Fall is here, and with it are gorgeous colors, cooling temperatures, and seasonal favorites to enjoy before snow comes to the valley.
Here are some fall activity ideas for the Roaring Fork Valley, to make the most of this season.
Go for a drive
Tis the season for vibrant colors in the mountains! If you’re up for a day trip, there are many places to explore for peak leaf peeping. Be sure to get out there quickly—the leaves come and go in a very short time span.
Here are some drives to check out:
- Four Mile Park (Road 214)
- Buford Road, from New Castle
- Independence Pass, from Aspen to Twin Lakes
- Grand Mesa, from Mesa to Cedaredge
- McClure Pass, from Redstone to Paonia
- Kebler Pass, from Paonia to Crested Butte
- The Million Dollar Highway, from Ouray to Silverton
- The Flat Tops Trail, from Meeker to Yampah
- Rabbit Ears Pass, between Kremmling and Steamboat Springs
Take a hike
Likewise, another great way to experience the fall colors is by walking and immersing yourself among the leaves. Here are some great Roaring Fork Valley fall-time hikes to try:
- Snowmass Ditch Trail
- Doc Holliday’s Grave Trail
- Red Mountain Trail
- Babbish Gulch
- Mushroom Rock Trail
- Cathedral Lake
- Hunter Creek
Grab a seasonal drink
Pumpkin spice lattes, anyone? Glenwood Springs is home to several local coffee shops to check out for a seasonal treat. Consider taking your business to one of the following cafes:
- River Blend
- Sacred Grounds
- Expresso Hut
- Deja Brew
- Bluebird Café
- Sweet Coloradough
- Daily Bread
- Legends Coffee
Soak in a hot spring
There’s practically no better time to go for a hot springs soak than when the temperatures start to drop. Swimming in the warm waters is restorative and tranquil, as well as fun.
Some local spots include Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, or Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs.
Apple Picking
For a few dollars, fall-lovers can head to Orchard Creek Ranch between Glenwood Springs and New Castle. Apple picking is available while supplies last, including picking bags and tools. Their other products are also available for purchase, including honey, oils, and ciders.
Farms
For wholesome family fun, farms are a great way to see and feed animals and see harvest up-close and personal. The Sopris Alpaca Farm, Cedar Ridge Ranch, and Avalanche Ranch all have furry friends to feed and pet and also offer products for purchase.
If you’re interested in pumpkin patches for Halloween fun, there are a few different vendors. New Castle Gardens, Osage Gardens, and Rocking B Ranch often have picking options. For a larger-scale production, Paonia, Fruita, and Grand Junction have several farms to choose from.
Seasonal Events
Be sure to scour the newspaper, Roaring Fork Swap, and Roaring Fork Events for updates on seasonal events. Roaring Fork Valley is known to have a few different fall-themed parties, such as Oktoberfest or season-ending concerts. Glenwood Springs’ Ghost Walk is held annually at the end of October.
Want more recommendations
If you’d like to learn more about local activities, recommendations, or general real estate questions, connect with the team at Sopris Realty today. Contact us online or give us a call at 970-945-7677.