Colorado is beautiful all year round, but there’s something special about the autumn glow in the Rocky Mountains. We’re big fans of taking a scenic drive — we have our favorite recommendations. And we’re always up for hitting the trail on our 10 Favorite Fall Hikes In and Around Colorado Springs. But we don’t like getting stuck in a rut; best to leave that to the bugling elk this time of year. So we’ve curated a list of unique ways to immerse yourself in the Colorado fall colors and make the most of your leaf peeping adventures.
Here Are Our 12 Creative Ways to Experience Colorado Fall Colors
We’ve highlighted options to enjoy in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region, as well as farther into Colorado’s mountain towns.
1. Take a Train
Relax in your comfy throwback railcar as you follow flowing rivers and ride past scenic overlooks and glowing aspen groves. The autumn palette will sprawl out below as you ascend America’s Mountain on the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes PeakCog Railway. And if the weather is clear, you can enjoy colorful views for miles.
In nearby Cañon City, you can enjoy a first-class dinner or Oktoberfest train on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Farther away, the steam or diesel engines of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad will take you on a historic ride through some of Colorado’s most spectacular scenery. Just make your reservations early.
2. Zip Line Through the Trees
Is there a better way to experience the changing leaves than to be soaring through the tree canopy? In the Springs, South Cheyenne Canyon is gorgeous in the fall, and the Broadmoor Soaring Adventure will take your breath away with the adrenaline and the views. Here’s what it’s like.
Take things to the mountains with a road trip to Leadville. Top of the Rockies Zip Line will let you race your friends and family on side-by-side zip lines and zip over a moving train.
3. Float in a Hot Air Balloon Ride
You’ll peacefully float above the changing fall colors in a hot air balloon. Adventures Out West will set you aloft in the Springs. To get high above the high country, head for Snowmass or Pagosa Springs. Both mountain towns feature September balloon festivals where you can choose to enjoy the ballooning beauty from the ground if you prefer.
4. Get Out on the Water
Surround yourself with the reflection of golden aspen leaves on the water. From Quail Lake to Palmer Lake, you’ve got several good options for local stand-up paddleboarding. Get the lowdown in Your Guide to Stand-Up Paddleboard in Colorado Springs.
For a day on the water in the high country, the Frisco Marina rents SUPs, kayaks, canoes and pontoon boats through mid-October. You may just want to drift away in the reverie of all those golden aspen trees surrounding Lake Dillon.
5. Visit a Troll
Go say hi to Rita the Rock Planter in Victor or Isak Heartstone in Breckenridge. Both of these giant trolls by Danish artist Thomas Dambo are just a short walk in areas known for their especially beautiful Colorado fall colors.
6. Take a Gondola Ride
The closest you can get to a gondola in Colorado Springs is the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Mountaineer Sky Ride, where the ski lift ride will give you elevated views above the city.
For a true gondola, you have to hit the road. Drive to the top of Monarch Pass where Monarch Mountain at the Crest’s Scenic Tramway will give you a bird’s-eye view of Colorado fall color on both sides of the Continental Divide below. You can ride both ways or ride out and hike the 2 miles back. Monarch’s gondola runs through September.
7. Find Your Way on a Via Ferrata
This adventure is like rock climbing meets ladder climbing. Italian for “iron way,” a via ferrata will take even novice adventurers up and across dizzying heights. Just be sure to pause and take in the surrounding Colorado fall colors. Locally, Cave of the Winds will get you cliffside high above Manitou Springs. Here’s what that feels like.
To make a journey of it, head for Ouray. The drive is gorgeous, and the Switzerland of America has three exhilarating via ferrata for novices and seasoned climbers to choose from.
8. Visit a Winery
Colorado wineries have earned national respect in recent years and the colorful harvest season is a great time to visit. You can make an easy day trip Touring Colorado Wineries Near the Springs. Or head for Palisade, where there are more than 30 wineries and vineyards, including standouts praised by Wine Enthusiast like Carboy Winery and Colterris. You can catch the big Colorado Mountain Winefest there on Sept. 21.
9. Take in a Film Festival
The actual film screenings will have you inside a theater, but the events themselves will take you into the mountains right around the time of peak fall color in Colorado. The Breck Film Festival, Crested Butte Film Festival and Aspen Filmfest all happen in mid-September. And here in the Springs, the Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival happens in October. The films will be excellent, but be sure to savor the outside views too. Pair them with a nearby hike and you’re golden (see what we did there?).
10. Savor a Hot Springs Soak
Every season is a great season for a soothing soak in a natural Colorado hot spring, but fall may be the perfect season. Warm days, chilly nights and gold-tinged hillsides are the perfect pairings with steaming mineral waters. The full range of resorts and cabins makes things easy for a hot springs weekend getaway. Here are the 15 Hot Springs Closest to Colorado Springs.
11. Find Your Jam at a Music Festival
Get outside and groove to the music. Find your favorite in the Springs or farther afield. Get your tickets for the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, the Wildflower Concert Series at Planet Bluegrass or Buffalo Grass. There’s some exceptional live music to be found outdoors all through the fall color season.
12. Go Pick a Pumpkin
This one is easy access and fun for the kids. Get out on a farm or orchard and get those family photos surrounded by Colorado fall color. Here are 15 pumpkin patches you can choose from.
