7 Ways to Enjoy Fall in Colorado

Summer is about to end, and it’s time to get serious about making this fall in Colorado one for the books! Put on your comfiest sweater, grab a pumpkin spice latte, and join us in making the perfect fall bucket list.  

Trade in your tank tops for turtlenecks and swap your margarita for a warm mulled wine, because it’s about to be fall in Colorado! Colorado is beautiful year-round, but there’s something totally magical about fall here — perfectly crisp temperatures, apple cider, and the most vibrant fall leaves you’ll ever see.

Whether your perfect fall consists of cozy sweaters and hayrides or haunted houses and hotels, Colorado is the place for you!

We’ve put together a list of the top severn things to do in Colorado this fall! Without further ado, in no particular order:

1. Sip on Colorado Wine

Colorado may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of wine tastings, but you might be surprised to learn that there are more than one hundred producers of wine throughout the state. Colorado wineries are breaking the mold, experimenting with less traditional fruits like peaches, lemons, apricots, and cherries. If you’re into wine, there’s no better backdrop to expand your palate than the gorgeous Rocky Mountains in autumn.

Some favorite wineries around the state include Two Rivers Winery in Grand Junction, Snowy Peaks Winery in Estes Park, and The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey in Cañon City.

Insider Tip: Love chocolate, too? Try the Cabernet Truffle at Cacao Chemistry made with wine from The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey.

2. Spend a Night at The Stanley Hotel 

If you’re a fan of horror movies, you’ve seen Steven King’s classic horror film, The Shining, and you’re likely to recognize this historic hotel. Since the filming of this cult classic, the hotel has been known for alleged “paranormal” activity, even offering ghost tours to its expectant visitors.

The Stanley Hotel isn’t just known for its spooky haunts, however. The 142-room hotel offers panoramic views of Estes Park and its jagged peaks. Whether you’re in it for the fright or a relaxing stay, the Stanley Hotel will provide a unique experience to any visitor.

Insider Tip: Planning on seeking out the scariest ghost tours this fall? Check out our blog about the top 13 ghost tours around the state of Colorado!

3. Get Festive at Happy Apple Farm 

What better way to kick off fall than by heading to a local apple orchard? Head to the Happy Apple Farm in Penrose, Colorado for the perfect day of fall festivities — Go on a hayride, explore the pumpkin patch, and check out the country store for your fall necessities. Happy Apple Farm sells way more than just apples. You’ll find fresh blackberries and raspberries, apple cider and apple cider donuts, and BBQ on the weekends.

4. Take Colorado Craft Brewery Tour

There’s no better way to enjoy the beautiful fall weather than by taking a walking brewery tour in downtown Colorado Springs! You’ll visit four amazing craft breweries in only three hours. Each brewery will serve up a flight of up to four different types of beer along with food pairings. You’ll try between 14-16 types of beer! Purchase tickets to the public tour that runs every Saturday, or get a group together and plan a private event!

Insider Tip: You can give this tour as a gift! Our gift cards can be purchased in any amount, applied toward any tour on our calendar. 

5. Take a Scenic Drive to See the Changing Leaves

If you do one thing in Colorado this fall, this should be it. There’s no better way to experience fall than by taking a drive in the mountains and chasing the incredible fall colors. Come September, all of the aspens in the state burst forth in shades of yellow, red, and orange. While you’ll be sure to see beautiful colors throughout most of September and October, there are a few short weekends in the fall where the leaves will be at their peak, so plan on being flexible in your chase for the colors! If you’re planning your trip around the fall leaves, check out this map to predict the best time to visit Colorado in the fall.

Some of the best spots to see the fall colors include Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, Independence Pass in Aspen, Last Dollar Road near Telluride.

6. Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Visiting a pumpkin patch is a fun activity for all ages! There’s nothing like heading to a farm, picking out your perfect pumpkin, and carving it while sipping on some hot apple cider. Colorado definitely has its fair share of fun pumpkin patches, each offering visitors a unique experience.

Insider Tip: We’ve compiled a list of 10 fall festivals and pumpkin patches between Colorado Springs and Denver to enjoy with your family! 

7. Take a Hike and End it with Colorado Craft Beer

One of our favorite fall activities is just outside of Colorado Springs in the historic town of Manitou Springs. One of the best ways to ring in fall in Manitou is by embarking on one of the many incredible hikes the town has to offer and finishing with a refreshing fall brew at Manitou Brewing Company. Take in the interesting sites of Manitou Springs while sipping on a seasonal beer and chowing down on some delicious food.

Whether you’re a beer drinker, apple picker, sweater wearer, or all of the above — take our advice this year and embrace all that is fall in Colorado!

Cheers! Your Rocky Mountain Food Tours Team

(So, what’s a food tour, anyway…?)

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