How To Celebrate Fall In Colorado

September is here! That means fall is right around the corner. Fall is by far my favorite season. Even more, experiencing it in Colorado makes it that much better. From the breathtaking scenery and vibrant foliage colors to fun events and activities, Colorado is the state to be in during the autumn season. Here are some great places to enjoy and celebrate the fall season in Colorado.

Pick A Festival

These annual festivals show off Rocky Mountain culture at its finest. Denver Beer Fest  – We might be biased, but we’re of the opinion that Denver is America’s #1 beer city. Need proof? We've been hosting the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) – the Super Bowl of beer – for decades. To be sure, GABF sells out well in advance of the event but have no fear. Denver Beer Fest coincides with GABF. It’s a nine-day event with more than 100 beer-related activities. Enjoy tap takeovers, rare beer tappings, firkin nights, meet the brewer events, beer and food pairings, and much more. September 14-22, 2018, Denver

Elk Fest  –  Estes Park is known for being home to hundreds of bull elk. Every fall, their haunting mating calls fill the Estes Valley. To celebrate the species, Estes Park hosts the annual (and free!) Elk Fest in Bond Park. You'll enjoy contests, seminars and exhibits, vendors, the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, and arts and crafts. But wait, it doesn’t stop there. Grab a locally brewed beverage from the craft beer garden; dance to Native American music; and enjoy watching the kids playing in the children’s area. September 29-30, 2018

Denver Film Festival – Bringing a touch of red carpet glamor to the Mile High City, the Denver Film Festival is a cinephile’s delight. Celebrating its 40 ^th year in 2018, the Denver Film Festival will pull out all the stops this time around. Check out appearances by Kyra Sedgwick, Aaron Sorkin and Bill Pullman, not to mention a full roster of great independent film. October 31 – November 11, 2018

Experience Fall Foliage

Never mind New England! You haven’t experienced fall foliage until you’ve experienced it in the Rocky Mountains. The aspen trees here turn from green to a glorious shade of gold. 

• Peak to Peak Scenic Bypass – Hike, bike or drive the bypass from Black Hawk and Estes Park ending in Rocky Mountain National Park.
• Georgetown Loop Railroad – Take a vintage steam locomotive through aspen groves between Georgetown and Silver Plume, located approximately 40 miles outside of Denver.
• Guanella Pass – This road climbs to well over 11,000 feet elevation, with a riot of aspen gold lining your drive.

Find A Cozy Outdoor Dining Spot

The weather is just about perfect in Colorado during the fall – not too hot, not too cold. In other words, it’s an ideal time to take advantage of a little al fresco dining. The Woods – Located on The Source Hotel’s expansive rooftop, this restaurant and bar showcases unparalleled city and mountain views paired with a culinary program helmed by beloved Denver chef, Brandon Biederman. Along with Biederman’s approachable menu featuring innovative spins on American classics, the rooftop houses New Belgium Brewing’s experiential barrel aging program, and a living rooftop garden with fresh ingredients.

54thirty – Located on the Le Méridien Denver Downtown’s 20th floor, 54thirty is the highest open-air rooftop bar in the city (5,430 ft. above sea level). With a focus on craft cocktails and globally inspired bar bites, 54thirty elevates the downtown Denver cocktail scene and serves as an above-it-all destination for guests to socialize, sip and stargaze.