Colorado Winter Activities

So, you want to explore Colorado winter activities. You have come to the right place. Colorado is a premier destination for winter sports; the Centennial State—especially the more mountainous regions—comes alive when the temperature drops and the snow falls. Regarding skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports, Colorado has covered you with 25 world-class resorts attracting athletes and vacationers worldwide. Still, if the slopes don’t appeal to you, or you’re looking to try something new, there’s also plenty of other winter activities and events just waiting to be discovered. Check out all our activity recommendations for the non-skier. Couples, solo adventurers, groups of friends, and families will all find a winter wonderland at their fingertips. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll fall in love with Colorado during the winter.

Colorado’s World-Class Ski Resorts

If you’re looking for action or an adrenaline rush, you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you missed out on Colorado’s ski resorts. With over 40,000 acres of skiable terrain throughout the state, Colorado’s world-renowned resorts draw skiers and snowboarders from all over the world, and it won’t take long for you to see just why. There’s the big-name resorts like Aspen and Vail, of course, but other, smaller resorts in Colorado also have a lot to offer, like Powderhorn, Silverton Mountain, and Wolf Creek. Many of these resorts have access to other great activities and resources, like terrain parks, tubing hills, Nordic trails, and other activities and events throughout the season. And if the main slopes don’t appeal to you, or you’re looking for a greater challenge, check out the snowcat skiing opportunities offered at some resorts, which give you the chance to get out into the backcountry from some truly epic terrain.

Colorado Winter Exhilarating Fun

Both on and off the resorts, there’s plenty of opportunity in Colorado for some heart-pumping and exhilarating fun. Snowmobile tours offer a great look at the Continental Divide or other scenic parts of the mountains that are difficult to access on foot. For a slower ride, try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing—you can bring your own or rent a pair from one of the many outdoors supply companies in Colorado—to see the sights and get your workout along the more scenic route. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and want to tour the backcountry, there are many huts available for rent where you stay a night or a week to recharge and get some of the best tracks in the state. Climbing enthusiasts don’t need to wait for the snow to melt to try out some of Colorado’s amazing technical climbing areas; they can try their hand at ice climbing instead for a whole new facet of the sport. Popular destinations for ice climbing include Ouray (and the internationally famous Ouray Ice Park), Vail, Lake City, and Silverton, but options can be found all over the state.

Colorado Winter Family Friendly Activites

For a more family-friendly Colorado winter itinerary, there are plenty of hills for sledding and tubing, varying from gentle slopes to more exhilarating runs because, if you haven’t noticed, we’ve got some great terrain for downhill sports out here in the Rockies. You can find designated hills just for sledding and tubing at most major ski resorts, but there are many other great hills all over Colorado.

Families and groups looking for a less physically demanding experience, or couples looking for romance, might enjoy seeing the sights from beneath a soft blanket on a horse-drawn sleigh ride, many of which are accompanied by a delicious dinner and hot drinks. Another really fun and unique way to explore Colorado is on a dog sled, pulled by a dozen huskies through the mountainous paths of the Rockies.

Colorado Resort Towns

During the winter, towns, cities, and ski resorts around Colorado set up ice skating rinks, often in the center of town, so you can lace up and enjoy a few laps around the rink, hold hands with a loved one as you teach them how to move on the ice, or show off your wannabe Olympian skills. Many rinks are open late, especially at ski resorts, so you can enjoy them as an aprés ski activity. There are also many natural ice skating rinks around Colorado, like at Evergreen Lake, where you can skate surrounded by nature. Many other lakes in Colorado serve as excellent destinations for ice fishing during the winter, where you can sit back and tempt some fish out of the water. At the same time, you enjoy a beer or a hot beverage with friends or in the solitary tranquility of your own company. Note that fishing in Colorado does require a license.

