Colorado fall hikes and adventures for the conscious explorer.
Use these Colorado fall leaf hikes, colorful bike trails, festivals and water adventures to round out your earth-energy-seeking autumn.
COLORADO FALL LEAF HIKES
Vail: Berrypicker Trail
Hike Vail Mountain on this local favorite. The Berrypicker Trail winds through aspen groves and offers plenty of pause-in-awe moments. As you climb higher you’ll catch a bird’s eye view of Lionshead down bellow and far-reaching valley views at the summit.
Breckenridge: Aspen Alley
Named for its rich golden and orange fall aspen trees, this is a moderate uphill 2.6-mile hike just outside of downtown Breck. Hike up and back down under canopies of brilliant autumn leaves and take in views of the ski resort and town.
Winter Park: Discovery Loop/ Jim Creek Trail
Head three miles south of Winter Park to find this relaxing trek into the James Peak Protection Area. Follow the creek into the woods and savor a 7-mile round-trip hike among gorgeous meadows and aspen groves. Your heart rate will rise with the 1,225 feet of elevation gain.
COLORADO FALL BIKE TRAILS
Vail: Sidekick
Rated beginner/ intermediate, this Vail fall mountain biking trail favorite gradually drops 1,000 exhilarating feet from the top of Gondola One. Use the bike haul lift or challenge yourself on a pedal to the top. Connect to fast, flowy Golden Gate to whip through beautiful aspen stands.
Breckenridge: Bakers Tank
Start on Boreas Pass Road and stop for selfies in front of the Ten Mile Range dressed in its glowing autumn coat and then cruise through the famous tunnel of gold and into the forest to fly down wooded winding singletrack.
Winter Park: Rogers Pass
Test yourself on this difficult-rated Continental Divide ride. Drink in endless above-treeline views of James Peak, Perry Peak and surrounding ranges. The badass workout will push your legs and lungs and wow you on the stunning descent.
Colorado Fall Farm Fests and Feasts
Two weekends: September 9–11 and 16–18, 2022
Vail’s Oktoberfest is a Colorado fall celebration not to miss. Revel in oompah music, bratwursts, beers and lederhosen in this ode to German tradition. There’s even a professional yodeler.
Breckenridge: Strings, Ciders & Sours
September 16–18, 2022
Dance to live bluegrass, nosh yummy food and take in autumn mountain splendor while sipping the best craft sour beer and hard ciders around.
Winter Park: Grand Kids Fall Fest
September 17, 2022
This fun, family-friendly day is filled with music, food, a silent auction, face painting, bobbing for donuts, bouncy castles and more. Fall Fest is a parent-run fundraiser for the Grand Kids Early Learning Center.
Colorado Star Gazing
Get away from the bright city lights and experience designated International Dark Sky Parks (IDSP). Colorado is blessed with 15 designated locations that have been recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association, mainly in the southwestern and south central part of the state. Plan a trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Curecanti National Recreation Area or Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and take in glorious nighttime solar system views.
FALL RIVER FLOATS
There’s still time to get out and SUP or raft the Colorado River. Fall flows will take you down the Upper Colorado stretch near State Bridge or the Shoshone stretch near Glenwood Springs. Take in the cool autumn scene and fly fish from the boat or just row and relax on these mellow river floats.
COLORADO FALL HOT SPRINGS SOAKS
These soothing hot springs are within a day trip of Gravity Haus Vail, Breckenridge and Winter Park. Calm your muscles and mind among golden fall foliage and then retreat to your Gravity Haus suite for a great night’s sleep.
Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa
This quiet facility west of Grand Lake features small, peaceful pools, some intensely hot, some more mellow and four kid-friendly. A spa offers massages, herbal wraps and mud masks.
Mountain Princeton Hot Springs Resort
This Rocky Mountain resort near Nathrop in an oasis flanked by Collegiate Peaks. Soak in the historic bath house, small creekside springs, the pool at the spa or the upper pools with a zippy 400-foot water slide.
A pretty drive from Vail to Glenwood Springs, Iron Mountain serves up 16 hot springs pools along the banks of the Colorado River. Kids in tow? There’s a freshwater family pool within view from the elevated hot springs whirlpool.
BOOK YOUR GRAVITY HAUS FALL BASECAMP
With locations in Vail, Breckenridge and Winter Park, Gravity Haus positions you in the center of the best Colorado fall hikes, mountain biking and all around autumn exploring. Book your pet-friendly and family-friendly lodging and savor all the Colorado fall beauty!
