The Best Fall Activities to Do in Colorado

Few places in the country do fall quite like Colorado. As summer fades away, the mountains transform into a spectacular display of golden aspens, crisp blue skies, rugged peaks, and cool mountain air. From scenic drives and hiking trails to off-road adventures and family-friendly fall festivals, there are countless ways to enjoy the season.

If you’re planning a Colorado getaway this fall, these are some of the best fall activities to add to your itinerary. Whether you’re traveling with kids, looking for an outdoor adventure, or simply want to experience the peak fall leaf colors in Colorado, there’s something here for everyone.

When Is the Best Time to See Fall Colors in Colorado?

Timing your trip is important if seeing golden aspens is at the top of your list. Colorado’s fall colors don’t peak everywhere at the same time. Higher elevations typically begin changing in September, while lower-elevation areas can continue showing fall color into October and early November.

In general, mid-September through early October is a great window for chasing fall color in Colorado, although exact timing varies from year to year and location to location. The best strategy is to follow the changing colors around the state rather than planning your entire trip around one specific date.

Now, let’s get into some of the fall adventures everyone will love.

1. Explore the Alpine Loop by Side-by-Side

If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to experience Colorado’s fall scenery, put the Alpine Loop at the top of your list.

Located in the spectacular San Juan Mountains near Silverton, Ouray, and Lake City, the Alpine Loop is a rugged backcountry route that climbs over two 12,000-foot mountain passes: Cinnamon Pass and Engineer Pass. The route covers approximately 63 miles and takes you through some of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes in southwestern Colorado.

And fall is an incredible time to experience it.

Imagine driving through forests filled with brilliant golden aspens while towering mountain peaks rise above you. Along the way, you can explore historic mining areas, old structures, and Animas Forks, one of Colorado’s most famous ghost towns.

Because the Alpine Loop is a rugged off-road route, it requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. A side-by-side is one of the best ways to experience the route because these vehicles are built for Colorado’s rough backcountry terrain and allow you to get farther off the beaten path. Pirate Backcountry Adventures in Silverton is a the highest rated side-by-side rental company in Silverton, and has a large fleet with the best machine options. 

For families, groups of friends, and adventurous couples, an Alpine Loop off-road adventure combines fall colors, mountain scenery, Colorado history, and plenty of excitement into one unforgettable day.

If you’re searching for the ultimate fall adventure in Colorado, the Alpine Loop is hard to beat.

2. Go Hiking Through Golden Aspen Groves

Of course, you don’t need a vehicle to enjoy Colorado’s fall colors.

Hiking is one of the simplest and most rewarding family friendly activities during the autumn months. Trails throughout the state wind through forests of golden aspens, along alpine lakes, beside rushing streams, and beneath towering mountain peaks.

Some trails are short and easy enough for families, while others are challenging backcountry routes for experienced hikers. Popular fall hiking destinations include the San Juan Mountains, Steamboat Springs, Crested Butte, Breckenridge, and areas surrounding Aspen.

One of the best things about fall hiking is that you don’t necessarily need to reach a summit to enjoy spectacular scenery. Sometimes the most memorable views are simply found walking beneath a canopy of golden leaves.

Just remember that fall weather in the mountains can change quickly. Dress in layers, bring plenty of water, and check current trail and weather conditions before heading out.

3. Take a Scenic Fall Drive

If you want to see a lot of Colorado without spending the entire day on a hiking trail, take a scenic drive.

Colorado has 26 Scenic and Historic Byways, many of which become especially beautiful when the aspens begin changing color.

Routes through the mountains can take you past golden forests, alpine lakes, historic mining towns, dramatic mountain passes, and towering peaks.

Some popular fall drives include:

• San Juan Skyway
• Trail Ridge Road
• Kebler Pass
• Independence Pass
• Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway
• West Elk Loop

Take your time, stop at designated overlooks, and bring a camera. Fall scenery in Colorado is the kind of scenery you’ll want to remember.

4. Ride the Train Through the Mountains

Want to enjoy the fall scenery without doing the driving?

Hop aboard one of Colorado’s historic mountain railways.

A train ride provides a unique perspective on the changing landscape and can be especially appealing for families traveling with children. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, for example, travels through spectacular southwestern Colorado scenery, while the Georgetown Loop Railroad offers a historic journey through the mountains during the fall season.