And speaking of that tranquility, winter is the perfect time of year to take advantage of some of the amazing stargazing opportunities that Colorado provides. Some of the best locations for this will be in the southern or eastern regions of the state, far from the big cities and their light pollution. Winter is traditionally best for stargazing, and at places like the UFO Watchtower in Hooper, CO, or Last Chance, CO, out in the northeastern region of the state, you’ll see a mindblowing number of stars. Just remember to bundle up and bring a thermos of hot cocoa.

Colorado Winter Activities to Keep You Warm

But perhaps the cold doesn’t appeal to you, and you’re looking to warm up, relax, or have fun without needing to bundle up in a million layers. If that’s the case, you’re still in luck because one of the benefits of Colorado’s diverse geological terrain is the abundance of natural hot springs. From the intimate rock pools of Strawberry Hot Springs near Steamboat to the Olympic-sized swimming pool of hot, mineral spring-fed water in Glenwood Springs, you’ve got many choices regarding where you want to soak. Many of these springs are accompanied by an on-site spa, where you can indulge in a relaxing massage or other treatment to help rejuvenate you and make you feel your best. Other popular destinations for hot springs include Pagosa Hot Springs, Hot Sulphur Springs, Idaho Springs, Dunton Hot Springs, and Cottonwood Hot Springs.

You may also find a fun (and warmer!) experience waiting for you at some of the museums and art galleries across Colorado, which can be found virtually anywhere in the state. From the US Mint and the Denver Art Museum in the state’s capital to the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame in Vail, you’ll have no trouble finding indoor fun to keep you busy. Or suppose museum culture’s not your thing. In that case, you’ll still get a good taste of Colorado by visiting its many breweries, distilleries, and restaurants, which offer a fun and casual way to spend blustery winter days that are too cold to be spent outside.

Colorado Winter Events

No matter where you end up this winter, there are bound to be some great local events happening in the area. December brings the lead-up to the holiday season: Christmas markets, tree lightings, meet and greets with the big man in red himself, and tons of fun festivals featuring food, drinks, and live music. At several big ski resorts in Colorado, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve mean torchlight parades, in which hundreds of skiers and snowboarders race down the mountain with blazing torches in hand for a fun and beautiful show.

Cultural events also abound during the winter, like Breckenridge’s annual Ullr Fest to celebrate the Norse god of snow or Nederland’s charming Frozen Dead Guy Days, which celebrates a unique story in their local history with events like coffin racing and frozen turkey bowling.

There are also plenty of events that celebrate winter itself, like the International Snow Sculpture Championship, which is held each year in Breckenridge and features competitors from all over the world who build massive and beautiful sculptures out of 25-ton blocks of snow. On a similar scale of beauty, there’s Dillon Ice Castles, an incredible yearly art installation that lets you explore icy tunnels and corridors and climb through rooms bordered by the frozen towers of a man-made castle built entirely out of ice. At night, the castle is lit up in bright colors.

If you’re staying at a ski resort or you’re close by, keep an eye out for their annual calendar of events. There’s always something fun happening in Colorado ski resort towns, especially on weekends, from beer festivals to live music. Goofy competitions, like fat tire bike racing in the snow or pond skimming toward the end of the season offer a fun and exciting activity for both curious spectators and the daredevils who want to participate.

Colorado Winter Sporting Events

As one of the premier winter sports destinations in the country, Colorado is naturally home to some of the biggest events and competitions in winter sports, and if you’re around during the colder months, chances are you might run into a few.

First, there’s the X Games, one of the biggest events in the world that happens right in Aspen every January. Some of the top athletes in the world flock to Colorado for the X Games, and every event is free and open to the public, so if you’re in the area you can bundle up and watch some truly legendary skiers, snowboarders, and winter athletes show off their skills. Similarly, the Dew Tour happens every year in Breckenridge during December, and it’s also free to attend. Both events also feature live music performances from some A-list acts.

On a more niche level is the Ouray Ice Festival, which takes place every year in January. The Ouray Ice Festival draws thousands of ice climbers from near and far, who test their mettle as they climb the Uncompahgre Gorge, a one-mile-long frozen winter ice park. Spectators can watch from the top of the gorge as climbers attempt this feat, and spend their evenings eating, drinking, and dancing at the following party.

