Fall has chilled itself into the air and painted its way onto the trees — and it’s time for us to take the reins and explore all that this season has for us to enjoy around Denver. We’ve rounded up five quintessential fall adventures for you to embark on, from thrilling weekend getaways to easy, cozy day trips.
Catch the End of Apple Picking Season
Nothing says autumn like a bountiful harvest. Colorado’s rich soil produces a delicious array of apples, and there are several spots around town where you can pick your own. Whereas many local spots have wrapped up their picking season, Adam’s Apple Orchard up in Ault is still open. Keep an eye out for updates on their Facebook page. And as usual, most local orchards and country stores will have gorgeous pre-picked apples for all your snacking and baking needs.
Travel Back in Time With A Glass of Whiskey
Adventure awaits just a few miles away from Lakehouse—and a few centuries into the past. Through the end of November, downtown Denver is presenting Whiskey, History, and Outlaws, a historical walking tour that transports you into Denver’s Wild West past. Learn about the local whiskies and their roles in the founding of Denver, while drinking up stories of our town’s gunslingers, pioneers, conmen and kingpins that set the scene of historic Denver. Peruse some of our city’s oldest landmarks, including Colorado’s oldest brewery and Larimer Square. (Image via Viator)
Cruise Among Fall Colors
The perfect way to spend fall in a state like Colorado is to pursue some good old-fashioned fall foliage. Lucky for Denver denizens, the famous Peak to Peak Scenic Byway runs from Estes Park to I-70 — making for a robust day trip filled with gold mines and ghost towns or for a fun weekend camping trip filled with elk-watching and hiking. Set to a gorgeous view of golden aspen trees, this fall adventure is a tried and true classic for ultimate leaf peeping.
Connect With the Land and Heritage
Pay a visit to our state’s iconic 15th-century Cherokee Ranch and Castle in Sedalia. Explore the site’s architectural marvels and its collection of world-class art, antiques and rare books. In addition to guided castle tours and tea-tasting experiences, we recommend checking out their calendar of events for sunset tours, geology hikes, whiskey tastings, costume parties, literature readings and more. (Image via Cherokee Ranch and Castle Foundation)
Crack a Corn Maze
Cap off your fall season with this time-honored tradition—there’s plenty of fun to be had while you find your way through maize labyrinths all over town. Running now through Halloween, Chatfield Farms’ 7-acre corn maze presents a stimulating one-hour challenge with a mini maze and barrel train rides as well. Other notable mazes that visitors love include Maize in the City in Thornton and Anderson Farms in Erie.