Colorado fall foliage and adventure

The state of Colorado is a true year-round destination and the fall is one of its best kept secrets.

Autumn starts early in the Centennial State and there’s plenty of fall fun to be found.

Here are the top picks to see and do during fall in Colorado.

Fall Foliage

Breckenridge boasts some of North America’s earliest fall colors. Located at 9,600 ft. above sea level, the aspen trees begin their annual transformation to brilliant gold in early September. Check out recently opened The Carlin, a “restaurant with rooms.” This European mountain town concept blends top-notch dining and upscale accommodations.

The Colorado Historic Opera Houses Circuit is a scenic drive lined with golden aspen trees as it takes visitors to the historic mountain towns of Aspen, Central City, Leadville, Ouray and Telluride, which offer elegant opera houses and a wide variety of entertainment.

Grand Junction is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, and there is no better time to experience it than the autumn season. Explore the brilliant gold fall foliage on the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain, or go hiking or canyoneering in the Colorado National Monument. Kike to the second largest concentration of naturally formed arches in the US at Rattlesnake Canyon or hit the mountain bike trails.

The Rocky Mountaineer “Rockies to the Red Rocks” rail journey between Denver and Moab is an excellent way to experience fall foliage in Colorado. Guests can see aspen colors change from green to yellow, gold, orange and red as they travel in luxury on a train that runs along the Colorado River from Denver through stunning mountain landscapes.

Silverthorne offers a variety of fall adventures. Ptarmigan Trail has panoramic views of several mountain ranges – the Continental Divide, Gore Range, Tenmile Range and Williams Fork Range. Local guide Cutthroat Anglers offers fly fishing lessons and guided excursions in nearby waterways. Stop for local brews at the new Syndicate Brewing, or grab brunch at Timberline Craft Kitchen.

Twin Lakes, located at 10,000 feet above sea level, enjoy epic fall leaf peeping as well as hiking, scenic drives or a ride aboard the Leadville Railroad.

Trinidad showcases a landscape of vibrant colors. To celebrate the harvest season, Trinidad offers leaf peeping, hiking, biking, hunting and fishing as well unique local foods, arts and culture.

Autumn for the adventurous

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a gondola ride surrounded by mountain vistas. At the top of the gondola, visitors can experience the world’s only mountaintop amusement park, which features rides, rollercoasters and swings with spectacular views.

Fly Fishing for Kokanee Salmon on the Gunnison River is a marquee event in the Crested Butte and Gunnison area. In October, more than 20,000 Kokanee Salmon – a rare species – migrate 30 miles from Blue Mesa up the Gunnison River to spawn at the Roaring Judy Hatchery. The area is open to self-led experiences, and there are several outfitter options available for guided fishing excursions for all skill levels.

Rafting Experiences: As a result of extended rains and full reservoirs, the Colorado River provides adventurous recreation options long into the fall months. Near Kremmling, relaxing float-fishing trips offer a serene getaway. Half-day, full-day and overnight trips are available, and can be booked into October. The Colorado River also offers family-friendly rafting trips through Glenwood Canyon and Glenwood Springs.

Fall flavors

Fall Flannel Fest at Dairy Block, Denver (October 22) – Dairy Block will host the 6th annual Fall Flannel Festival on Sunday 22 October, a free event with a line-up of live music, face painting, a pumpkin carver, kids crafts and more.

You-Pick Vegetable Harvest and Pumpkin Patch at Bartels Farm, Fort Collins (Until 1 November) – For the past 22 years The Bartels Farm in Fort Collins has opened its vegetable garden and pumpkin patch for fall harvesting. Visitors can pick peppers, sweet corn, green beans, celery, onions, tomatoes and more. There is also a large pumpkin patch, along with gourds, bundles of Indian corn, and straw bales.

Autumn wellness

Sensei Wellbeing Retreat at The Little Nell, Aspen (2-7 October) – Luxury wellness brand, Sensei, will team up with the iconic Aspen hotel, The Little Nell, for a special five-night, six-day group hiking retreat. Sensei brings its renowned wellness guide team to Colorado for the first time.

Learn more about :   Colorado Tourism ( N. America )