If you’re looking for a whole different type of winter fun, try the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo, a huge annual event in Denver that features over 15,000 animals. You can watch horse and cattle shows, shop for a new pair of cowboy boots at the markets, or watch brave rodeo riders try to stay seated on a bucking bronco or in bull riding events. The National Western Stock Show and Rodeo is the world’s largest stock show It takes place every year in January with events tailored for everyone.

Colorado National Parks in the Winter

The Rocky Mountains mean that Colorado has a front-row seat to some of the most incredible nature in the country, and it is home to four beautiful National Parks: Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. While some of these parks are more trafficked than others (Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, while Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the least-visited), visiting them during the winter brings with it a few benefits, namely much smaller crowds.

A winter visit to Great Sand Dunes means climbing immense dunes topped with snow and great sledding. While many popular attractions like Trail Ridge Road are closed during the winter in Rocky Mountain National Park, you won’t have to deal with the tour buses and caravans of cars that pull up to popular trailheads. Your chances of spotting wildlife like moose, elk, or bighorn sheep are high. This time of year provides many photo opportunities, and your hikes will be serene. Just remember to research before you visit to check trail conditions; bring your snowshoes or cross-country skis depending on where you go.

Colorado Winter

Whether you’re spending your winter in the mountains, along the Front Range, or on the Western Slope, you’ll have your pick of accommodations, from luxury resorts in world-class ski towns to a rugged cabin in the backwoods of the mountains, with a roaring fire. Still, wherever you end up, you’ll find no shortage of fun activities to keep you busy during your stay.

Indoor Activities

Colorado Indoors

Here in Colorado, we are lucky enough to enjoy 300 days of sunshine a year. Combined with our state’s incredible beauty, that means Colorado is comfortably in possession of some great outdoor activity options. But on those days when it’s raining, snowing, or you don’t feel like facing Mother Nature, Colorado also has some fun and exciting indoor attractions as well.

If You’re Looking for Family-Friendly Fun…

Trying to keep the little ones entertained when the weather isn’t being cooperative can be tough, but in Colorado, your options for fun are just as plentiful as if it were a sunny day. For active adventure, try an indoor ski and snowboard park, which can help kids learn to handle themselves on the slopes no matter what the time of year. Some popular ones include Shredder Urban Ski & Snowboard Park in Boulder, and Woodward at Copper Mountain Ski Resort. There’s also the tempting call of indoor amusement parks, like Bananas Fun Park in Grand Junction, or Lollipop Park in Centennial, which has indoor rides like a carousel, teacup ride, and train rides, as well as other fun attractions like a house of mirrors, a bouncy castle, and a snack bar. Look out for indoor swimming pools in your area as well, many of Rec Centers have kid-designated swimming areas and even waterslides.

If You’re Looking to Experience Nature Indoors…

So maybe you’re still trying to get on Mother Nature’s good side, even if you don’t want to be out in her backyard. Colorado has lots of indoor activities that involve nature, and you can check them out next time you’re in the mood. The Botanic Gardens in Denver have a beautiful indoor conservatory filled with tropical plants, winding walkways, and even some critters like frogs and birds. In Westminster, the Butterfly Pavilion is an incredible way to not only learn about butterflies, but also get up close and personal with them. The pavilion even offers low sensory mornings for visitors with special needs who might be overwhelmed by regular admission hours. Another great way to experience nature from the safety of an enclosed building is at the downtown Aquarium, located in Denver, where you can get up close and personal with lots of marine wildlife and learn about their habitats.

