Best Places to Visit in October

Here are some ideas if you’re looking for the best places to visit in October. Colorado is gorgeous throughout the state during autumn; however, with the variations in elevation and temperature changes from north to south, it’s best to plan your visit according to peak fall color predictions. Check the fall foliage prediction map to help coordinate your stay. Peak colors vary but usually begin around mid-September in northern Colorado and continue through late October in southern Colorado.

Best Places to Go in October

Colorado’s mountain resort towns are some of the best places to go in October. October is the “off-season” for these resorts. Summer tourism has slowed, kids are back in school, and winter has not yet begun. Many locals will tell you that fall is the best season; you might agree once you try it.

• Check out our leaf-peeping recommendations.
• Stop at a Ghost Town.
• Find a Dark Sky in Colorado for Stargazing.
• Find a scenic train ride.
• Explore nearby State Park.

Off-Season Discounts

Often during the fall or the “off-season,” you can find discounts on lodging and dining. As well as discounts at local shops on seasonal attire and sporting goods. Besides the beautiful colors, the best part about fall is the lack of tourists, which means shorter lines and more availability on almost everything. Things slow down a little. Walking among the gorgeous landscapes of downtown resort areas can be enjoyed with casual window shopping, dining, and embracing the fall foliage.

Best Vacation Spots in October

Resort towns such as Aspen, Crested Butte, Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge, Vail, Beaver Creek, Telluride, and others are highlighted with golden yellow and fire-red Aspen trees during the fall. There’s nothing better than hiking or biking through the golden yellow aspen groves. A great way to get right into the heart of these Aspen groves is to take the resort’s gondola or chairlift up to mid-mountain. Often, the chairlift or gondola ride is free. Resorts will have designated hiking routes so you can take your time and enjoy the view.

Resort Towns are the Best Places to Visit in October for Many Reasons

• There is ample access to hiking trails at the resort or nearby National Forest trails, all filled with picturesque vistas and settings.
• Resort gondola rides and chairlift rides are usually free.
• Access to top-notch lodging that’s often discounted during the “off-season.”
• Access to slopeside mountain bike shops and rentals.
• Access to slopeside activity centers set up with the kids in mind.
• Other resort activities include golf, river sports, lakes, horseback riding, tennis, and more.
• Quality restaurants, bars, and cafes.
• Plenty of boutique mountain shopping.
• Access to various spas and health centers.
• Access to event venues.

These eclectic resort towns are full of cultural events year-round. Live music in local pubs and various art exhibits, shows, educational events, and sporting activities are ongoing. The culture of health and wellness is vibrant in Colorado’s resort communities, and a visit in October is a perfect time to join in.

Standout Colorado Events for the Fall Season

Finding the Best places to visit in October also depends on your interests. Colorado has many fall festivals and events happening. Below are some standout events not to miss.

