Looking for an epic Fall Bucket list for the beautiful state of Colorado? Colorado in the fall is truly a sight to behold. The foliage alone brings visitors from near and far, but there are a few other bucket list activities to see and experience while in this gorgeous state during autumn. Generally speaking, most of these are geared toward September and October. However, a few are great activities to do year round. There are many iconic trails and roads to see fall in Colorado, but these in particular are full experiences that are bucket list worthy. Without further ado, let’s dive into the deets on the perfect Colorado fall bucket list!

LEAF PEEPING:
I fully believe that timing your outdoor adventures with peak leaf season is a separate bucket list in and of itself. So it’s no wonder why we kick off this list with it. If you are wanting to stay near the Denver area, check out my blog Best Fall Hikes Near Denver. If you have some time and are looking for other destinations, you are in for a treat! Ouray, Aspen, and Telluride are famous fall destinations for good reason – they are absolutely breathtaking. The activities, restaurants, and downtown sites are plentiful in all of them. But one experience you absolutely must do is riding the FREE Telluride Gondola. The foliage filled vistas are unmatched. Another gorgeous area during fall is Crested Butte. Not only is this an amazing launchpad for fall foliage, it also has a few unique options for ways to see it. Leaf peeping on horseback is an item that should be on everyone’s bucket list, especially out of Crested Butte (check out Harmels on the Taylor for booking). Another fun activity is visiting Colorado’s Crystal Mill. It is a picturesque historical site that comes alive with charm in September through mid October. Just be aware that if you don’t wish to complete the 10 mile round-trip hike, the road to get there requires a serious 4WD vehicle, good tires and some courage!

HOT SPRINGS:

Fall in Colorado is truly the perfect season to go take a dip in some hot springs. There is an abundance of options ranging from remote, hike-in style to full on resorts. One of the most common and beloved remote options is Conundrum Hot Springs near Aspen, CO, which takes quite the jaunt to get to. For a full rundown on everything you need to know, check out my Guide to Hiking Conundrum.  Another great option is Penny Hot Springs which is easily accessible right next to the highway near Carbondale. Piedra Hot Springs is a nice option as well, which is near Pagosa and about a 1.5 ish mile hike in. Lastly, for a remote option, I’d recommend Radium Hot Springs near Kremmling, which is actually best visited in fall when the river is lower. Radium gets flooded by spring runoff – so take advantage of the perfect timing of autumn! For more resort-style options one of my favorites is Iron Mountain Hot Springs near Glenwood  Springs. In my opinion it’s the perfect mix of family-friendly and luxury along a beautiful river setting. If you are looking for a full-on luxury experience, be sure to check out The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs. For a more rustic and cabin-feel experience, a great option among the many is Strawberry Park in Steamboat Springs. Whatever one you choose, you truly can’t go wrong in experiencing an autumn soak in a Colorado hot spring!

WILDLIFE VIEWING:

One of the lesser-known fall attractions of Colorado (that is a daily occurrence for locals) is the crazy elk rut in September and early October. If you love seeing wildlife, especially as majestic and beautiful as the Rocky Mountain elk, then you will love places like Estes Park in the fall. If you find yourself on the Grand Lake side of the Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain Ntl. Park, make your way to Kawuneeche Valley for great elk viewing. If you are looking for an in-depth dive to Estes Park and RMNP, be sure to check out my 4-Day Guide to Rocky Mountain NP. One thing to keep in mind, is that these are wild animals that can be a bit aggressive during the rut. So while witnessing them bugling and even fighting is a once in a lifetime experience, keep a respectable distance and be wildlife aware on any hikes.

COLORADO SCENIC TRAINS:

If you have the time while in Colorado, one of my absolute favorite fall activities is taking a ride on a train! It may seem a little old fashioned, but trust me when I say it is such a fun and unique experience. My top pick is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. It takes you along the Animas River and through the San Juan National Forest. Make sure to bundle up with a few layering options since fall weather in Colorado can be a bit unpredictable. If you would like to check out the other amazing railroad options, take a look at this Complete Guide to Train Rides in Colorado. One last thing to mention – The Leadville Railroad hosts an Oktoberfest train ride each weekend in October!

FALL FESTIVALS:
Fall festivals are one of the quintessential fall experiences no matter where you are, but there is an added magic with the seasonal colors in Colorado. One of my favorites is the Cedaredge Applefest. It is a great family-friendly option with so many different things to check out and do. Another wonderful option that is amazing with little kiddos is the Miners Pumpkin Patch. It runs clear to the end of October and is such a fun way to pick out pumpkins for carving! If you end up in Colorado in September, you’ll find more choices including Denver Oktoberfest – which hosts an abundance of activities including fun competitions, live music, food, and of course, drinks!

Whatever brings you to Colorado in the autumn months, be sure to soak in the season’s offerings and enjoy beautiful vistas, warm memories, and fun activities! These 5 fall bucket list items are sure to leave lasting impressions and I hope you really enjoy your time in this beautiful state! If you would like to follow along on my adventures, be sure to follow me on IG @ponytailonatrail!

Happy + Healthy Trails,

Bradee