The Best Things To Do In Denver, Colorado During Fall (21 Easy Ideas!)

Fall is one of the best seasons in Denver thanks to fantastic weather, festivities, and bright yellow aspen groves just a short drive away.

I’ve lived in Denver most of my adult life and love the huge variety of things to do each year come autumn.

Looking for something festive to do in the Mile High City this fall? Below are some of the best things to do in Denver, Colorado during fall. 

The Best Things To Do In Denver During Fall

Scenic Drive Through The Mountains

The Colorado Rockies come alive with vibrant fall colors each year from late September through early October.

Aspens are the stars of the season, lighting up the mountainsides with brilliant bursts of yellow that contrast beautifully against the deep green pines. These trees don’t grow in clusters by coincidence — aspens have a fascinating ability to clone themselves.

In fact, many (or even all) of the trees in an aspen grove share a single root system and are genetically identical. Because of this, they change color in unison, creating a striking display across the landscape.

Where To See Fall Colors Near Denver

Below are some of the best spots to enjoy fall colors near Denver:

• Guanella Pass
• Eldorado Canyon State Park
• Kenosha Pass
• Golden Gate Canyon State Park
• Independence Pass (3 hours from Denver but one of my favorite spots for fall colors!).

For many more ideas, check out Best Spots For Fall Colors Near Denver.

Drive Guanella Pass Near Denver

Located just over an hour from downtown Denver, Guanella Pass is one of the most popular spots for leaf peeping in the area.

Enjoy a scenic drive along the winding mountain road, watch for wildlife, and consider stopping for a bite in one of the charming nearby towns like Georgetown, Silver Plume, or Idaho Springs on your way back.

Because it’s one of the easiest — and most beloved — scenic drives near Denver, Guanella Pass can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends. Watch the no parking signs otherwise you’ll be returning to Denver with a ticket, or worse – your car is towed!

For the best experience, try to visit on a weekday or arrive very early in the morning if you’re going on the weekend.

Hike Through The Aspen Groves At Kenosha Pass 

Want to get out and see the aspens up close? One of my favorite fall hikes near Denver is Kenosha Pass, located about an hour and a half from downtown.

This six-mile trail winds through multiple aspen groves and offers beautiful long-range views. While many hikers turn around after the first grove — about a mile in — I highly recommend going farther if you’re able. The views become even more rewarding, and the crowds thin out the deeper you go.

Aspens in this area typically peak from late September to early October, and as you might expect, it gets quite busy on weekends.

Additional Popular Hiking Spots Near Denver For Fall Colors

• Devils Head Lookout Fire Tower
• Golden Gate Canyon
• Kenosha Pass
• Elk Falls Overlook
• Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park
• Herman Gulch Hike

Don’t want to leave the city? Take a walk around Sloans Lake, Washington Park, or City Park. City leaf peeping typically occurs mid-October into very early-November. 

13th Floor Haunted House 

13th Floor is Denver’s most notorious haunted house and has even been named one of the “Top 5 Most Terrifying Haunted Houses in the USA” by USA Today.

A Halloween staple for years, this iconic attraction draws thrill-seekers with new gory themes each season, keeping scare fans coming back again and again.

It’s definitely not for the faint of heart — or for kids under 12.

The haunted house typically runs daily throughout October. Ticket prices vary, but expect to pay around $30 per person.

Check pricing and availability at 13th Floor Haunted House.

Pumpkin Patch At Anderson Farms

Located about 30 minutes north of Denver, Anderson Farms is one of the best pumpkin patches to visit in the fall.

Pumpkin picking? Corn maze? Zombie paintball? Wagon rides? Fire pits? Petting zoo? Live music Yep — it has just about every fall activity you can dream of.

Anderson Farms is a fantastic family-friendly destination, but there’s plenty for adults to enjoy, too.

Fall festivities typically begin in mid-September and run through the end of October.

Pricing varies, head on over to Anderson Farms for more information.

Pumpkin Patches Near Denver

There are so many great farms and pumpkin patches near Denver. Some additional pumpkin patches to consider, include:

• The Bartels Farm in Fort Collins
• Mile High Farms in Bennett
• Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch in Longmont
• Rock Creek Farm in Broomfield
• Cottonwood Farm in Lafayette
• Mazzotti Farms in Hudson
• Chatfield Farm in Littleton
• Maize in the City in Thornton

For a full list of the best pumpkin patches near Denver, check out Best Pumpkin Patches Near Denver.