If You’re Looking for Action…

Indoor climbing and bouldering gyms can be found all over the state of Colorado, so no matter where you are and what the weather’s like, there’s an opportunity for you to train on a wide variety of routes of varying skill levels. Being stuck indoors is also no excuse not to be able to practice your moves for the ski slopes, no matter the time of year. SNÖBAHN Indoor Ski + Snowboard Center in Centennial and Woodward at Copper Mountain both offer year round indoor ski and snowboard opportunities, whether you’re looking for lessons or just need to tune up your skills before the temperature drops and the resorts open for the season. Indoor ice complexes offer a great opportunity to go ice skating or play hockey year round, and indoor swimming pools mean you can break out that bikini no matter the weather. At Spin City in Grand Junction, you can roller skate with friends or family to a loud and fun soundtrack. Looking for even more of a thrill? Try indoor skydiving at iFLY Denver, where you’ll float and soar on a column of pressurized air, or indoor go-kart racing at Unser Racing. For some all ages fun that will bring you back to your childhood (and most likely leave you breathless), check out Jump Street, where you’ll find over twenty thousand square feet of wall to wall trampolines.

If You’re Looking to Play Games…

Arcades are definitely a fun way to spend a rainy day or an otherwise boring evening. Grab a craft beer and get nostalgic as you play Pacman or Skeeball at The 1-Up in Denver, or try some new age Virtual Reality games at the VR Arcade in Breckenridge. For a little bit more of a mind workout, grab some friends and sign up for an Escape Room. These challenging puzzles test your ability to work under pressure as you work together to try and escape an enclosed space, and they’re offered all over the state, from Colorado’s biggest cities to some of our smaller mountain towns. Maybe you’re looking for a different type of game: the kind where the stakes are high and the atmosphere is electric. In that case, head on over to one of the many casinos in Colorado to try your luck.

If You’re Looking for Art and Culture…

There’s no shortage of museums in Colorado. In Denver alone, there’s the Museum of nature and Science, the Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the History Colorado Center, the Wings over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, and the Forney Museum of Transportation, just to name a few. But there are also great museums all over the Centennial State, and they cover a huge variety of subject matter. In Durango, you’ll find the Durango Cannabis Discovery Center, which details the rise of the cannabis industry in Colorado and around the world, and educates visitors on the production and history of marijuana. In Silverton, the Mining Heritage Museum and 1902 Jail offers an insightful look at the lives of miners during the Colorado Gold Rush. For a different look at history, try the Summit Ski Exhibit in Breckenridge or the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame in Vail to learn about the Rockies as a ski destination and the rise of snow sports in general. And we haven’t even mentioned the art galleries in Colorado, where you can find incredible souvenirs and look at art, ceramics, jewelry, and other amazing visual creations made by both local and nationally recognized artists. Who knows? Looking at all these exhibits and art might even spark some creativity in you, in which case you might want to check out some of the painting and ceramics studios in Colorado, where you can create your own.

If You’re Looking To See How It’s Made…

Some of the incredible products and resources you use every day are made right here in Colorado, and many of those facilities offer tours so you can get a good look at exactly how they do it. Visit the US Mint in Denver to learn about the production of coins and money, or check out the Celestial Seasonings factory in Boulder to learn about how they make their world famous herbal tea. At the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour in Silverton, you can learn about production from a more historical standpoint, and see how miners searched for gold in the caverns they dug through the mountains. Then, of course, there’s the booze. Colorado is a major destination when it comes to craft beer, and many of the breweries throughout the state offer detailed tours of their brewing facilities. There’s Coors in Golden, which is undoubtedly the largest of Colorado’s breweries, but also other options like New Belgium in Fort Collins, which makes the popular Fat Tire amber ale, and other, smaller breweries which offer tours as well. (Most offer samples of their product, too!) Also make sure to check out some of the distilling operations in Colorado, like Breckenridge Distillery, or Stranahan’s Whiskey Distillery, both of which offer great tours.