• Boulder’s Fall Festival (SEP 13, 14, 15) – Boulder
  Three days of live music, beer gardens, family activities, and the Firefly Handmade artisan market.
• Chile & Frijoles Festival (SEP 20-22) – Pueblo
  This festival promotes Pueblo’s rich agriculture and encourages people to buy fresh local produce and artisan crafts. It features live entertainment, street vendors, cooking competitions, and lots of chilies.
• La Junta Tarantula Fest – (SEP 27-28) – La Junta
  That’s right, a Tarantula Festival is held to celebrate the Tarantula through a downtown parade, street vendors, an education pavilion, Tarantula tours, live art, and much more.
• Oktoberfest Denver (SEP 20-22) and (SEP 27-29) – Denver
  Very much in the German tradition, the Denver Oktoberfest has a complete line-up of Stein and Lederhosen celebrations, including lots of traditional food vendors, beer, live music, Keg Bowling, a costume contest, a long dog derby, and more.
• Colorado Mountain Winefest presented by the Fisher’s Liquor Barn (SEP 21) – Palisade
  Don’t miss unlimited sips from dozens of Colorado wineries at Colorado’s largest wine festival. Enjoy live music, artisan vendors, chef demonstrations, educational seminars, a grape stomp, and more.
• Estes Park Autumn Gold (SEP 21, 22) – Estes Park
  It is a fall festival with beer, brats, bands, a classic car show, many food vendors, and a fun zone for the kids.
• All About Oktoberfest (SEP 22) – Fort Collins
  On Sunday, September 22nd, the Horse & Dragon Brewing Company, at 124 Racquette Drive in Fort Collins, will host a fun evening of socializing with an exciting trivia contest. The topic will be the Munich Oktoberfest, learn more.
• Mountain Harvest Festival – Paonia (SEP 27 – 29) – Paonia
  Mountain Harvest Festival celebrates local music, art, produce, foods, and spirits. Held in Paonia, visitors can browse and participate in fun activities such as the Great Chili Cookoff and farm Tours, listen to live music, and join a Pub Crawl.
• Elk Fest (SEP 28 – OCT 1) – Estes Park
  A celebration of Estes Park’s resident elk. This is a family-friendly festival in Bond Park. Enjoy vendors, live music, food trucks, bugling contests, performances, and more.
• Applefest (OCT 4 -6) – Cedaredge
  In celebration of the Surface Creek Valley’s area, fruit growers, and commemorating the fall harvest and rich agricultural heritage. The event features live music, arts and crafts, and food. A chili cookoff, a golf tournament, an antique car & motorcycle show, a library book sale, a 5K run, and, of course, apples and much more.
• Cripple Creek Fall Festival (OCT 5,6) – Cripple Creek
  Join the fun at the Two Mile High Club. Music, a beer garden, fall-themed adult beverages, pie judging, a chili cook-off, fall photoshoots, vendors, a wood carving display, and more. This is a free event. Proceeds benefit the wild donkey herd that roam the street of Cripple Creek.
• Miners Pumpkin Patch (OCT 5,12,19,26) – Colorado Springs
  A celebration and support of the Western Museum of Mining. This is a really fun family event with many activities for the kiddos, such as a Children’s Straw Maze, Giant Slide, Gold Panning, Pumpkin Catapult and Smashing, food trucks, live music, a Farmer stand, and more.
• Autumn Fest (OCT 6) – Golden
  A free celebration of Golden Colorado featuring hands-on activities for the whole family, including crafts, big trucks, farm animals, and more. Events will be hosted at the Golden History Museum.
• Chatfield Farms Pumpkin Festival (OCT 11 – 13) – Littleton
  A fall Pumpkin Festival at Chatfield Farms. The ticket includes access to the 10-acre pumpkin patch, a corn maze, and family and kids activities. Buy pumpkins, prices vary.
• Telluride Horror Show (OCT 11-13) – Telluride
  Have a great time at the Telluride Horror Show, attending special events, films, and more.
• Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival (OCT 11-13) – Breckenridge
  Participate with the finest distillers as they share their talent. Enjoy fun times, snacks from local chefs, and the best spirits. Live music by Local Folk will keep you groovin’.
• Poudre Pour – Windsor (OCT 12) – Windsor
  The Windsor History Museum will host the Poudre Pour from 1 to 5 p.m. on October 12th. This year, the event celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. The community event features live music, performances, culinary arts, educational exhibits, historical tours, and more.

October Travel Destinations, Scenic Routes – Early Fall

Early fall, or the last week of September through the first ten days of October, is a perfect time to road trip through northern Colorado. The foliage will be in full bloom or near peaking. The weather has cooled off, and the attractions along this route will be remote. Traveling from East to West, below are some of the best places to visit in the early fall season.

• Head west up Poudre Canyon out of Fort Collins. This is a spectacular canyon drive along the Cache la Poudre River. There are no services, and cell phone service is spotty, so it’s best to be prepared. There are outfitters and campgrounds along the way.
• Schedule some days at Red Feather Lakes, an unincorporated town in Roosevelt National Forest. This area is very secluded and a great place to escape it all. Several nice guest ranches are in the area.
• Visit State Forest State Park, the ultimate rugged Colorado with an abundance of alpine lakes and miles of trails within the State Park’s 71,000 acres of forest. Moose is this area’s claim to fame.

