Colorado in the autumn is one of the state’s best kept secrets according to locals and seasoned visitors. Fall starts as early as mid-September in the Centennial State and can be spotted when the aspen trees begin to turn gold in the crisp mountain air.
With plenty of fun to be had, travellers can expect countless trails, lesser-travelled paths, and plenty of hidden gems, while the fall foliage is sure to provide the best content for the gram. See below for endless reasons to visit the diverse state of Colorado.
Fall Foliage Adventures
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Go Birding at Pawnee National Grassland (Ault): Explore the nearly 200,000-acre Pawnee National Grassland on Colorado’s eastern plains. Spot many unique bird species, including the state bird, the lark bunting, and other high-plains species. Look out for pronghorns and swift foxes as well.
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Ride the Rails to the Top of Pikes Peak (Colorado Springs): The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, America’s highest railway, takes guests up Pikes Peak to a height of 14,115 feet. Enjoy stunning mountain views and some of the country’s best autumn foliage landscapes.
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Stand Up Paddleboard on Lake Dillon (Frisco): Paddleboard through the uninhabited islands of Lake Dillon Reservoir on a guided adventure with Colorado Adventure Guides. Enjoy a stunning mountain backdrop, abundant wildlife, and views of the area’s fall foliage.
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Hike the World’s Largest Flat-Top Mountain (Grand Junction): Marvel at the 11,000-foot Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain, with more than 300 lakes and deep forests of aspens. Crag Crest Trail offers a high alpine hike perfect for autumn colour viewing.
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Fish at Lake San Cristobal (Lake City): Enjoy the state’s second-largest natural lake against the backdrop of vibrant aspen trees. Fall is the best time for fishing, with fewer anglers and fish bulking up for winter. Visit the Red Gulch Day Use Area for dynamic views.
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Saddle Up at Sundance Trail Guest Ranch (Red Feather Lakes): A two-hour drive from Denver, Sundance Trail Guest Ranch offers horseback riding, fishing, and disc golf. Enjoy western-style meals, a hot tub, and pet-friendly accommodations.
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Bike Gold Level Trails Amongst the Golden Leaves (Snowmass Village, CO): Snowmass offers over 75 miles of scenic mountain biking and road cycling amidst brilliant gold aspen leaves. The Roaring Fork Valley is an International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) Gold-Level Ride Center.
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Soar Above The Leaves in A Hot Air Balloon (Steamboat Springs): Enjoy stunning views of Steamboat Springs, the Flat Top Mountains, and Hahn’s Peak on a fall hot air balloon ride with Wild West Adventures. Early morning flights include a champagne ceremony and a personalised flight certificate.
For more information, visit www.colorado.com.