If You’re Looking to Relax…

Check out some of the amazing spas in Colorado, many of which are conveniently located in resort towns, so if you’re already on vacation and looking for a day away from the cold of the slopes, you’ll have easy access. Treat yourself to a massage, a facial, body scrub, or other treatment to rejuvenate yourself and feel like a whole new you. If you were hoping to check out some of the hot springs in Colorado, then you’re also in luck, because the weather doesn’t need to get you down. There are several indoor hot springs options, like the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center, which boasts the largest indoor hot springs in North America. For another unique way to relax, try a float studio, where you’ll float weightless in salt water with complete sensory deprivation to allow your mind to fully relax in a way like no other.

If You’re Looking to Watch a Game…

Colorado happens to be home to several professional sports teams, and some of those teams play indoors. The Denver Nuggets (basketball) regular season usually runs from October through April, and tickets to their games at Pepsi Center are pretty easy to come by. Also playing at Pepsi Center are the Colorado Avalanche, the NHL hockey team, and the Colorado Mammoth lacrosse team. But if you’re not in Denver, there’s also plenty of college and regional sporting events that take place indoors. For an exciting way to spend an evening, check the local calendar for events and tournaments, or seek out your area’s local roller derby team.

If You’re Looking to be Entertained…

Catch a live show, whether it’s from the Colorado Symphony or a nationally touring musical theatre production, from one of the many great performing arts centers in Colorado. Colleges, high schools, and community theaters put on some stellar productions throughout the year that won’t break the bank. On a similar note, you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t check out some of the live music opportunities in Colorado; we have tons of great music venues, from dive bars to stadiums, that bring the absolute best in both local talent and internationally-known artists. For something a little more low key, take in a movie at one of Colorado’s theaters, where you can sit back with a big tub of popcorn and watch the latest blockbuster or independent film.

If You’re Looking to Enjoy a Meal or a Drink…

Restaurants in Colorado offer a wide variety of delicious food options. Foodwise, we’re particularly well known for the spicy green chile that is served both as a soup and also smothered over practically everything, as well as for Colorado lamb and bison, but restaurants in the Centennial state are much more diverse than that. You’ll find amazing burgers, steakhouses, seafood, and international offerings on the table, in a variety of environments from casual to fine dining. And make sure you wash that meal down with a fantastic drink. Colorado is an absolute mecca when it comes to craft beer, with more than three hundred individual breweries including four of the top 50 breweries in the country. We’ve also got some prime distilleries, so make sure to add those to your list as well. Relaxing with friends over a flight of beer, or savoring the taste of a mixed drink handcrafted from the best Colorado-made whiskey, is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend an evening, especially when it’s accompanied by a great meal and better company.

So this year when the temperature drops, or in the spring when the rainy season’s got you down, take heart in the fact that your day doesn’t have to be ruined. Colorado has so many great and fun indoor activity options just waiting for you to discover them.

Sightseeing

Sightseeing in Spectacular Colorado

If you have come to Colorado to enjoy sightseeing, there is nothing more spectacular than Colorado’s mountain vistas, canyonlands, and natural beauty. Around every bend lies yet another amazing view, scenes of wildlife or flora unfolding.

For those who are truly on a sightseeing mission, plan your trip to explore some part of the many National and State Parks, National Forests, and BLM land that are abundant throughout this state. Most National and state parks offer guided tours. The more remote you can venture, the more spectacular the views and your experience with nature become. However, it’s tempting to want to visit many locations. Realistically, you are better off selecting an area to explore. This way, you can really get to know the geology, flora, and fauna, visit notable attractions or go on a wildflower hike.

Traveling the state by RV is very popular

Mountain passes and byways are spectacular. Reaching heights of over 10,000 feet, winding through Aspen groves, or crossing bridges over deep canyons is an ever-transforming and exciting experience. Check out our scenic summer drive recommendations. However, travel by RV can be a bit nerve-racking with all the challenges that mountain driving presents. Please be aware that mountain driving is not well suited for those not experienced with this type of driving. Your vehicle needs to be in top shape as well. Consider a sightseeing tour and leave the driving to a seasoned expert.

