24 Exciting Things To Do In Colorado Springs In The Fall

Fall in Colorado Springs sees pleasant weather, stunning natural beauty, and a variety of outdoor and cultural activities. No doubt, this is an excellent time of year to visit.

I’ve lived in the Denver area most of my life and love visiting Colorado Springs, no matter the time of year.

Wondering what to do in the Springs this fall season?

Read on for some of the best things to do in Colorado Springs in the fall.

Huge red rocks jutting up from ground with paved trail winding through red rocks and pine trees on cloudless sunny day. Perkins Central Garden Trail, Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado. — Fall things to do in Colorado Springs

Yellow leaves on tall aspen trees against bright blue sky in fall. Yellow aspen trees, Hunter Valley Creek Trail, Aspen, Colorado. — Fall things to do in Colorado Springs

The Best Things To Do In Colorado Springs In The Fall

Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin patches are an extremely popular fall activity in Colorado Springs.

In addition to picking the perfect pumpkin, expect a wide range of family-friendly activities.

These include hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos, and kids games. Plus food, hot apple cider, and lots of photo ops.

All at local farms and under a gorgeous Rocky Mountain backdrop.

There are numerous pumpkin patches to choose from, below are some of the most loved options:

Wishing Star Farm Fall Festival
Pumpkin Fest at Venetucci Farm
Happy Apple Farm
Long Neck Pumpkin Farm
Miner’s Pumpkin Patch
Colorado Pumpkin Patch

Harvest Days in nearby Pueblo is also very popular.

Pumpkin patches normally require a small entry fee and some do require reservations.

Wooden barrel filled with bright orange pumpkins with pumpkin patch in distance on bright sunny, fall day. — Colorado pumpkin patch

Old Colorado City

Old Colorado City is a great place to enjoy fall festivities in Colorado Springs.

It’s a charming historic district which once served the mining industry.

Today, it’s known for shopping, dining, and fun events amid historic buildings.

In addition to regular events, like First Friday Art Walk and Taste Of Old Colorado City, they also have Scarecrow Days throughout October, and Pumpkins in the Park held towards the end of the month.

To top it all off, there’s lovely fall colors in this area during autumn.

Wooden, mining-boom era styled building with green awning and outdoor patio seating, sign extends from building with elk and text reading "thunder & buttons". Old Colorado City, Colorado Springs, Colorado. — Old Colorado City

Ghost Tour

Ghost tours are an interesting and fun way to learn a city’s lesser known history.

While any time of year is good for a ghost tour, fall is definitely the best for spooky vibes.

And luckily, Colorado Springs has quite a few good ghost tours.

These range from fun pub-style tours to spooky cemetery tours, no matter what you’re looking for you, you’ll be able to find it.

Manitou Springs, Old Colorado City, and downtown Colorado Springs all have ghost tours available.

Even Cave of the Winds does a special ghost tour in fall, their Haunted Lantern Tour.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot air balloon rides offer a unique way to experience the natural beauty of Colorado Springs.

Autumn is especially enjoyable for rides thanks to fall colors, mild weather, and ample sunny days.

This is one you’ll need to book well in advance as fall rides are very popular.

Check out pricing and availability for a sunrise hot air balloon flight with Adventures Out West: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight.

hot air balloons colorado springs labor day lift off — Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off event

Apple Picking

Apple picking is one of the most quintessential fall activities.

Though the Front Range isn’t known for apple orchards, there are a few in the surrounding area.

A few orchards near Colorado Springs are Happy Apple Farm and Third Street Apples, both located in Penrose.

Not only will you find apple picking, but also live music, fresh apple cider, pumpkin patches, and apple pie at many of these orchards.

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

Cripple Creek

Cripple Creek is a historic mining town just an hour southwest of Colorado Springs. It’s popular year-round but especially so in fall.

The area’s ample aspen trees put on a show come fall when they turn yellow, bringing in large crowds of spectators.

While here, consider riding the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad. This is a historic rail line which takes you through the old mining district, and has great fall colors.

Cripple Creek also has a nice downtown district with boutique shopping and local restaurants, as well as casinos.

It’s easy to see why this is one of the favorite things to do during fall in Colorado Springs.