Georgetown Loop Train

The Georgetown Loop Railroad is a historic narrow-gauge railway that dates back to Colorado’s silver boom in the late 1800s. Today, it runs scenic tours through aspen groves that light up in brilliant yellow each fall — making it a perfect way to experience the season.

The one-hour ride offers stunning views of the changing leaves from the comfort of an open-air gondola.

Peak leaf season runs from late September into early October, and the train typically operates daily during this time. Tickets average around $36 per person.

For the fewest crowds, I recommend booking the first tour of the day. But no matter when you ride, it’s a fantastic way to take in the Rockies’ fall foliage. Just bring a jacket or blanket — it gets chilly at elevation!

Check pricing and availability at Georgetown Loop Railroad.

Tip: If you’re up for a longer drive, the Leadville Railroad is another great option in fall, located 2 hours from Denver.

Toast To Fall At Denver Oktoberfest 

From keg bowling and stein hoisting to live music, craft lagers, and food trucks, there’s something for everyone at Denver Oktoberfest.

For over 50 years, this lively event has taken over two blocks of downtown Denver for a boisterous street party that draws crowds from all over.

Denver hosts one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the United States, so you’re practically guaranteed a good time at this high-energy fall festival.

The event typically runs Friday through Sunday during the last two weekends of September, with festivities happening day and night.

Admission is free, with food and drinks available for purchase. For more information, check out Denver Oktoberfest.

Tip: You may also like Vail’s Oktoberfest: Vail Oktoberfest Everything You Need To Know.

Glow At The Gardens

Each fall, the Denver Botanic Gardens hosts its popular Glow at the Gardens event.

Stroll through the gardens transformed for Halloween, glowing with spooky, illuminated displays. The event features real pumpkins sourced from local farms — expertly carved by local artists into larger-than-life sculptures and intricate jack-o’-lantern scenes.

It’s a perfect fall activity for the whole family.

Tip: The Denver Botanic Gardens’ southern location, Chatfield Farms, is also worth a visit in the fall — especially for pumpkin picking and autumn-themed fun.

Coloween

One of Denver’s biggest Halloween parties over the past decade is Coloween.

The event features tons of spooky, interactive exhibits, $1,500 costume contests, DJs, dance floors, and live entertainment.

This adults-only Halloween party is unforgettable and easily ranks among the most fun things to do in Denver during the fall.

It’s the longest-running adult Halloween party in Colorado and is consistently voted one of the top Halloween events in the state.

Visit Estes Park During Elk Fest

Considering a fall day trip from Denver? How about Estes Park during elk rut season?

Elk rut season is marked by large gatherings of elk, the unmistakable sound of bugling, and male bulls competing — sometimes literally fighting — for mates.

Since this spectacle occurs at lower elevations, it’s common to see elk just outside of town, and occasionally even in downtown Estes Park. Witnessing it is an experience you’ll never forget.

Elk are some of the largest mammals in the United States, with males weighing around 700 lbs and standing up to 9 feet tall including their impressive antlers. Be sure to keep your distance.

Tip: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid heavy traffic — elk rut is one of Estes Park’s busiest seasons.

The mating season generally runs from mid-September through mid-October.

You May Also Like: The Best Things To Do In Estes Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

While you can see elk throughout the Estes Park area, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best spots.

The park features numerous overlooks above open meadows, providing a fantastic — and safe — way to watch the elk.

While you’re in the park, consider taking a hike or a scenic drive. Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the trails without the summer crowds.

Some of my favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park during fall are:

• Alberta Falls
• Bear Lake
• Dream & Emerald Lakes
• Sprague Lake
• Glacier Gorge Trail

Timed-entry reservations are required in RMNP. For more information, check out Rocky Mountain National Park: Best Things To Do In Fall.

Stanley Hotel

While visiting Estes Park in the fall, you must see the Stanley Hotel.

One of Estes Park’s most famous attractions, the Stanley Hotel was built in 1909 in the Colonial Revival style and was considered very modern for its time.

The hotel became truly iconic decades later when it inspired Stephen King’s best-selling novel, The Shining. King and his wife spent a single night in Room 217 as the only overnight guests in the entire hotel. Legend has it that the unique and eerie experience gave King the premise of his book by morning.

