Fall is finally upon us! Golden Aspens, pumpkin spice, cozy clothes, Halloween and crisp morning air are just a few of the small sensations the season so memorable. This season’s fall colors arrived a little earlier this year because of our extremely dry summer, so here are 22 ways to make the most of your Colorado fall.
Trails & Parks
Some of our tips before heading on your adventures:
- Pack accordingly, always have enough food and water and layers for weather changes
- Head up to the trails early to beat crowds or be prepared to wait in traffic
- Always have the trail map downloaded or take a picture at the trailhead
- Be prepared not to have a bathroom at the trailhead or for a while on the roads by Fairplay
- Leave no trace
Abyss Trail
Grant, CO; near Guenella Pass, AllTrails Map
One of Colorado’s most popular leaf-peeping trails near Guanella Pass, Abyss Trail is a 12-mile out-and-back hike with about 2,400 feet of elevation gain, ending at Helms Lake. It is considered challenging, but only if you do the full distance; the early miles are fairly easy with dense Aspens in the first few miles. The only caveat is that parking is often difficult to find; be careful not to park in front of the “no parking” signs unless you want to pay $87.50 for a parking ticket from Clear Creek. It’s busiest on weekends, so plan accordingly and don’t forget a jacket, as the weather can change quicker than you think.
Aspen Alley
3312-3362 Co Rd. 10, Breckenridge; AllTrails Map
Breckenridge’s beloved Aspen Alley Trail is popular for a reason. The 2.9-mile out-and-back path offers tunnels of gold that draw in large crowds during peak fall season. Explore the Breckenridge Sawmill Museum at the end of the trail for free to learn how this technology helped the town grow (and also see an old train engine). We recommend taking a shuttle to the trailhead because parking is limited.
Colorado Trail: Segment 5
Colorado Trail, Jefferson; Long Gulch to Kenosha Pass, AllTrails Map
A trail known for its iconic views and trail accessibility, Segment 5 of the CT is only a 1.5-hour drive from Denver (excluding traffic) but offers views of the Aspens starting at the trailhead. The trail is a little over 14 miles, with a descent at the beginning before the elevation picks back up again, so feel free to turn around whenever. Walk a few miles in to thin out the crowd and see valleys sprawling with Aspens. The trail is dog-friendly, and the parking lots have public restrooms. With all popular trails in Colorado, it is best to visit mid-week to avoid crowds.
Raccoon Trail
State Park Rd, Black Hawk; Golden Gate Canyon State Park, AllTrails Map
Located in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Raccoon Trail is a 2.7-mile loop with minimal elevation gain and views of the fall leaves, minus the crowds. It’s also less than an hour from Denver, making it perfect for a quick adventure outside the city. Parking passes are required to enter the park and can be purchased here or at a self-serve kiosk at the Visitor Center.
Meadow Creek Trail
Tenderfoot Trail Rd., Dillon; AllTrails Map
A hidden-gem trail with gorgeous aspen views throughout, leading to Lily Pad Lake. Meadow Creek is a 3.2-mile out-and-back trail with 754 feet of elevation gain, making it an approachable hike. Pack a lunch and eat it by the lake at the end while you soak in the views
Tenderfoot Trail
Tenderfoot Trail Rd, Dillon; AllTrails Map
Filled with pine and aspen groves and views of Lake Dillon, Tenderfoot Trail is a quick drive from Denver for a mountain adventure. It has only about 600 feet of elevation gain and is a 3.2-mile loop, making it a moderate hike. The parking lot is small, so plan accordingly; otherwise, you can park on the side of County Road 51 near the trailhead. The hike begins with an incline, but don’t let that deter you as the hike ends in a descent.
Rainbow Lakes Trail
Nederland; AllTrails Map
About a 1.5-hour drive from Denver, Rainbow Lakes in Nederland offers fall foliage views right at the trailhead. The 2.7-mile out-and-back hike is very approachable and offers a short, easy hike for all. The drive up can be a bit bumpy at times, so make sure your vehicle can clear it.
Inspiration Point Park
4901 Sheridan Blvd., Denver
One of Denver’s most unassuming parks (probably because of its proximity to Sheridan), with views hidden behind a massive hill. The most hiking you’ll do here is done by your car on the way up to the parking lot. The park offers panoramic views of West Denver and the mountains covered in yellow. You definitely won’t be fighting crowds here, as the park spans 12 acres and is often not that busy. It features a 0.7-mile paved walking path with a 270-degree viewpoint; on a clear day, you can see as far north as Longs Peak and as far south as Colorado Springs.
City Park
2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver
Sometimes the fall leaves are closer than you think. Save the long drive and crowds, and opt for fall views at City Park. The park’s longest path is 3.1 miles and is known as the Mile High Loop, which encompasses most of the park on its trail. Don’t let that stop you from exploring your own path. Stop for a break at the benches by Ferril Lake, or take in city views up by the Nature & Science Museum.
Your own backyard
Sometimes the best leaf peeping is found just by looking around our own backyards and neighborhoods — just like the best sunsets are always in a parking lot.
Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes & More
Anderson Farms
6728 County Rd. 3 1/4, Erie; tickets here
Sunday 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., Monday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday closed, Wednesday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Anderson Farms started in Colorado in 1911 and has been bringing fall festivities ever since. It is the state’s longest-running attraction for fall activities, which include a 25-acre corn maze (the largest in the state), a pumpkin patch, an apple orchard and more. Its Fall Festival runs through October 31, which features an array of activities, food and music for everyone. We saw a pumpkin cannon included in the mix, which sounds too good to pass up. On select nights, the farm turns into a horror theme after dark for those who dare to enter. You can find more information here.