Cluster of golden yellow aspen trees on hill overlooking small mountain town of Cripple Creek. Cripple Creek in fall, Colorado. — Things to do in Colorado Springs in fall? Visit Cripple Creek

See The Fall Foliage

The Colorado Rockies put on a beautiful display of fall colors each year towards the end of September and into very early October.

The region’s ample aspens are the star of the show, displaying bright yellows against the dark green pines.

Aspens grow in clusters, not by chance, but thanks to their ability to clone themselves.

Yep, that’s right. Many or all trees in an aspen grove share a root system and are, genetically speaking, identical.

Because of this, all (genetically identical) trees will turn at the same time.

Where To See Fall Colors Near Colorado Springs

There are tons of great spots to see fall colors in Pike National Forest and throughout the Pikes Peak Region.

Whether going for a fall hike or scenic drive, you’ll have great places to choose from.

A few good options near Colorado Springs include:

Pikes Peak Highway
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Highway 67 Cripple Creek to Victor
North Cheyenne Canyon Park
Gold Camp Road
Woodland Park
Mueller State Park
Gold Belt Scenic Highway

Hiking trail through thick aspen groves with bright yellow colors on sunny fall day. Hunter Creek Trail, Aspen, Colorado. — Beautiful fall foliage in Colorado

Harvest Festival At Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site

Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site is a living history museum located near Garden of the Gods.

It offers visitors a glimpse into the past by sharing the history and culture of the Pikes Peak Region.

The ranch and historic buildings are in a really beautiful location and offer programs, displays, and events throughout the year.

Harvest Fest, which takes place in early October, is one of their most popular annual events.

The ranch is full of fun activities for this one day event.

Go for a wagon ride, enjoy live music, find the perfect pumpkin to bring home, and play games. The whole family will love it.

For information regarding this year’s event, head over to: Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site Harvest Festival.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of the top attractions in Colorado Springs no matter the time of year.

The zoo, situated at the base of Cheyenne Mountain, is home to a wide range of animals, and offers educational opportunities and scenic views.

During fall they also do specialty events such as Stroller Safari’s and Boo at the Zoo.

The latter of which is a very popular annual event which involves trick-or-treating, animal encounters, and themed decorations throughout the zoo.

For more information, check out Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Tips For Visiting.

3 year old girl smiling and standing in front of outdoor giraffe exhibit at zoo. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs, Colorado. — Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, one of the top things to do in Colorado Springs in the fall

Royal Gorge

The Royal Gorge is one of the best attractions near Colorado Springs.

Built in 1929, this bridge was an engineering marvel of its time, and to this day is still the highest suspension bridge in the United States.

The bridge is suspended 956 feet above the Arkansas River with 4,100 steel cables.

Visitors can walk the overpass while taking in magnificent views of the gorge and surrounding Rocky Mountains.

There’s also the option to zip line or ride the Aerial Gondola across.

Adventure seekers can climb the gorge, peer up at the bridge from below while rafting the Arkansas River, or soar off the cliff’s edge on the Royal Rush Skycoaster.

They also have fun fall events, like Boo at the Bridge, which is a fun trick-or-treat event for little ones.

Large suspension bridge spanning huge, rocky gorge with mountain views in background on sunny day. Royal Gorge Bridge, Royal Gorge, Cañon City, Colorado. — Royal Gorge Bridge

Garden Of The Gods

Garden of the Gods is a 1,300 acre public park with 15 miles of trails and gorgeous views.

The park is famous for its spectacular red rocks jutting up from the earth.

Get up close to the red rocks and marvel at the beautiful scenery as you walk the Perkins Central Garden Trail.

Best of all, Garden of the Gods is free for all visitors.

Autumn is a gorgeous time of year to visit thanks to mild weather and fall colors, making this one of the best things to do in Colorado Springs in the fall.

Huge red rocks jutting up from earth with paved path winding towards unique landscape surrounded by trees on sunny day. Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado. — Garden of the Gods

Mineral Water Soak At SunWater Spa

SunWater Spa, in Manitou Springs, offers hot tub mineral soaks overlooking Memorial Park.

The spa gets its water from the karst aquifer, deep among the bedrock of the Tava Mountain foothills.

These natural mineral waters have been the region’s source for relaxation and healing for centuries.

This is a great spot for a soothing soak as the weather begins to turn cold.

Looking for hot springs in Colorado Springs?

There aren’t any in Colorado Springs, but there are a few within day trip distance.

