As the crisp air of autumn sweeps across the Mile High City, Denver transforms into a vibrant hub of fall activities, offering everything from scenic drives to festive pumpkin patches. Whether you’re a resident looking for weekend adventures or a visitor eager to experience the season, Denver has something for everyone this fall. Explore the best events, activities, and seasonal highlights Denver has to offer in 2024.
1. Leaf Peeping & Scenic Drives
Fall in Colorado means breathtaking foliage, and Denver is the perfect starting point for your leaf-peeping adventures. Head to these spots for the best fall colors:
- Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway: This classic route offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, framed by the golden hues of aspen trees.
- Guanella Pass: A favorite for day trips, this drive offers high mountain views and brilliant fall colors, with nearby towns like Georgetown providing a cozy autumn backdrop.
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park: Just outside Denver, this park offers numerous hiking trails with unbeatable fall foliage.
2. Fall Festivals and Events
Denver’s fall festivals celebrate everything from craft beer to pumpkin patches, making it a great time to enjoy the season with friends and family.
- Pumpkin Harvest Festival (Oct 12-13, 2024): Head to Four Mile Historic Park for this beloved annual event featuring live music, fall crafts, and the chance to pick the perfect pumpkin. Make sure to build your own scarecrow and enjoy classic autumn treats like apple cider donuts.
- Great American Beer Festival (Oct 10-12, 2024): Craft beer lovers unite at this world-renowned event. Sample brews from hundreds of breweries and enjoy food pairings, workshops, and live entertainment.
- Denver Film Festival (Nov 1-10, 2024): Immerse yourself in the world of film with screenings of independent films, documentaries, and more at this highly anticipated cultural event.
3. Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes
No fall is complete without a trip to a pumpkin patch or a stroll through a corn maze. Luckily, Denver has some fantastic spots to explore.
- Anderson Farms (Opens Sept 25): Located in Erie, CO, Anderson Farms offers one of Colorado’s largest corn mazes, pumpkin picking, and more family-friendly activities.
- Cottonwood Farms (Opens Sept 28): This Boulder-area farm is known for its quaint pumpkin patch, mini corn maze, and charming farm animals.
- Rock Creek Farm (Opens Sept 28): A great spot for U-pick pumpkins, this farm also offers a mini corn maze, making it ideal for families looking to get into the fall spirit.
4. Haunted Houses & Ghost Tours
Denver’s spooky side comes to life in October with thrilling haunted houses and eerie ghost tours.
- 13th Floor Haunted House (Now – Nov 9, 2024): Ranked among the scariest haunted houses in the nation, the 13th Floor offers immersive sets and terrifying actors that will leave you breathless.
- Capitol Hill Ghost Tour: Explore Denver’s haunted past with this 90-minute walking tour through the Capitol Hill neighborhood, uncovering tales of eerie hauntings and historic mansions.
5. Outdoor Adventures
Autumn’s cooler temperatures provide the perfect opportunity for outdoor fun before winter arrives.
- Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre: Fall is the perfect time to hike the famous Red Rocks trails. The Trading Post Trail offers views of dramatic red rock formations set against a backdrop of fall colors.
- Cherry Creek Trail: This 40-mile bike path winds through Denver and along the Cherry Creek Reservoir, offering a scenic ride through changing leaves.
- Rocky Mountain National Park: A short drive from Denver, RMNP is a prime destination for fall hiking. Don’t miss the elk rutting season, when you can witness the impressive bugling of elk in the wild.
6. Fall Dining & Seasonal Flavors
As the leaves change, so do Denver’s menus, with many local eateries offering seasonal flavors.
- Farmers Markets: Fall produce is at its peak, and Denver’s farmers markets are bustling with seasonal offerings. Stop by the South Pearl Street Farmers Market for fresh apples, pumpkins, and other fall delights.
- Denver’s Craft Breweries: Many local breweries release seasonal pumpkin ales and Oktoberfest lagers during the fall. Check out Great Divide Brewing Co. or Denver Beer Co. for limited-time offerings.
- Fall Flavors at Local Restaurants: Restaurants like Root Down and The Plimoth showcase seasonal ingredients in dishes that highlight the rich flavors of fall.
7. Family-Friendly Fall Activities
Denver offers plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy the season with kids.
- Boo at the Zoo (Select dates between Oct 4-27): This kid-friendly Halloween event at the Denver Zoo offers trick-or-treat stations, spooky animal exhibits, and family-friendly fun.
- Elitch Gardens Fright Fest (Weekends between Sept 28- Nov 3): By day, this amusement park is a family-friendly Halloween adventure, but by night it transforms into a thrilling haunted experience.
- Denver Botanic Gardens Corn Maze (Sept 15 – Oct 29, 2024): Head to Chatfield Farms for a seven-acre corn maze that’s perfect for families looking for a fun fall outing.
Conclusion
Fall in Denver is packed with activities that highlight the best of the season. Whether you’re taking a scenic drive, enjoying a local festival, or exploring the city’s haunted history, there’s no shortage of fun things to do this autumn. Make the most of your fall in 2024 and experience all the beauty and excitement the Mile High City has to offer.