The ultimate guide to fall in Colorado

Colorado isn’t just snowcapped 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, drives, festivals and attractions are worth building your fall vacation in Colorado around.

What you’ll learn:

• With its many parks, Colorado offers a wide range of hiking and camping experiences. 

• Scenic drives along routes like Kebler Pass and Trail Ridge Road are another way to take in Colorado’s fall foliage.

• Colorado is home to family-friendly festivals, Oktoberfest celebrations and spooky attractions to get you in the spirit of the fall season.

• Eligible cardholders can earn elevated rewards when they use Capital One Travel to book their trip to Colorado in autumn.

With golden aspens on hillsides, red and orange scrub oaks in valleys, and mountain peaks as far as the eye can see, Colorado is a prime destination for taking in the sights of fall. 

With the changes in elevation throughout the state, you’ll need to plan your trip accordingly. In general, fall starts earlier at higher elevations in places like Telluride, Aspen and Vail. The colors become more vibrant later in the season at lower elevations such as Boulder, Denver and Colorado Springs. 

Here are some of the best places to see fall colors in Colorado.

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

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

If you don’t feel like blazing your own trail, you can head to nearby Durango and climb aboard a steam-powered locomotive that’s been in operation since the 1880s. During your ride, keep an eye out for brilliant fall foliage, mountain peaks, waterfalls and wildlife.

These two 14,000-foot bell-shaped, wine-colored peaks are among the most photographed mountains in America. At the base of the mountains, Maroon Lake provides a mirror-like reflection that makes the entire scene postcard perfect. 

Late September at the Maroon Bells is a popular time for hikers, campers and cyclists as the aspen trees reach their golden peak. But visitors can enjoy a variety of natural habitats around the Maroon Bells all year long. They include open meadows, wildflower fields, aspen groves and alpines near the base of the mountains.

The number of visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park tends to be 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. With some luck you could spot one, especially around Moraine Park, Horseshoe Park and Estes Park.

You can take in the splendor of a Colorado autumn from the comfort of your own vehicle. Buckle up and head out for a scenic drive for a view of fall colors exploding along these spectacular routes.

Kebler Pass is one of the most popular scenic drives in the state. Located in Southwest Colorado, this mountain pass sits at 10,000 feet above sea level and connects Crested Butte with Paonia. It’s also home to one of the largest aspen groves in the U.S.

The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is less than an hour from Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins. It winds past Rocky Mountain National Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park and the Indian Peaks Wilderness area over 55 miles. While you can drive the byway any time of year, it’s especially stunning at the peak of fall foliage.

Spanning 48 miles from Estes Park to Grand Lake, Trail Ridge Road takes you through Rocky Mountain National Park and across the Continental Divide. Along the way, you’ll be treated to forests of aspens and ponderosa pines alongside sweeping views of the Rockies.

If you’re ready to return to civilization after your outdoor excursions, there are lots of fall festivals in Colorado to include in your itinerary.

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

• Elk Fest: This event has live Native American music, handmade goods and even a bugling contest. It takes place during the mating season of the elk and offers opportunities to learn about these magnificent animals.
• Pumpkins & Pilsners Festival: Adults can enjoy locally crafted beers while the kids pick pumpkins, take pony rides and join in hands-on craft projects.
• 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.

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

You can find celebrations in Denver, Breckenridge, Vail, Colorado Springs and beyond. While each has its own unique feel, 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 looking for spooky things to do in Colorado in the fall, there’s plenty of haunted lore to explore.

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

The Broadway Halloween Parade in Denver has become an epic event. About a mile long, the parade hosts floats of every size and shape, launching candy to scrambling kids and even passing 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, gather your courage and brave The Frightmare Compound. This family-owned haunted house treats its guests to coffin simulators, lights-out nights and a museum detailing the property’s unsettling history. But beware: According to local legend, The Frightmare’s founder is buried on the property and haunts those who enter.

If you’re a fan of scary movies, check out the Telluride Horror Show. The state’s first and longest-running horror film festival lasts for three days and attracts attendees from around the globe. Together, they experience films in the horror, sci-fi, suspense, thriller, dark fantasy and dark comedy genres.

Peak fall foliage is as fleeting as it is spectacular. To make sure you don’t miss it, check out the answers to these timing-related questions about visiting Colorado in the fall.

How you decide to enjoy fall in Colorado is up to you. There are lots of options for enjoying the state’s turning leaves, amazing vistas and autumn festivals. 

To help make the most of your Colorado fall travel, Capital One offers travel rewards credit cards with exclusive benefits and elevated rewards:

• Explore travel rewards cards for earning unlimited miles you can redeem for flights, hotels, rental cars, activities and more. 

• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights, vacation rentals and activities booked through Capital One Travel with the Venture X card.

• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day, with the Venture card. Plus, earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, rental cars and activities with Capital One Travel.

• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day, with the VentureOne card. Plus, earn 5X miles on hotels, rental cars and activities with Capital One Travel.

• Book your trip through Capital One Travel to earn elevated rewards and save an average of 15% on flights.