For the closest options head to Indian Hot Springs in Idaho Springs, or one of my favorite, Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort near Buena Vista.

Woman with colorful tattoos and yellow beanie hat sitting in outdoor wooden hot tub with bubbling mineral water overlooking mountains and park on cloudy, snowy winter day. SunWater Spa, Manitou Springs, Colorado Springs, Colorado. — SunWater Spa in Manitou Springs

Haunted House

Looking for a scare this Halloween?

Colorado Springs has creepy haunted houses for your Halloween enjoyment.

HellScream Haunted House, The Fear Complex Haunted House, and The Haunted Lantern Tour are some of the city’s most popular haunted houses.

Whether you’re a horror enthusiast looking for a good scare or just seeking some Halloween fun, you’re sure to find the perfect haunted house.

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest celebrations in Colorado Springs are lively ones, and pay homage to German culture, traditions, and, of course, beer.

Colorado Springs Oktoberfest is held at the Western Museum of Mining & Industry in late September or the beginning of October.

Expect live music, yummy food, contests, and lots of beer. The event is free to attend.

In addition to Colorado Springs Oktoberfest, many breweries around town host their own smaller versions, and there’s even a Royal Gorge Oktoberfest train.

So if you can’t attend the main Oktoberfest event, there’s plenty of others throughout September and much of October.

Cerberus Brewing Co brewery craft beer colorado springs colorado — Cerberus Brewing Co.

Fall Fest at the El Paso County Fair

The El Paso County Fair & Events Center welcomes the annual Haunted Fall Fest on Halloween again this year.

This event promises family-friendly entertainment, featuring Gymkhana competitions like barrel racing, pole bending, flag races, and a horse and rider costume contest.

Additionally, attendees can explore the spooky haunted barn, participate in Trough or Treat, enjoy Oktoberfest festivities and live music, or play games and shop.

This very popular Halloween event is just a few dollars per person to enter, and the event center is about 45 minutes from Colorado Springs.

Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs is a charming mountain town, just west of Colorado Springs, near Garden of the Gods.

Historic Downtown Manitou Springs is perfect for a day spent shopping and dining out, and is framed by colorful trees come fall.

They also have fun events like Emma Crawford Coffin Races, art festivals, and Oktoberfest.

The variety of activities and events in Manitou Springs makes it worth a visit no matter the time of year.

Storefront of arcade with large sign reading "Skeeball" with colorful striped awning and decor on winter day. Manitou Springs Penny Arcade, Manitou Springs, Colorado Springs, Colorado. — Manitou Springs

Orange, two story Pueblo building with teal door frames, retail shops along main street with snowy mountains in background on gloomy winter day. Manitou Springs downtown area, Manitou Springs, near Colorado Springs, Colorado. — Manitou Springs

Air Force Football

Sports fans, consider catching an Air Force Academy football game this fall.

The team plays at beautiful Falcon Stadium at the Air Force Academy, with a gorgeous mountain backdrop.

It’s a perfect time of year to visit the campus and cheer on the team.

For this year’s schedule, check out Air Force Football Schedule.

University of Colorado – Colorado Springs, Colorado College, and CSU Pueblo also have college athletics throughout fall.

Farmers Market

Farmers markets carry well into fall in Colorado Springs.

Enjoy a Colorado day outdoors while supporting local vendors and finding great deals on fresh produce.

Many markets also include local handmade items, gifts, and food trucks, in a charming, open-air setting.

Old Colorado City Farmers Market, Colorado Farm & Art Market, Monument Hill Farmers Market are a few favorites.

Wooden baskets filled with fresh local produce. Famers Market. — Colorado Springs fall activities: Visit a farmers market

Colorado Springs Arts Month

October is arts month in Colorado Springs.

This is an annual celebration of the area’s vibrant arts and cultural scene.

Expect art walks, workshops, and special showings across area galleries and performing arts studios during the month of October.

First Friday Art Walk

Throughout the year, Colorado Springs has various art walks held the first Friday of each month.

Support local artists and check out the art galleries and studios open during for the monthly event.

During First Friday there’s food, drinks, and often entertainment, it’s a fun way to spend a Friday night no matter the time of year.

Downtown Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City, and Manitou Springs all have First Friday art walks.

Colorado Springs also has some great murals and street art pieces, so if you’re not available the first Friday of the month, you can easily create your own art tour.