Cooler temperatures signal the start of a new season, and Colorado’s color-soaked leaves are begging to be explored 10 different ways this fall. Cast a line in waders next to autumn gold, soar through fiery red treetops on a zip line, take a leisurely scenic drive or saunter through the forest on horseback to experience Colorado’s mesmerizing fall foliage. Below are the top 10 ways leaf peepers can witness nature’s artistic wonder this fall season in Colorado.
- Horseback Riding.
Settle into a saddle on a guided horseback ride in Steamboat Springs to
experience Colorado’s fall frontier just like the cowboys. Amble
through the Routt National Forest along timeless American West trails
popping with vibrant golden, red and orange leaves.
- Bike A Byway. Begin
this aspen-laden ride west of Pueblo on Colorado 96. The Frontier
Pathways route climbs into the Wet Mountains and descends into the Wet
Mountain Valley, passing aspens blazing in autumn color along the way.
- Historic Train.
Travel through the scenic San Juan Mountains aboard the Durango and
Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Between Durango and the historic mining
town of Silverton, this locomotive allows passengers to experience
color-drenched aspens that line the free-flowing Animas River and ascend
the rugged collection of mountain peaks and
striking canyon scenery.
- Four Wheels.
With a summit at 12,095 feet, Independence Pass connects Aspen – a city
named for the quintessential Colorado tree – and Twin Lakes, the
largest glacial lake in Colorado and is open during early fall.
Independence Pass is rife with stunning autumn colors popping on both
sides of the pass and ringed with
five 13,000-foot peaks.
- Tire Tour.
Fruita’s dirt trails and challenging single tracks wind along huge
flattop mesas allowing mountain bikers to discover panoramic views of
valleys sprinkled with glowing yellow leaves.
- Hot Air Balloon.
Fall’s cooler climate and artist’s palette of nature’s colors make for
an ideal time to take to the air. Float above pockets of fall foliage
speckled along the Front Range’s peaks and valleys and throughout Rocky
Mountain National Park. Take in colorful views on a hot air balloon ride
with
Fair Winds in Boulder.
- Gondola. Leaf
peep the quaking aspens nestled in Telluride’s box canyon while sailing
through the trees. The first and only free public transportation of its
kind in the U.S., this gondola connects riders between Telluride and
Mountain Village, giving passengers an ever-changing view of the crimson
and golden leaves along the way.
- Two Feet.
Fall’s crown jewel is nestled along Kebler Pass, where a massive aspen
cluster of interconnected roots wows hikers with brilliant fall hues.
The radiant yellow and red leaves on Kebler create a textured denseness
that is unique to this area. Take the hiking trails Kebler Wagon Trail
#606 and Dyke Trail #838 for
even more leaf peeping opportunities.
- Zip line. The
landscape of fiery red, orange and golden leaves will shift as guests
soar through autumn-tinted treetops and above deep valleys on one of 14
zip lines throughout the state. Thrill seekers will feel the rush and
crisp autumn air as they glide over changing scenes at Zip Adventures
near Vail.
- Fly-fishing. Carbondale lies in the heart of the Roaring Fork Valley, home to some of the finest rivers for trout fishing, especially from mid-September to mid-October. The deep blue waters starkly contrast the foliage-lined banks bursting with deep scarlets and golds. Tranquility and a wide variety of water types await fly-fishers this fall with Roaring Fork Anglers.