Northwest Colorado Travel Destinations – early fall

Fall Foliage in Steamboat Springs – the first week or so of October

There used to be an actual fall foliage event in Steamboat Springs that celebrated the abundance of Aspen trees in the area. However, Steamboat has turned this into an invitation to visit in October, the first week or so, and experience the seasonal beauty in whatever way suits you. The town has many ways to enjoy the outdoors, so take your pick. Here are some suggestions: hiking, mountain biking, scenic gondola rides, horseback riding, hot air balloon rides, soaking at the hot springs, golf, and more. While you’re in the area, continue west to find more incredible places to visit in October:

• Plan a stay at Steamboat Lake State Park or neighboring Pearl Lake State Park. Enjoy the lovely lakes surrounded by trails and the National Forest full of shimmering Aspen trees.
• Consider a trip to Dinosaur National Monument in the early fall. There are many places and things to do, especially when the weather cools off.
• The Yampa River State Park stretches 134 miles, beginning at Dinosaur National Monument and continuing to the Hayden Pump Station. This stretch includes 13 river access points, some of which have camping.

Scenic Drives in Northwest Colorado

A few standout drives in this area are worth the trip. These drives deliver outstanding views and displays of seasonal foliage. You will need a decent vehicle with a higher wheel clearance and four-wheel drive. Consider camping along the way.

Buffalo Pass

This pass climbs to 10,180 ft at its highest point and crosses the Continental Divide in the Park Range of the Rocky Mountains. The pass road can be rugged, twisty, and narrow in places, so an appropriate vehicle is needed. However, the views and foliage are outstanding! The pass can be accessed from Walden, where you must go to Grizzly Creek Guard Station before heading up the Pass. The route drops you right into Steamboat Springs by way of Strawberry Park.

Elk River Road to Columbine and into Wyoming

Elk River Road, aka Hwy 129, is considered a scenic byway. From Steamboat, the route goes through the Upper Elk River Basin, climbs to Hahns Peak Village, and tops out at Columbine. If you continue into Wyoming, the route will get even more spectacular. There’s plenty of camping along the way, but no services between Hahns Peak Village and Wyoming.

The Flat Tops – Yampa to Buford to New Castle

This scenic route through the Flat Top Mountains in South Route ends in New Castle, located next to I70. The route begins at Yampa and takes you over Dunkley Pass to Ripple Creek Pass, then heads west to Buford and turns onto the New Castle Buford Road. Before reaching New Castle, the route passes by Harvey Gap State Park, a popular fishing and swimming spot. Although traveling through a rugged and remote country, the road is decent (gravel) the entire way, passable with a good RV. There are no services, so be prepared.

Central Colorado October Travel Destinations – mid fall

• Take a road trip to Estes Park and spend some time in Rocky Mountain National Park. Then, travel over Trail Ridge Road and check out all the colorful vistas and historical information.
• Once you come down from Trail Ridge Road, stop at Grand Lake. You can check out the lake, go to the beach, rent a boat or a SUP, or get something to eat.
• Consider a visit in October to Snow Mountain Ranch, aka the YMCA of the Rockies. It’s a nice place to stay and has plenty going on.
• Continue going west and stop at Hot Sulfur Springs for a dip in the natural hot springs.

Scenic Drives in Central Colorado

There are many spectacular drives in central Colorado, and it’s hard to say which ones are the best. Colorado has 26 designated scenic byways, many of which are in central Colorado. Here are a few to consider.

The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway.

This route connects Estes Park to Blackhawk, with possible stops in Allenspark, Ward, and Nederland. It’s not exactly a shortcut, but it’s a fantastic ridge-top drive full of views and foliage.

The Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway

This scenic route west of Colorado Springs loops through some of Colorado’s once-top-producing gold mines. Along the way, there is plenty of history, old mines, and ghost towns. The route passes through the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.

Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway

Between Minturn and Buena Vista, this 82-mile route crosses the Continental Divide three times and provides some of the most breathtaking views of the Rockies. Take the turn onto Independence Pass, another spectacular route that ends in Aspen.

