Fall is here in Central Colorado and there is so much to do! Crisp temperatures, sunny days, and the brilliant-hued aspen gold leaves of the surrounding trees make it the perfect time to get outside and explore the natural splendor of Colorado in autumn. With the help of resident expert Victoria O. of our Denver East (ZAC) – Aurora Extended Stay, we’ve compiled a list of fresh, fun fall things to see and do near and dear to the heart of this great state.
DENVER
If you’re visiting the beautiful city of Denver, you will want to stop at the 16th Street Mall. This mile and a half outdoor mall is filled with restaurants, retail outlets, food trucks, and street vendors, as well as live entertainment on the weekends. If you happen to visit in October, you’ll be able to see their annual Zombie Crawl where mall goers dress to impress for the occasion.
The mall starts at Union Station and stretches to Civic Center Station, with a free MallRide shuttle that stops on each corner about every five minutes—just in case you get tired along the way. Lined with more than 200 trees, enjoy views of the millions of twinkling lights above, cozy up with a hot chocolate at one of the 42 outdoor cafes, or enjoy a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride down the beautiful promenade.
In addition to all the things there are to do in Denver, there are numerous mountain and small towns nearby, so your options for fall fun are endless when visiting Colorado. If you have time to venture out of town, there are great landmarks in each direction, within just a couple hours’ drive.
MORRISON
The Red Rocks Amphitheater is a beautiful sight to behold, just a little less than half an hour away from Denver. Sitting at an altitude of 6,000-feet high, from here you can enjoy the numerous hiking trails and the awe-inspiring natural rock formations.
The perfect locale for acoustics, the Red Rock Amphitheater is a renowned outdoor music venue that has hosted such greats as the Beatles, Neil Young, John Denver, Stevie Nicks, and more. Catch a once-in-a-lifetime live performance, test your endurance running up the amphitheater’s 380 stairs, or simply take in the sweeping views of this wondrous landmark.
GLENWOOD SPRINGS
Glenwood Springs was named the most fun town and it is not hard to see why. You can enjoy a fun-filled day at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, exploring crystalline formations throughout mountainside caves or taking a heart-pumping swing 1,300 feet over the Colorado River.
For those just wanting to relax, in addition to great dining and a quaint shopping district, Granite Springs offers—you guessed—two hot springs destinations. Ever popular during the ski season, the springs at Glenwood Hot Springs Pool and the Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves are an indulgent way to enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty year-round, especially during the crisp fall season.
CAÑON CITY
Cañon City is a charming retreat from the ordinary. With its frontier-style downtown full of shops, cafes, and public-art exhibits, this city has culture, history, and natural beauty in spades.
Visit Royal Gorge Bridge and walk the nations’ highest suspension bridge at more than 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River. Take an adrenaline-inducing zip line across the gorge. Battle the elements on a river rafting excursion through the park. Or, see it all from the bottom up in style aboard revived the Royal Gorge Route Railroad.
With so much outdoor fun and adventure to experience in the Rocky Mountain State, you’re going need a place to rest and recharge. Luckily InTown Suites extended stay accommodations offers 189 locations in 22 states, including three locations on Denver Metro and one in Colorado Springs.
