It's official: Sweater weather is here! There's no better feeling than that first crisp morning, that first sip of a pumpkin spice latte, and the first time you see an aspen tree blaze with color. If you're ready to fall in love with autumn all over again, grab your coziest blanket and check out our list of the best ways to celebrate the season right here in Colorado.
Leaf Peeping
One of the most beautiful things about a Colorado fall is watching the aspen leaves turn to brilliant gold. Want to see the show for yourself? Here’s your map to finding those perfect views.
Mid-September to Early October
Leaves at elevations above 9,500 feet start changing around this time. With lower temperatures and higher altitudes, these areas are the first to put on their show!
- Maroon Bells: This is your chance to see the famous Maroon Bells all decked out in autumn glory. Pro tip: If you're coming from Denver, the drive over Independence Pass is a stunning journey in itself!
- Rocky Mountain National Park: For a closer destination, RMNP is only about an hour and a half from Denver. With abundant aspen groves around Bear Lake, it's a great spot to visit, and you can take another scenic drive on the Peak-to-Peak Byway to get there from Denver.
Late September to Mid-October
Now it's the turn of the leaves at 7,000–9,000 feet. This is prime time for all the popular spots along the Front Range, making them perfect for a quick day trip… or even a cozy weekend getaway.
- Georgetown Loop Railroad: Approximately one hour from Denver, Georgetown, CO offers an experience like no other. With their Georgetown Loop Railroad, catch a ride on a steam locomotive to see the leaves change in an authentically Colorado way.
- Lake Dillon and Frisco: These lively mountain towns are surrounded by beautiful fall colors. You can shop, grab a meal, go for a hike, or just chill out and enjoy the scenery.
Most of October
This will be the best time to see fall colors at elevations from 6,000 to 8,000 feet!
- San Juan Mountains: For a leaf-peeping experience that feels a little different from the typical Rockies, head south! The San Juan Mountains offer unique, jaw-dropping views this time of year.
- Kenosha Pass hike: Ready for a challenge? This out-and-back trail is 11.5 miles round trip and typically takes about six hours. The best part? You can turn around any time you want, so even a shorter hike promises incredible views.
Early October to Mid-November
Don't think you have to leave the city to see the show! This is when the last of the leaves turn, even in your own neighborhood.
- City parks: Head to Washington Park or Sloan's Lake for some classic Denver views. The trees reflecting on the water make for a truly picturesque scene.
- High Line Canal Trail: Ride your bike or take a stroll down all 70 miles (or… maybe just part) of the High Line Canal Trail, which meanders through Denver, and is canopied by cottonwood trees that will be changing colors.
Beyond the Leaves: Fall Activities
Autumn isn't just about trees! There's a whole lot happening around Denver. C·U·D. has put together a list of some of our favorite ways to celebrate the season.
Denver Oktoberfest: Open September 19th – 22nd, 2025 and September 26th – 28th, 2025
- A multiple weekend festival, Denver Oktoberfest takes place in the heart of downtown. Enjoy the celebration by listening to live music while eating a Bavarian pretzel and drinking from your commemorative stein.
Anderson Farms Fall Festival: Open September 24th – November 21st, 2025
- The place for family fun! Anderson Farms boasts Colorado's largest corn maze, a pumpkin patch, wagon rides, and countless other activities.
Boo at the Zoo: Open October 3rd – 26th, 2025
- What’s cooler than trick-or-treating? Maybe trick-or-treating at the Denver Zoo. Come out to celebrate Halloween with some animals and leave with some candy.
Chatfield Farms Pumpkin Festival: Open October 10th – October 12th, 2025
- This festival at the Denver Botanic Gardens has it all: a 10-acre pumpkin patch, a corn maze, magic shows, and more.
Día de los Muertos at Civic Center: Open on October 25th, 2025
- Join the Denver Botanic Gardens at the Civic Center to celebrate this beautiful cultural tradition. It’s a wonderful community event and great opportunity to learn about a culture that may differ from your own.
A Taste of Fall: Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe
Want to fill your home with the delicious scent of autumn? This super easy recipe for pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies (courtesy of Delish) is perfect for sharing with family, friends, and neighbors!
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
- ½ tsp. Cream of Tartar
- ½ tsp. Baking Soda
- ½ tsp. Kosher Salt
- ½ cup (or 1 stick) Unsalted Butter
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1/3 cup Pumpkin Puree
- 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
- Cinnamon-Sugar
Directions:
- Prep time: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry’s: Whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream the wets: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is combined.
- Combine the magic: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stopping once everything is just combined.
- Roll and coat: Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough at a time. Roll each scoop into a ball, then roll it through the cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing it on your baking sheet. Pro tip: If the dough is too sticky, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes, and then try rolling again.
- Bake and enjoy: Bake for roughly 12 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies start to crack and the centers are just set. Let them cool slightly and then dive in!
Whether you spend your autumn exploring mountain trails, getting lost in a corn maze, or simply enjoying the perfect pumpkin cookie at home, we hope your fall is filled with warmth and good vibes. No matter how you celebrate, C·U·D. is here to help you fall into the season with a smile. Happy adventuring!