Kebler Pass – Crested Butte to Paonia or Carbondale

Another spectacular mountain pass stuffed full of Aspen trees is Kebler Pass. This 33-mile pass can be driven by more modest all-wheel drive passenger cars. There are plenty of places to camp along the way. Once you reach Hwy 133, you can turn north to Carbondale or south to Paonia.

Grand Mesa Scenic Byway

Travel this 63-mile byway up and over the Grand Mesa, Earth’s most extensive flat-topped mountain. This route reaches 10,849 ft and traverses the Grand Mesa, which encompasses 500 square miles. Enjoy the spectacular display of foliage and over 300 lakes within the area. Camp at Vega State Park is a little off the beaten path but a nice camp spot.

October Vacation Destinations – late fall

Southwestern Colorado

This corner of Colorado can get pretty hot in the summer, but late fall is a beautiful time to visit. Mancos State Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Trimble Hot Springs, and the scenic train from Durango to Silverton. Plus, plenty of guest ranches and outfitters are in the area to get you going in whatever direction you desire.

D&SNGRR Durango – Silverton

One of Colorado’s favorite scenic trains is the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR). This train starts in Durango and ends in Silverton. There are options on train routes from a few hours to over five hours. Choose the type of car, meals, and more. You can even stay in Silverton for a day or two and take the train back.

* Trimble Hot Springs is on your way if you’re traveling to Mesa Verde National Park from Durango.

Mesa Verde National Park

While in the area, consider traveling to the Mesa Verde National Park. This is a very special place featuring the remains of the Ancestral Pueblo people, whose communities developed cliff dwellings and mesa-top villages and lived there for over 700 years. These spectacular cliff dwellings and villages were built between 550 and 1300 A.D.

The Canyonlands

Another spectacular place to visit in October is the Canyonlands and Moab, Utah, but neither is in Colorado. Both are great for hiking, mountain biking, and off-road adventures.

Scenic Drives in Southern Colorado

The San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway

This 233-mile loop takes you through attractive destinations such as Ouray, Silverton, Durango, Dolores, and Telluride. Be prepared for amazing, big mountain views, spectacular foliage, and very steep and twisty roads. Make sure your vehicle checks out and is well-equipped with an emergency kit.

Highway of the Legends Scenic Byway

Located in south-central Colorado, this 82-mile loop begins at Farista, off of I25, and travels southwest through the Highway of the Legends Scenic Byway, Monument Park, and other remote small towns before ending in Trinidad. Trinidad State Park, which has a gorgeous lake and campground, is at the tail end of this loop.

Fall Activities, Places to Visit in October

Fall season activities in Colorado are numerous and full of adventure or perfect for those who want some time to sit back and relax. Find a romantic getaway.

Bring Your Camera or Easel

With the changing landscapes that come with fall, it’s a popular time of year to capture the seasonal beauty. Mountainscapes filled with the vibrant green of pine and aspen trees transform into a glittering mix of yellows, greens, reds, and gold. Once the aspens shed their leaves, ridgelines are exposed, and the white trunks of the Aspen trees transform the vistas once again.

Scenic Train Rides

There’s no better time to take a scenic train ride in Colorado than in the fall. Colorado’s scenic trains take routes through mountainous country, twist their way through canyons, and cross over trestle bridges. It’s a step back in time and a glimpse at unseen landscapes.

Gorgeous Mountain Hikes and Lakes

Hiking in Colorado is some of the best; it just improves during the fall. The best places to hike will be the areas with peak colors. Although the mountain lakes are getting a little colder with the cooler night temps, they’re still beautiful places to go fishing, motor boating, or paddling. Try Grand Lake or Lake Dillon, two Colorado favorites.

Lots of Places to Visit in October

What makes Colorado unique is not just the mountainscapes and seasonal beauty but also the abundance of year-round outdoor activities and eclectic cultural events. When planning a fall visit, watch the weather and check the color prediction map. Check the events calendar to schedule a stop at a favorite event. Generally speaking, there is more leeway to make reservations during this time of year, but planning is still a good idea.

by Kathleen Fitzsimmons