Fantastic Fall Destinations: Colorado

CaseyR in Rocky Mountain National Park

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” Albert Camus’ poetic musings about Autumn always propel my imagination back toward Colorado, the state of majestic mountain peaks sharply filling the sky, Aspen trees populating the banks of bubbling clear streams, and skies that brazenly stay blue even in the coldest winter. Winter in Colorado has its own charms — this is one of the U.S.’s best skiing destinations, after all — but Autumn is my favorite season here, with the changing of the Aspen leaves from green to gold, the crisp air tinged with the smell of firewood, the crunch of leaves under foot, and, of course, all the fantastic outdoor activities, festivals, and sights that Fall ushers in.

Colorful Colorado kicks off our week-long exploration into some of the world’s best places to visit during the Fall season, including destinations in Europe, Asia, the United States, and a list of great Fall locations that take you off the beaten path.

Colorado boasts an abundance of national and state parks. Fall is an especially pleasant time to visit one of these great parks, as the temperatures are cooler and the Fall colors offer brilliant views. Here’s an introduction to one park you shouldn’t miss:

Rocky Mountain National Park:

The true splendor of the Rocky Mountains comes alive at this incredible park. Whether you’re camping in the back-country, horseback riding along one of the dozens of trails, or fishing in a clear lake or stream, the craggy peaks of the Rocky Mountains are your breathtaking backdrop. Climbing and mountaineering are popular sports here, with many opportunities to get up close and personal with Lumpy Ridge, Long’s Peak, and other great mountain areas. Here are some ways to get active at Rocky Mountain National Park:

Camping

The park offers five drive-in campgrounds, including Moraine Park, Glacier Basin, Aspenglen, Long’s Peak, and Timber Creek. For those who have a back-country camping license, there are over 200 back-country campsites where you may pitch your tent in the heart of the wilderness.

Hiking

With 359 miles of trails, hikers of all levels are in heaven here. Take a leisurely stroll along lakeside trails taking in the lovely flowers and trees, or get our your gear for a more challenging mountain peak climb — there’s a trail here to match everyone’s level. Park rangers advise hikers who are not used to Colorado’s high elevation and thin air to beware of altitude sickness — preventative measures include drinking lots of water, avoiding alcohol, making sure to eat, and getting plenty of rest. Stop at the park’s Visitor’s Center before heading out on your hike for more tips on staying safe and having a great time.

Wildlife Viewing

Rocky Mountain National Park has a high population of large animals, like elk, moose, mule, deer, and bighorn sheep. Chances are, whether you’re hiking, camping, fishing, or picnicking, you’ll run into some of these beautiful animals. Fall is mating season for elk — they are often found in lower elevations during this time, like in meadows or where forest and meadow meet. Mule deer are often found in the same areas. Don’t forget your camera!

Check out the resources below for more ideas of things to do at Rocky Mountain National Park, and links to other extraordinary parks in Colorado.

Resources:
Rocky Mountain National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Mesa Verde National Park
Colorado State Parks

Road Trip: See the Fall Aspen leaves change color

When I was a kid, I used to take drives with my grandmother to see the Fall leaves change color in Colorado. These peaceful drives full of brilliant reds and golds glittering in the sunshine have stayed in my memory. Here are some tips on some of the best routes to take for seeing the Fall colors in all their brilliance:

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

A fabulous park of golden meadows and shining peaks, Golden Gate Canyon is a great place to see the Aspen trees glitter in the sunshine. If you’re staying in the Denver metro area, the park is a fairly short trek. Just head north down Highway 93 from Golden to Colorado 170 — then it’s about 14 miles to the park entrance. You’ll be surrounded by breathtaking natural wonders and the golden leaves that mark the arrival of Autumn.

Grand Junction to Grand Mesa (from Colorado.com)

This glorious stretch of road will lead you alongside beautiful clusters of aspens and cottonwoods, all shedding the green of summer for the gold of Fall. From Grand Junction, take I-70 East through Palisade along the sparkling Colorado River. From there, continue east on Colorado 65 through canyon country up to the top of Grand Mesa where transcendent views await.

Peak to Peak Historic and Scenic Byway (from Colorado.com)

This winding highway takes you from Black Hawk to Estes Park, with extraordinary views along the way, including lush valleys and scenic ridges populated with transforming tree leaves. “Take Colorado 119 from Black Hawk north to Nederland, and then follow Colorado 72 to Raymond. From here, proceed on Colorado 7 past the 14,255-foot Longs Peak to Estes Park. Quaking aspens pop up in surprising places along the entire route.”

Resources:
Your Complete Fall Foliage Guide
Rush to the Gold

Autumnal City Life

While the state and national parks are great places to experience Fall in Colorado, visitors to Denver and Boulder are also in for a treat during this lovely season. Here are a few suggestions of city destinations to visit this Fall:

Denver

16th Street Mall

A stroll alongside the colorful flowerbeds and comfortable park benches of 16th Street Mall makes for a lovely break from the skyscrapers and traffic of downtown Denver. Dozens of shops, restaurants, and bars frame the brick-lain promenade, where visitors may stop for souvenirs, grab a tasty meal, or enjoy a cold drink on a sunny day. Mild Fall weather and falling leaves augment your day — I recommend treating yourself to a horse and carriage ride at twilight.

More ideas:
Denver Zoo
Denver Botanic Gardens
Washington Park

Boulder

Boulder is a progressive, beautiful, and action-packed city just 35 miles from Denver and situated at the foot of the Front Range mountains. Crisp mountain smells and a vibrant electricity fill the air in Fall, when temperatures are perfect for strolling along the cobblestones of Pearl Street Mall, people-watching on The Hill, kayaking or fishing in Boulder Creek, or mountain biking along one of dozens of trails. The Flatirons are nearby, a favorite of hikers and climbers, and the streets of downtown are lined with hip pubs, independent retailers, and fancy restaurants.

Resources:
Boulder Colorado Traveler and Visitor Information
Boulder Travel Guide
City of Boulder

As far as incredible places to visit and fun things to do in Colorado during the Fall season, we’ve just touched the tip of the iceburg here. This state full of natural wonders, vibrant city life, and friendly people takes some time to experience, so if you’re planning a trip, I recommend setting aside at least two weeks. Check out the links below for more ideas to help you plan a visit, and stay tuned this week for more fantastic Fall destinations!

Useful Links:
Day 37: Cortez by claire warren
Hooray, hooray, we’re on our way! by CaseyR
New Belgium Brewery by little haxby
Colorado Travel Guide
Top Spots in Colorado
Colorado Hotel Reviews