You can actually spend the night here, even in King’s Room 217. Be warned — it books far in advance, but it’s undeniably one of the coolest things to do in Colorado during the fall.

If you’re not staying overnight, guests are welcome to explore the property on a self-guided tour. There is a $10 parking fee for non-hotel guests.

Beyond its haunted and historic vibes, the Stanley Hotel offers stunning mountain views, making it a memorable stop any time of year.

Interested in spending the night? Check availability at The Stanley Hotel.

Colorado Symphony

The Colorado Symphony is made up of talented musicians performing a diverse mix of classical and contemporary music.

The orchestra features a full complement of instruments, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.

While any of their performances are worth seeing year-round, the symphony offers especially fun Halloween-themed shows each October.

This year’s lineup includes Disney in Concert: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and the Halloween Spooktacular!

Most performances take place at the Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex, though special shows are sometimes held elsewhere in the state.

For a full line up of events, head on over to: Colorado Symphony.

Great American Beer Festival

One of the best fall events in Denver is the Great American Beer Festival.

This massive celebration features over 500 breweries and 2,000+ beers for visitors to sample.

Named by Thrillist as “The One Beer Festival You Must Go To Before You Die,” GABF has topped beer bucket lists for 40 years, bringing together beer lovers and brewers from across the country. You’re guaranteed a fantastic time!

The festival takes place annually in late September or early October at the Colorado Convention Center.

It’s extremely popular, so tickets sell out well in advance — typically six months before the event.

Tip: On the big day, don’t forget to make a pretzel necklace and plan your transportation ahead of time.

Apple Picking

Apple picking is one of the most quintessential fall activities.

While Denver itself isn’t known for apple orchards, a few great options can be found in the surrounding area. Many of these orchards offer more than just picking — they often feature live music, fresh apple cider, pumpkin patches, and homemade apple pie.

A few of the most popular orchards near Denver include:

• YA YA Farm & Orchard in Longmont
• Nelms Farm in Golden
• Third Street Apples in Penrose
• Masonville Orchard in Fort Collins
• Happy Apple Farm in Penrose

Tip: For some of Colorado’s best apple picking, you’ll want to head west towards Grand Junction or Palisade.

Haunted Ghost & Pub Walking Tour

One of the best fall activities in Denver is taking a ghost tour.

LoDo, a historic district in downtown Denver, is full of buildings dating back to the 1800s — and whispers of secret underground tunnels. With all this history, it’s no surprise that ghost stories abound.

A ghost tour is a fun way to explore Denver’s quirky past while hearing spooky tales along the way.

To book, head on over to: Haunted Denver Ghost & Pub Walking Tour.

For an alternate option, sans the pub element, check out: Denver After Dark Adults Only Walking Ghost Tour.

Cheesman Park Ghost Tour

Another popular ghost tour in Denver is the Cheesman Park Ghost Tour.

Cheesman Park is one of the most famously haunted spots in the city. Originally Denver’s first cemetery, it was later converted into a park. While all headstones were removed, not all bodies were — meaning it’s still very much a burial ground. Needless to say, the ghost stories here are compelling.

The tour explores the park’s eerie history, including its cemetery origins and reported hauntings.

You can book here: Cheesman Park Ghost Tour.

Fall tours sell out quickly, so it’s best to reserve your spot in advance.

Even if you don’t take a tour, Cheesman Park is open to the public — you can still stroll through and soak in the spooky, haunted vibes on your own.

Catch A Sporting Event 

Denver is a big sports town, and fall is the perfect time to experience the thrill of a live game.

The Denver Broncos play at Empower Field downtown throughout the fall. The Colorado Rockies take the field at Coors Field through September—and into October if they make the playoffs.

Both the NBA’s Nuggets and the NHL’s Avalanche begin their seasons in October, with both championship-winning franchises playing at downtown’s Ball Arena.

Collegiate football is also a fall staple, with the University of Colorado and Colorado State University near Denver. Other local universities with fall sports include Metro State University and the University of Denver.

Even if you can’t make it to a game, you can still cheer on your favorite team at popular sports bars like Stoney’s Bar & Grill.

Whether you attend a game or soak in the atmosphere at a bar, sports are among the most popular and fun fall activities in Denver.

Walk Or Bike The Cherry Creek Trail

he Cherry Creek Trail is a popular route for biking, running, and walking.

This mostly paved path stretches 40 miles through Denver, Glendale, Aurora, and into Douglas County.

