Cool things to do in Colorado this fall

Explore Colorado this fall and uncover the hidden gems this Rocky Mountain state has to offer. Beyond its sunset-red canyons and mountainous backdrops, there’s no shortage of things to do in Colorado. No matter your itinerary, you’re guaranteed to get immersed in local life, whether it’s cultural festivals or the many thrilling nearby attractions. Fall is the ultimate season to tour the Centennial State and embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Start your journey with a Hertz car rental and experience the best of Colorado.

Applefest

235 West Main Street, Cedaredge, CO 81413

Colorado’s orchards flourish with ripened apples during the fall, and they’re yours for the taking at the Cedaredge Applefest. The annual festival honors fruit growers from the local area of Surface Creek Valley to commemorate the fall harvest in the first weekend of October. Celebrations include live music, craft and food vendors, a classic car and antique tractor show and a 5K run. With so many fruit lovers, it’s no wonder the festival sees over 20,000 attendees each year.

The event is along route 65 toward Orchard City Park and is a five-hour drive from Denver. If you fancy an apple or two dipped in rich Cedaredge heritage, this is one of the best places to visit in Colorado.

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The Stanley Hotel

333 Wonderview Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517

The Stanley Hotel tops the list of Colorado attractions as the inspiration behind Stephen King’s novel-turned-movie “The Shining”. Horror fanatics can visit the 100-year-old hotel as part of the Spirited Night Tour. Echoes of laughter and other pulse-pounding sounds can be heard in darkened corners and hallways, and there is an underground tunnel to explore. Join the 60-minute walking tour to learn more about the hotel’s best-kept secrets.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Colorado is teeming with ghost towns and haunted hotspots, such as Cripple Creek, Denver’s landmark Brown Palace Hotel and Ashcroft – one of the biggest cities in Colorado to become a ghost town.

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Glow at the Gardens™

1007 York Street, Denver, CO 80206

Nothing says fall quite like some Halloween fun. When the days shorten and temperatures drop, journey to the Denver Botanic Gardens and marvel at the grand pumpkin sculptures. A centerpiece of the annual Glow at the Gardens™ event, real pumpkins are harvested from local farms then carved and stacked to illuminate the grounds.

Wild gourd designs comprise skeletons, a knight on horseback, fantastical creatures and parades of jack-o’-lanterns. Dates change each year but it’s usually in mid-October, with tickets going on sale towards the end of August.

Also at the Gardens is the Pumpkin Festival, where patrons can bring their own wagons to haul away their treasures. The event includes local craft and artisan booths, live music, pony rides and a mini maze for kids.

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Elk Fest

500 Big Thompson Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517

Fall is a prime season for elk, and you may hear bugling sounds among the pastures of Rocky Mountain National Park. The mystifying wail signifies rutting season when the male bull elk searches for a mate, and the town honors this with their annual Elk Fest in October.

Nestled in the mountain town of Estes Park, Elk Fest features bugling contests, arts and crafts, elk exhibits and seminars, live music and more.

Visitors can also get close to the wandering elk on the five-hour private Elk Rut tour, complete with an expert guide. Take in the shimmering waterfalls at Old Fall River Road then head to Moraine Park and witness the majestic elk for yourself. Now in its 23rd year running, the Elk Fest is one of Colorado’s best places to visit for the education alone.

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Autumn Arts Festival

802 East 2nd Avenue, Durango, CO 81301

The Durango Autumn Arts Festival welcomes art lovers to the foothills of the San Juan Mountains every year. Packed with history and splendor, Durango is a picturesque setting for such an event, with the winding Animas River running freely between tree-lined hills.

Having showcased fine art for nearly three decades, the festival is a well-established way to celebrate the very best of local talent and draws people in from all over the state. Not arty yourself? No problem. Soak up the jubilant atmosphere while making the most of the festivities including live entertainment, a food court, and even an awards show.

The avenue is conveniently located one block from Main Avenue, the main hub for shops and restaurants. It also sits 40 miles from Mesa Verde National Park, and 215 miles north of Albuquerque.

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Chile & Frijoles Festival

82 East D Street, Pueblo, CO 81003

Spice up your vacation and take a bite of Pueblo, the famous green chile of Colorado. The Chile & Frijoles Festival draws travelers and locals to the historic town of Pueblo. Amidst the live music, street vendors, arts and crafts and cooking contests, you’ll see smoke unfurling from scorched green chiles in barrel drums.

Peppers and other fresh products are sourced from local farmers to promote Pueblo’s rich agriculture. The chile itself ranges between 5,000 and 20,000 on the Scoville scale. Whether you have a taste for Pueblo’s native chile as a salsa or topped on a burrito, the Chile & Frijoles Festival is the place to electrify your tastebuds.

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Vail Resort

Vail, CO 81657, United States

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Colorado, head up the I-70 and experience a mountain getaway in one of the burgeoning ski towns. The sky is the limit here, with vast slopes and scenic routes offering a wealth of outdoor activities.

The Vail Resort effortlessly blends recreation and fun, with three dynamic villages, seven Back Bowls and over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain. Despite its glacial appearance, Vail makes the perfect destination in the fall. Don your hiking gear and take a stroll up the mountain or bask in the seasonal flowerbeds at the Betty Ford Alpine Garden.

Once the colder nights settle in, head for the gondolas, lifts and runs to get that authentic Vail feel. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants close by to complete your stay.

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Corn mazes

There’s nothing quite like getting lost in a field of corn. Travel to one of Colorado’s sprawling mazes and weave your way through acres of corn and pumpkin patches. Maize in the City traces across 20 acres in Thornton and takes up to 40 minutes to navigate. It also features a petting zoo, bouncy houses, pony rides and more.

Elsewhere, Rock Creek Farm in uptown Broomfield boasts one of the largest pumpkin patches, with over 100 acres of pumpkins and corn mazes spanning 30 acres.

Thrill seekers may want to test their courage at the Haunted Field of Screams instead. The 40-acre corn field on Riverdale Road is a breeding ground of terror, dishing up horrifying experiences to those who dare to visit. Whichever option you choose, corn mazes rest atop any list of the best things to do in Colorado.

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If you’re looking for fun things to do in Colorado, head up the I-70 and experience a mountain getaway in one of the burgeoning ski towns. The sky is the limit here, with vast slopes and scenic routes offering a wealth of outdoor activities throughout fall.

The Vail Resort effortlessly blends recreation and fun, with three dynamic villages, seven Back Bowls and over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain. Despite its glacial appearance, Vail makes the perfect destination in the fall.

Once the colder nights settle in, head for the gondolas, lifts and runs to get that authentic Vail feel. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants close by to complete your stay.

Rent a car with Hertz and today and explore all the top Colorado destinations with ease.