Fritzler Farm Park
20861 Co Rd 33, LaSalle; tickets here
Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Thursday closed, Friday 5 – 10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Open through November 1, Fritzler Farm Park is about an hour’s drive away from Denver and offers all the fall vibes, including a 15-acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, beer garden and nighttime fall fest. On September 25, Fritzler transforms into Scream Acres until October 31 with a haunted corn maze, scream park and live entertainment. Tickets and more information are available here.
Maize in the City
10451 McKay Rd., Unit 1, Thornton
Sunday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday – Friday closed, Saturday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Open since 2001, Maize in the City is a family-operated and family-friendly fall attraction just North of Denver. It features a 20-acre corn maze, organic produce market, corn launcher, food vendors and more. Entry’s free, but activities cost extra. Maize advises dressing accordingly for dirt, mud and uneven terrain when visiting.
Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch
9059 Ute Hwy./ CO 66, Longmont
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily
You’ll find pumpkins galore at family-owned Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch, where its growers are Colorado’s largest organic vegetable farm, Full Circle. Its fall festival and pumpkin patch run through November 1 and is open to anyone who wants to enjoy the grounds or purchase an activity bracelet for the day at the farm stand. On the weekends, it hosts a carnival with face painting, food and rides that draw in larger crowds, so plan a weekday visit if you want to avoid that.
Leadville Railroad
326 E 7th St., Leadville; tickets here
9 a.m – 5 p.m. daily
Want a more leisurely way to enjoy the leaves? You can’t miss the Leadville Railroad. It operates year-round, but it’s especially special in the fall. The ride lasts about 2.5 hours and offers scenic views of some of Colorado’s tallest peaks and gorgeous landscapes. You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, but they also have a bar and an onboard food service with light bites. On September 26 at 5:30 p.m., it will have its final golden-hour ride.
Georgetown Loop Railroad
646 Loop Dr, Georgetown; tickets here
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily
Ride through Clear Creek Canyon and take in views of the fall colors on the Georgetown Loop Railroad. From September 25 to 27 and October 2 to 4, you can experience picturesque views and fresh mountain air on its Fall Colors train ride. The ride itself is about 1 hour long, and reserving your tickets ahead of time is encouraged. There are no bathrooms on board, but food and drink are available depending on which ticket you book and you are allowed to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks.
New Restaurants To Try
READ: Mercantile Just Revived an A+ Brunch
Rōmyō
1401 Larimer St, Denver; reservations here
Sunday – Thursday 4 – 9 p.m., Friday – Saturday 4 – 10 p.m.
Rōmyō opened its doors in Larimer Square on September 11, bringing Japanese and Roman flavors to Denver. The concept comes from Chef Frank Bonanno, behind Mizuna, Luca, Osteria Marco, Vesper Lounge and more Denver iconic restaurants. Rōmyō describes itself as an itameshi (meaning “Italian food” in Japanese), but more importantly, it showcases a fusion cuisine that pairs Japanese ingredients with Italian cooking. At Rōmyō, this materializes in porchetta ramen, udon carbonara and cacio e pepe ramen to name a few of its innovative dishes. Its menu also features sashimi, wagyu steak, skewers and fried goods.
Soda Club
1260 25th St., Denver, reservations here
Sunday – Thursday 5 – 11 p.m.; Friday – Saturday 5 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Housed in the former Super Mega Bien, Soda Club is Denver’s newest vegan pasta restaurant. The Michelin-recognized concept comes from New York City’s East Village, where it focused on dynamic yet cozy, unpretentious handmade pasta paired with natural wine and craft cocktails. Many dishes reflect Executive Chef Amira Charib’s childhood flavors, inspired by Sicilian and Middle Eastern influences. We’ve heard rumors that the arancini, broccolini, caramelle and lumache pastas and focaccia are becoming some menu favorites so far.
Sadboy Creamery
1201 E Colfax Ave., #101, Denver
Sunday – Wednesday closed, Thursday 0 Friday 4 – 8 p.m., Saturday 12 – 8 p.m.
From its pickup window to its newly opened East Colfax storefront, Sadboy Creamery is all about fun. Whether it’s through its fun flavor names like Teary-Misu, Sadberry Pretzel Pie and Circus Sadimals, or its innovative rotating flavors such as cherry almond sugar cookie and key lime cry, Sadboy has always been pushing the nostalgia envelope on ice cream. Founded by Michael Kimball in 2023, Sadboy is an ode to the child in all of us.
303 Ramen
8025 Sheridan Blvd., Arvada
Sunday – Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday – Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
After a fire forced it to close six months ago, 303 Ramen reopened its doors on September 11 at its new location on Sheridan in Old Towne Arvada. Owner Natenapa Bunkrong opened 303 Ramen to celebrate Japanese cuisine as a Thai woman herself. People rave about its spicy beef ramen, panang curry ramen and duck cheese wontons.
Cha’s Café & Atelier
925 W 8th Ave., Denver
6 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily
Santa Fe’s Art District just got its new caffeine fix with the opening of Cha’s Café & Atelier. Part café, part learning space, part community space, Cha’s focuses on the people, from the suppliers to the guests who walk through the front door. Celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, September 26 at 10 a.m. with live music, coffee, pastries, raffle prizes and local vendors. Reserve your spot for its opening ceremony here.
YGF Malatang
7350 E Hampden Ave., B2, Denver
11 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily
Ever wondered what Chinese street food is like? Look no further than YGF Malatang in Denver, which opened its doors on September 19. Malatang (“numbing spicy soup”) is a customizable experience where you pick your ingredients, soup base and add toppings for a one-of-a-kind experience, just in time for soup season.