Sightsee By Rail – a great way to see the sights

We suggest the best way to travel into remote and spectacular mountainous regions is by narrow gauge rail, otherwise known as a scenic train ride. This is a wonderful way to see the sights with your entire family or group of friends while leaving the tough mountainous navigation to the train engineer. You can completely immerse yourself in the Rocky Mountain scenery and listen to historical tales along the way. Allow yourself to become distracted by each new view, hold your camera with both hands and talk at the same time.

Sightseeing Wildflower Hikes

There’s nothing more spectacular than seeing and smelling the bloom of Colorado’s wildflowers. With so many various elevations and geographies in this state, you need only seek the right locations to find glorious foliage. Crested Butte celebrates wildflowers during its annual festival, or check out these wildflower hikes.

Sightseeing by Gondola or Chairlift

Colorado’s popular resort towns run gondolas and select chairlifts in the summertime, offering sightseeing, hiking and mountain biking trail access, top-of-the-mountain dining, and other activities.

Telluride’s Mountain-to-Town Gondola

Telluride has a FREE gondola connecting the town with Mountain Village, stopping at San Sophia Station. This gondola makes accessing the Market grocery store, the Mountain Village Post Office, the Town Hall, and the ski slopes and hiking trails easy. Plus, there’s an eyeful along the way.

Off-Road Tours

Colorado is full of rugged mining roads left over from the gold and silver boom days. These roads offer amazing views and access to vistas and remote areas. Ouray and the Royal Gorge Region are both excellent choices. You can find tour companies to handle the driving while you sit back and take in the sights. However, there are many other places throughout the state where you can find similar experiences.

Winter Snowcat Tour Sightseeing

A popular way to get close to the winter landscape is on a snowcat tour. These modern transportation machines are impressive to ride in as they easily navigate through the forest and up and down steep hills. For those with a bit more adventurous edge, try a snowmobile tour.

Mountain Horseback Riding Tours

A great way to get close to nature and see beautiful sites is on a mountain horseback ride. Enjoy a casual day with your friends and a horse along a scenic mountain trail.

Sightseeing Colorado’s Beautiful Lakes

Colorado has more than 4,000 lakes and reservoirs to enjoy. Many have marinas that offer boat rentals or have a beach nearby. Colorado’s State Parks usually feature a wonderful mountain lake with hiking trails and other amenities. State parks often promote wildlife and birdwatching so bring the binoculars along. Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon is a popular and spectacular lake to visit.

Sightseeing in Colorado means being prepared

If you’re traveling by vehicle, ensure your auto is in perfect condition, especially the brakes.
If you’re going to be hiking, make sure your shoes are comfortable and broken in before heading out.

In any case, you must bring all-weather clothing: a jacket that will protect you from wind, rain, or snow, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and daypacks for all your extra gear, food, and water. Don’t forget your camera or phone so you can bring home all those spectacular sights. Be advised that cell service is limited at best in the mountains, and outlets for charging are not always available. Most of all, enjoy your Colorado experience.

Arcades

Colorado’s Arcades, Game On!

In Colorado, arcades are not a thing of the past. Colorado’s Front Range boasts many, from family-friendly settings to those with more sophisticated atmospheres. All the arcades span from Boulder to Fort Carson. Most likely because of the high density of the urban population in these areas. If you miss the arcade experience you grew up with or just like the gamer hall experience. Seek out an arcade the next time you’re in the Front Range.

Colorado Aspen Trees in the Fall with snow on the mountains

Fall in Colorado, Things to do

Best Things to Do During Fall in Colorado

Fall in Colorado means you start to pull out your sweatshirts and pack up your shorts. Finding things to do during the fall is really not hard in Colorado. Actually, Autumn in Colorado is a magical time: the air is crisp, the sun is less intense, and the glow from the changing leaves warms the landscape. With fewer crowds and off-season deals to take advantage of; it's a great time to experience all of what Colorado has to offer.