It begins at Confluence Park in Denver’s LoDo neighborhood and extends south, though you can enjoy as much — or as little — of the trail as you like.

Along the way, you’ll be treated to beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains and the Denver skyline.

With Denver’s mild fall weather, this is one of the best times of year to experience the Cherry Creek Trail.

Hudson Gardens – Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns

Another popular pumpkin display is Hudson Gardens’ Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns, featuring thousands of intricately carved pumpkins and larger-than-life Halloween exhibits. Stroll along the illuminated paths and take in the themed displays, festive décor, and interactive areas. You can also enjoy a s’mores station or grab a bite to eat or a cocktail.

The event typically runs in the evenings from mid-September through October and takes place in Littleton, about 30 minutes south of downtown Denver. Tickets are required, and it’s a good idea to book in advance, as this popular event often sells out. Check out pricing at Hudson Gardens Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns.

Elitch Gardens Fright Fest

Elitch Gardens is Denver’s downtown amusement park.

Each year around Halloween, they host the very popular Fright Fest event.

The park is transformed with Halloween decorations and haunted houses, along with special entertainment such as costume contests and live shows.

Of course, all of the park’s rides and roller coasters remain open during Fright Fest.

The annual event typically runs through the month of October. For pricing and event details, check out Elitch Gardens Fright Fest.

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre 

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of Colorado’s most unique attractions and a must-visit any time of year.

Located about 30 minutes west of downtown Denver, it is a geological and acoustical wonder. Millions of years ago, red sedimentary rock pushed up through the earth’s surface and eroded into the world’s only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater.

Today, Red Rocks hosts hundreds of performances annually, featuring everything from jam bands and rock artists to opera, indie, rap, hip-hop, and EDM. And, yes, concerts continue well into the fall season.

If you can’t catch a show, the amphitheater is open daily, and visitors are welcome to walk around and enjoy the stunning setting outside of event hours.

Denver Fall Weather

Fall weather in Denver is generally mild, with highs in the upper 50s to mid-60s°F. However, the season can be unpredictable.

September tends to feel very summer-like, while October and November bring much cooler temperatures. It’s not uncommon to experience a 70°F day one moment and a snow shower the next — all in the same week. Daily temperature swings can be significant, so it’s important to be prepared.

The chance of snow in Denver during fall is low, but it increases as we move into November.

Always bring warm layers, no matter how warm the day starts.

Important note: If you’re heading into the mountains, expect temperatures to be roughly 20°F cooler than Denver, and snow is common during the fall months.

Average Temperature During Fall In Denver:

• September: 82° / 50° (Average High / Average Low F°)
• October: 68° / 37°
• November: 57° / 27°

What To Wear In Denver During Fall

Fall in Denver is generally mild, but the weather can be unpredictable, with warm afternoons and chilly mornings and evenings. Layers are key.

Here’s a practical packing list:

Clothing:

• Long-sleeve shirts and lightweight sweaters for daytime
• Warm jacket or fleece for mornings, evenings, and mountain trips
• Comfortable jeans, pants, or leggings
• Optional: T-shirts or short sleeves for early fall or unseasonably warm days

Footwear:

• Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers for city exploration
• Hiking boots if you plan to hit the trails in the Rockies

Accessories:

• Hat and sunglasses for sunny days
• Scarf and gloves for cooler mornings or higher elevations
• Backpack to carry layers, water, and snacks

Outerwear:

• Waterproof or wind-resistant jacket in case of rain or snow
• Extra warm layers if heading into the mountains (temperatures can be 20°F cooler than downtown)

Tip: The weather can change quickly, so dressing in layers will keep you comfortable throughout the day.

Is Denver A Good Place To Visit During Fall?

Yes, Denver is a great place to visit in the fall! The city offers tons of fun seasonal activities, and the weather is generally mild, making it an ideal time to explore.

When it comes to leaf peeping, most trees in the area turn yellow. While this creates a more monochromatic landscape compared to the vibrant mix of reds, oranges, and yellows you might see in the East Coast or Midwest, the golden aspen groves are truly striking and unique to the Rockies.

As you can see, there’s tons of fun things to do in Denver in the fall. I hope you’ve found this helpful in pulling together your fall plans and have a great autumn!

Any questions or additional ideas? Please leave a comment below.

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Denver and Colorado guides or head on over to Visit Denver.