It’s a relaxing way to experience the mountains while still getting plenty of adventure and sightseeing.

5. Visit a Colorado Pumpkin Patch or Corn Maze

Not every fall adventure needs to take place high in the mountains.

For families traveling with younger kids, Colorado’s farms and fall festivals offer some of the best family friendly activities of the season.

Visit a pumpkin patch, wander through a corn maze, take a hayride, pick apples, or spend an afternoon enjoying seasonal food. Many Colorado farms offer fall activities designed specifically for families.

These activities are also a great option if your group wants something a little slower-paced after a day of hiking or sightseeing.

A great Colorado pumpkin patch is located under an hour away from Colorado Springs- Happy Apple Farm. They have one of the best pumpkin patches in the state, great activities for kids, and an adorable market filled with homemade goods and gifts. 

6. Go Horseback Riding Through the Aspens

There’s something uniquely Colorado about riding horseback through a forest of golden aspens.

Horseback riding allows you to slow down and experience the landscape from a completely different perspective. Guided rides are available in many mountain communities, making this a great option for visitors who want an outdoor experience without taking on a difficult hiking trail.

Imagine following a mountain trail surrounded by brilliant yellow leaves with snow-dusted peaks in the distance.

It’s the kind of experience that feels like it belongs in a Colorado postcard.

7. Take a Gondola Ride for a Bird’s-Eye View

For incredible panoramic views without the physical demands of a long hike, take a gondola ride.

The Telluride/Mountain Village gondola is particularly spectacular during the fall. The ride provides sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and forests as you travel above the changing aspens. Best of all, the gondola is free.

This is another excellent option for families or anyone who wants to experience Colorado’s fall scenery from a different perspective.

8. Go Wildlife Watching

Fall isn’t just about the leaves.

It’s also an excellent time to watch Colorado’s wildlife. As temperatures cool and the seasons change, you may have opportunities to see elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife throughout the state.

One particularly memorable fall experience is listening for the bugling of elk during their annual rut. Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are popular destinations for experiencing this seasonal spectacle.

Bring binoculars, keep a respectful distance from wildlife, and never approach or feed wild animals.

9. Soak in a Colorado Hot Spring

After spending a chilly day outdoors, there’s perhaps no better way to relax than soaking in a natural hot spring.

Colorado is home to numerous hot springs, ranging from rustic pools surrounded by wilderness to more developed resorts with multiple soaking areas.

A hot spring getaway is perfect for couples, families, and groups who want to combine outdoor adventure with a little relaxation. The Durango Hot Springs and Spa is famously known for being a great option for families, as they have a plethora of pools to choose from, as well as one large pool that the kids will love.

And when the cool fall air surrounds you while you’re sitting in warm mineral water with mountains in the distance, you’ll understand why this is one of Colorado’s favorite year-round experiences.

10. Attend a Fall Festival

Fall in Colorado isn’t just about outdoor recreation. Mountain towns and communities throughout the state celebrate the season with festivals, harvest events, Oktoberfests, pumpkin patches, food events, and live entertainment.

These events are a great way to experience local communities while enjoying seasonal food and activities.

For families, many festivals offer kid-friendly entertainment, while adults can enjoy local food, craft beverages, music, and shopping.

Make the Most of Your Colorado Fall Adventure

Colorado offers an incredible variety of ways to enjoy autumn. You can spend one day hiking through golden aspens, the next exploring a historic mountain town, and the next bouncing your way across a rugged backcountry trail.

For those looking for something truly adventurous, an Alpine Loop side-by-side adventure is an experience worth putting at the top of your list. For families, pumpkin patches, scenic drives, gondola rides, horseback rides, and easy hikes offer plenty of family friendly activities without requiring extreme outdoor skills.

And if your goal is to experience the peak fall leaf colors in Colorado, don’t be afraid to explore beyond the most popular destinations. Some of the state’s most memorable autumn scenery can be found on backcountry roads and lesser-known mountain trails.

From relaxing scenic drives to adrenaline-filled off-road adventures, Colorado’s fall season has something for everyone.

So grab your jacket, round up your family or friends, and start planning your Colorado fall adventure. The golden season doesn’t last forever!