#1 Take a Scenic Drive

Witnessing Colorado's changing aspen leaves in the high country is a great way to spend a day or two. You can pack up the car (don't forget the dog!) and take a drive over and around the continental divide or get off the beaten path, leave the driving to the pros, and go on a leaf-peeping jeep tour. The leaves up high will start to turn before the lower elevations, so be sure to check the fall foliage prediction map for your favorite leaf-peeping area. You can also head out towards Rocky Mountain Nation park and take a driving tour of the Peak-to-Peak Byway.

#2 Fall in Colorado - Scenic Train Ride

Scenic Train rides are a perfect way to see the leaves turning by letting someone else take care of the driving! The Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad runs special trains in the fall. Take in the sweeping views of the Arkansa River Valley on themed rides, including The Halloween Express and Oktoberfest on the Leadville Railroad! Get your reservation soon because these trips do book up! Or, if you're heading to the the south-west corner of Colorado, be sure to book a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad.

#3 High-altitude Hike or Bike Ride

Pack your layers and head to the high country for some great experiences on the high-alpine trails. Monarch Crest, Kenosha Pass or Searle Pass are great this time of year and the views cannot be beaten. The temperature swings are greater in the fall, you might ascend with a beanie on your head, and descend in shorts and a t-shirt, so pack for all seasons. Be sure to watch the weather for the occasional afternoon storms.

#4 Oktoberfest - Fall in Colorado

Break out the lederhosen and steins and attend one of the many Oktoberfest Celebrations throughout the state.

#5 Visit a pumpkin patch & Fall Festival

The shift in seasons brings autumn traditions across the state. Pack up the kiddos and visit these pumpkin patches, corn mazes and cheerful tasty festivals for a wicked good time.

#6 Hot Springs

Hot Springs are great in every season, but there's something about the cooling air that makes us to want to dive in during the fall in Colorado. Book a soak in one of our recommended hot springs, explore our hot springs guide, or get off the beaten path and seek out the "secret" hike-to hot springs.

#7 Romantic weekend getaway

Grab your favorite person and head to the mountains for one of these cozy romantic getaways. With kids going back to school, the high tourist season in Colorado winds down. Deals on lodging can be expected across the board. Now's the time to stay at that boutique small-town inn or bed & breakfast.

#8 Find Deals on just about everything

Fall in Colorado is the best off-season going. Merchants are gearing up for winter and would rather sell their stuff than have to store it. Campgrounds empty out as well. So, you can take your pick at your favorite campsite. Hunting season is underway but most of these people are deep in the woods. Bring your orange outerwear along (hat, coat) or check the hunting seasons so to be properly dressed for hiking. You can count on all other types of lodging to be discounted too. 'Tiss the season to shop for deals, stay for less, and enjoy the spectacular fall colors.

South Park

South Park, Colorado

Perched high in the Colorado Rockies, South Park Colorado is a microcosm of Western history. From deep canyons to vast grasslands to snowy peaks and alpine meadows, this compelling basin is home to the nation’s highest incorporated town, gold mines, cattle ranches, and mountain passes. As one of only 49 National Heritage Areas in the United States, South Park offers a rare glimpse of pioneer life at high altitudes during the settlement of the American West.

This region is a landscape rich with heritage and attracts individuals who value Western authenticity. Some ranches have been operated for five generations by the same family. As they have for centuries, residents still depend on the land for their livelihood, recreation, and quality of life. As other places lose their inherent charm, South Park becomes a more engaging destination.

South Park Heritage

South Park boasts an array of nationally significant artifacts that reflect different aspects of this country’s heritage. The basin’s high peaks, clear streams, and copious wildlife embody the resources that sustained the native people and attracted settlers west. Hundreds of historic sites and structures still remain 150 years after the development of early mining, railroading, and ranching at 10,000 feet. Local events celebrate the lives of early pioneers in this area. Together, these resources and traditions evoke images of the struggle for prosperity that played out within the ring of mountains that define Colorado’s largest mountain park.

