aspens that turn varied shades of gold! Because 2019 has been particularly wet, the show is extra spectacular. You can take in this vibrant burst of color on foot or by car.
Check out some of the best day hikes to view Colorado’s fall leaves. Or, if you’d rather, Uncover Colorado compiled a list of the best fall drives around the state.
Wander Corn Mazes & Pumpkin Patches
Colorado.com has a list of pumpkin patches and corn mazes throughout the state. Often you can find both a corn maze and a pumpkin patch at the same farm, in addition to hayrides, gem mining, gourd launching, and more outdoor activities. Some corn mazes have spooky themes for Halloween.
See the Elk
Elk-mating season runs from August through October, and it’s the best time to hear an elk bugle. Elk have a three-octave vocal range, and they sustain their call so that it sounds like singing. Here’s a guide to making the most of the elk rut in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Slide Down Dunes
Fall is the perfect time to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park and test your skill at sand-sledding or sand-boarding. These are the tallest sand dunes in North America. During summer the dunes can be prohibitively hot, but during early October, temperatures are often in the 60’s. And by mid-October, the surrounding cottonwood trees are a brilliant yellow. You may even see elk in the area.