The ultimate guide to fall in Colorado

Colorado isn’t just snow-capped mountains and winter sports. It also has a breathtaking fall season from September to early November.

If you’re wondering where to start, these popular hikes, festivals, drives and destinations are worth building around as you plan your fall vacation in Colorado.

What you’ll learn:

• With more than 40 state parks, Colorado offers a wide range of hiking, driving and camping experiences. 

• Rocky Mountain National Park and San Juan National Forest are two popular destinations.

• Colorado is home to several Oktoberfest celebrations and family-friendly festivals.

• Eligible cardholders can earn elevated rewards when they use Capital One Travel to book trips.

With golden aspens on hillsides, fiery red and orange scrub oaks filling valleys, and mountain peaks, Colorado is a prime destination to take in the sights of fall. 

Even in a state known for the Rocky Mountains, there can still be big changes in elevation from place to place. In general, fall is shorter at higher elevations, in places like Telluride, Aspen and Vail. Leaves may be delayed until October in relatively lower elevations, such as Boulder, Denver, Durango and Colorado Springs.

San Juan National Forest covers over 1.8 million acres in Southwest Colorado. The terrain ranges from desert mesas to alpine peaks, with hundreds of miles of trails to hike and bike. 

Because it’s public land, visitors aren’t limited to designated campgrounds. The park’s untouched wilderness makes it a prime place to enjoy hunting, fishing, off-roading, mushroom foraging and even rock climbing.

If you don’t feel like blazing your own trails, you can head to nearby Durango to climb aboard a steam-powered locomotive that’s been in operation since the 1880s. While aboard, keep an eye out for brilliant fall foliage in places seen only by train—not to mention wildlife, waterfalls and mountain peaks.

These 14,000-foot bell-shaped peaks are two of the most photographed mountains in America, reflecting the true beauty of the Rocky Mountains. At the base of the mountains, Maroon Lake is a mirror-like reflection that makes the entire scene postcard perfect. 

Late September is a popular time for hikers, campers and cyclists as the Aspen trees reach their golden peak. Because this is a bucket-list destination for fall, though, you’ll need to take a shuttle bus to enter during this busy season. Due to the park’s popularity, it’s recommended that visitors contact Aspen’s Chamber of Commerce in advance to get information about any restrictions or costs.

The number of visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park is much lower in October, particularly later in the month. This offers the opportunity to visit trails that are usually crowded. Cycling, hiking, backpacking and trout fishing are a few ways to connect with nature while taking in the sights of the Colorado mountains. 

And if you’re looking for wildlife, elk are especially active during the fall, especially around Moraine Park, Horseshoe Park and Estes Park.

If you’re ready to return to civilization after your outdoor excursions, Colorado has several festivals to explore:

Estes is a great base camp for adventurers headed to Rocky Mountain National Park. And it also plays host to multiple fall festivals, including:

• Autumn Gold Festival: Enjoy live music, local beer and brats fresh off the grill. There’s also a classic car show, face painting, lawn games and more.

• Elk Fest: This family-friendly weekend also has live Native American music, elk exhibits and even a bugling contest. It takes place during mating season, so you might even spot elks roaming around town.

• Pumpkins & Pilsners Festival: Adults can enjoy locally crafted beers while younger ones pick pumpkins and enjoy hands-on craft projects. Pumpkin patches, pony rides and more are available.

• Rocky Mountain Craft Spirits Festival: Celebrate Colorado’s whiskey distilleries alongside live music and games. You can sample craft spirits while getting to know industry experts and learning about the distilling processes. 

The Durango Autumn Arts Festival invites visitors to admire the works of local and national artists and nature’s canvas, when gold and red trees illuminate the San Juan Mountains. You can take classes in things like jewelry making and wildlife photography, catch theatrical performances and shop local artists’ wares.

If you’re in the mood for something spicy, head south of Denver for a taste of Pueblo. This annual festival celebrates varieties of locally grown green chiles, the star of the event. Be sure to check out the farmers market to talk to local growers and buy your own fresh or dried chiles. Cooking competitions, live music, dancing, arts and crafts, and a jalapeño-eating contest are also part of the fun.

Prost! Pack up your lederhosen or dirndl and check out Colorado versions of the famous German folk festival. 

You can find celebrations in Denver, Breckinridge, Vail, Colorado Springs and beyond. Each has its own unique feel, but they all offer traditional German food, drink, cultural performances and live music. You don’t need to be Bavarian to enjoy giant pretzels, bratwurst, beer and polka tunes.

If you’re in Colorado during late October, there are plenty of haunted legends and lore to explore. 

Located in Estes Park, this historic hotel was the inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining.” Join a seance, be amazed by a magic show in a subterranean lounge behind a secret bookcase or take a guided historical tour. Once you have your fill of chills, check the events schedule to see what live events might be going on while you’re there. The hotel hosts celebratory balls, musical acts, comedians and more.

This local Denver parade has become an epic event. Around a mile long, there are floats of every size and shape launching candy to scrambling kids while some even pass out beer to the adults. Join the fun by dressing up in your favorite costume—ghosts and gladiators and gorillas, oh my!

For a truly terrifying experience, consider braving the Frightmare. This family-owned haunted house takes you both indoors and outdoors with a museum at the end detailing the property’s unsettling history. According to documented history and local legend, the site was rumored to be part of secret government research involving human remains. Be sure to check out the mini escape rooms, coffin simulator and lights-out nights.

When it’s time to book travel, eligible cardholders can turn to Capital One Travel. It provides advanced booking tools, price matching and the ability to earn and redeem rewards—all to help you travel smarter.

How you decide to enjoy fall in Colorado is up to you. But there is a wide range of options for taking in the amazing vistas, turning leaves and exciting festivals. 

Capital One offers travel rewards credit cards with exclusive benefits and elevated rewards that can help make your travel experience more enjoyable. 

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