Park County Courthouse

Seven years after Fairplay became the county seat in 1867, the old Park County Courthouse was built of native sandstone in the Italianate style. Along with the adjacent stone jail, this building witnessed a parade of the famous, the notorious, and the ordinary. Known as the “hanging court,” decisions made here had a profound impact on Colorado case law. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it now serves as a public library and is one of 12 properties showcased in the Fairplay Historic Walking Tour brochure.

Boreas Pass Section House

Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the Boreas Pass Section House was built in 1882 to house railroad workers on the Denver, SP & Pacific Railroad Highline Route between Como and Breckenridge. Next to the Section House, the 1860s Wagon Cabin was built when this route was a mere wagon trail over the Continental Divide. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, these structures now serve as a visitor center and museum during summer and a backcountry ski hut during winter.

More About South Park Colorado

Perhaps you’re curious about the more modern attraction, the cartoon South Park. What does this area of Colorado have to do with the cartoon anyway? One can really only speculate on the subject. Perhaps these two places (one real, the other fictional) have nothing to do with one another. It’s just a mere coincidence that they bear similar names. However, it’s also possible that there’s more to it than mere coincidence. One similarity that stands out is that the historical South Park was outlandish, full of ironies and scandal. This is also true about the cartoon. Learn more about South Park, Fairplay, and Conifer, Colorado. Some interesting connections between them might satisfy your curiosity.

Highway US 24 Corridor

Transcontinental Highway of 1926 – US 24

U.S. Hwy 24 or Route 24 is one of the original transcontinental highways of 1926. Initially, it started at Pontiac, Michigan in the east and headed west, and terminated at Kansas City, Missouri. Today US 24 runs from Independence Township, Michigan at an intersection with I-75, and terminates at Minturn, Colorado at an intersection with I-70.

When the US highway system was started in 1926, US Route 24 in Colorado was called US 40S. This highway started in Grand Junction and proceeded west along the current I-70 route to Minturn. Then proceeded to the current route to Limon. From Limon, it proceeded to the Kansas border and was called US 40N. The US 40S and US 40N, west and east of Limon respectively received US 24 designation in 1936; however, in 1975 when US 24 was extended west from Kansas City, Missouri. The stretch between Grand Junction and Minturn was decommissioned.

Looking back on the naming and development of US Route 24 and how this transitioned into other major highways is confusing, to say the least; however, it does let us know that US 24 was an important highway in terms of western migration and the development of west/central United States.

Telegraph Road

Dixie Highway in Pontiac, Michigan, and Laskey Road in Toledo, Ohio, denote a section of highway that was known as Telegraph Road. This telling name came about before the highway even existed after the telegraph wires which ultimately ran parallel to the route. US Route 24 was the western edge of Telegraph Road that ran through Detroit. Mark Knopfler of the Dire Straits even wrote the song “Telegraph Road”, which is the story of the development and decay of this highway.

Escape Rooms

Colorado Escape Rooms

Try your luck and see if you can escape in time!

Palisade

Palisade, Colorado

A town in Mesa County, Colorado. Palisade, part of the Grand Junction Metropolitian statistical area, and named for the cliffs near town. Palisade is most famous for delicious peaches and wine vineyards. Although that’s what Palisade is known for, this small town on Colorado’s western slope embodies all of what Colorado is about. Palisade’s nearly central location but lower elevation of 4,728 feet makes it an area with warmer year-round temperatures, a longer growing season, yet close to skiinig and other mountain attractions.

This historical farming community has kept pace with the rest of Colorado. Attractions like rafting, skiing, mountain biking and a variety of farm tours are all right around the corner in Palisade. Colorado National Monument, Tillman Bishop State Wildlife Area, Grand Mesa National Forest, and a variety of parks are all accesible from Palisade.

Fruita

Visit Fruita, Colorado!

Surrounded by dramatic mountain cliffs and gorgeous desert landscapes, this fun little town is dream come true for many adventure seekers. Mountain biking, hiking, Jeep and dirt bike trails cover the thousands of acres of public lands surrounding Fruita.

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