Colorado, also known as the Centennial State, offers an abundance of awe-inspiring sights for you to enjoy, especially in October. The vibrant foliage is a sight to behold, accompanied by delightful aromas, flavors, and engaging activities suitable for every member of the family. Discover more places to explore and exciting activities to indulge in during your October visit to this spectacular state.
Where to Visit in Colorado, During October
Early October is best for visiting the mountain region of Colorado to see the changing of the Aspen leaves. But later in the month, the front range cities of Denver, Boulder, Ft Collins and Colorado Springs may be better destinations. There are so many places worth visiting in Colorado during the month of October, but these are a few of the most popular places and activities that you won’t want to miss.
Adore the Changing of the Colors
The autumn season is arguably one of the best times to visit Colorado. The aspen trees and massive groves that put on their colorful spectacle during that time. It is a great time to visit the mountains of Colorado. The summer crowds have dissipated and the mountains are spectacular. Get out on a hike or bike ride to take in some of their truly incredible scenery. Here are the many mountain towns where you can witness Colorado’s beautiful autumn foliage.
Take a Drive
Colorado is home to some spectacular mountain passes. As these do tend to be at higher altitude, the leaves may start to change earlier. But even in October the views from these can be breathtaking.
Some of the more scenic passes can also be a bit scary to drive. Check out one of these five spectacular scenic drives!
Two of our favorite mountain passes are Red Mountain Pass and Independence Pass.
Whether you drive a mountain pass, there are plenty of iconic mountain peaks in Colorado, And, many different ways to experience them.
Ride a Train
October in the mountains of Colorado is beautiful time of year to take a scenic train rode. Catch what is left of the leaves changing color, along with a possible dusting of snow on the mountain peaks. Be sure to check out Colorado train rides in the autumn for amazing views.
Any of Colorado’s Corn Mazes
Picking a pumpkin out of the pumpkin patch and getting lost in a corn maze is especially a popular activity to do throughout the country during the fall. Colorado is no different. There are many family-friendly farms scattered all throughout the state. Your family will love to visit these that have all kinds of games, activities, face paintings, tractor rides, refreshments, and much more waiting for you.
About 15 minutes outside of Denver is the town of Thornton. They put on a Maize in the City that kids and parents have come to love.
There are plenty of pumpkin patches around the state, many of which offer Corn Mazes.
Witness Elk Bugling
When a bull elk is searching for a mate, they let out a strange bugling sound that can be heard a great distance away. There’s no other sound in all of nature that is quite like it. It only takes place around mid-September until early October.
One of the best places to witness this strange yet fascinating phenomenon is in Estes Park. The annual Elk Fest is a free festival that’s also worth checking into while you’re there. You’ll find bugling contests, arts and crafts, live music, kids activities, elk exhibits, and their beer garden.
Apple Picking
Sweet and juicy delicious apples are ripe for the picking when fall rolls around. There’re many apple orchards to choose from in the state that allow the public to pick their own apples. Ya Ya Farm and Orchard is located about 36 miles north of Denver and is one of the most popular orchards in the state.
You’ll be busy making wonderful apple jams and jellies, pies, and applesauce when you get home, or you can choose to stop by Adam’s Apple Orchard & Country Store. Their country store already has made these goodies for you. Their apple orchard is located about 73 miles to the northeast of Denver.
Lumberjack Festivals
Lumberjack festivals and axe throwing are fun fall activities in Colorado. While axe throwing can be found around the state year-rounds, fall brings lumberjack festivals to the state. It is the perfect excuse to break out the flannel and try out a new activity!
Take a Hike
This is one of our favorite times of the year to hike. Whether taking in the turning of the leaves at an alpine lake with the mountains reflecting off the still water, or hiking through a golden aspen grove to one of Colorado’s spectacular waterfalls, this is the time of year to get out and enjoy the cool fall days before the snow falls.
October Colorado Weather
You may also want to know that the average temperature for Colorado during the month of October. It is right around the upper 50’s to mid-’60s, so it’s typically a quite pleasant time to visit. Just remember to bring a sweatshirt or hoodie that you can throw on. Then enjoy a hot apple cider when you start feeling chilly.
The month of October is a favorite time to visit Colorado in order to enjoy the sights, smells, and tastes that keep bringing many visitors back every single year. If you’ve visited the state during that time, what are some other places and events that you would recommend that are worth looking into?
Then just around the corner is Thanksgiving. Discover our favorite places to visit in Colorado for a Thanksgiving celebration.
Anywhere you drive in Colorado in the Autumn is beautiful. It is good to know that one can pick apples in some of the many apple orchards.