If You’re Not Doing Fall in Colorado Springs, You’re Literally Missing Out
When fall arrives in Colorado Springs, it’s go time for outdoor lovers. The weather settles into that perfect in-between zone—cool mornings, sunny afternoons, and endless color on the trails. Here’s how to experience the season before the snow shows up.
Ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway
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The train clanks and hums its way up 14,115 feet while passing pine forests and stretches of golden tundra until the world opens wide below you. At the summit, the air is crisp, and clouds drift past at eye level. Grab one of the high-altitude donuts from the summit café and linger by the railings.
Wander Through North Cheyenne Cañon Park
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This park transforms each fall into a kaleidoscope of red rock and fluttering gold. Trails travel through cliffs and creek beds, with the scent of pine following every step. You might stop at Mount Cutler’s overlook or listen to the soft rush of St. Mary’s Falls.
Zip Over the Canyon With Broadmoor Soaring Adventure
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Clipping into a zipline harness on a cool October morning is an instant thrill. The canyon stretches below, filled with shimmering aspens and echoing wind. Each line takes you farther out over the trees, where it’s just you, the sound of metal on cable, and the feeling that time’s paused midair.
Sip Cider at the Miners’ Pumpkin Patch
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When October rolls around, the Western Museum of Mining & Industry sheds its usual peace and quiet and bursts to life with food stalls and the hum of hayride engines. Kids race toward the cider press while parents line up for funnel cakes. Between the laughter and scent of apples, the day feels comfortably old-fashioned.
Coast Down Gold Camp Road on an E-Bike
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Gold Camp Road once carried miners and locomotives; now, it’s the perfect route for a modern e-bike cruise. The path curves through stone tunnels and aspen groves that catch the afternoon light just right. Riders can stop for old mining relics or mountain overlooks without breaking a sweat.
Catch a Sunset at Garden of the Gods
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As daylight fades, the sandstone formations seem to glow from within. It’s a sight that never feels ordinary, no matter how many times you visit. The warm reds and oranges of the rocks mix with the cool evening light.
Ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad
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This 19th-century narrow-gauge train offers a moving window into Colorado’s past. The route winds over wooden trestles and along mountain slopes bright with fall color, and open-air cars make every turn feel cinematic.
Try Falconry at Broadmoor Outfitters
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The falcon launches into the air, circles high, and then returns with an effortless precision that’s hard to describe. Guides explain the birds’ instincts, habitats, and conservation work, but the real education happens during the experience.
Explore Old Colorado City’s Farmers Market
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Saturday mornings at the Farmers Market feel like a community gathering more than a market. The air smells like roasted chiles and fresh bread, and vendors call out greetings over the sound of conversation. Musicians play on street corners, families shop for pumpkins, and dogs wait under tables for fallen treats.
Drive the Backroads to Cripple Creek
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The journey from Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek travels through tunnels, switchbacks, and aspen stands that catch fire in the sun. Old wooden bridges and mining remnants hint at the region’s rugged past. Stop at one of the lookouts to breathe in the thin mountain air and the scent of pine.
Attend the Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival
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Every September, downtown Pueblo hosts a celebration of heat and harvest. Rows of vendors roast green chiles until the smoky scent drifts through the streets. Live bands play, local brewers pour cold drinks, and chefs compete in cooking contests. It’s loud, spicy, and full of energy.
Climb at Red Rock Canyon Open Space
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With cooler air and dry sandstone, fall is climbing season in Red Rock Canyon. The formations are deep orange in color, and climbers find their routes in near-perfect conditions. Guides handle the ropes and gear for beginners, while seasoned climbers tackle more advanced lines.
Spend a Day at Anderson Farms
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North of town, Anderson Farms becomes a carnival of everything autumn. There’s a sprawling corn maze, wagon rides, fire pits, and a pumpkin patch that seems to stretch forever. Evenings bring live music and pumpkin cannons, while kids dash from one attraction to the next.
Watch Wildlife at Bighorn Sheep Canyon
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Follow the Arkansas River west, and you’ll find cliffs that hide entire herds of bighorn sheep. They move slowly along the rock, almost invisible until sunlight catches their curved horns. Rafting and fishing are still in season here, but even a roadside stop can turn into a wildlife sighting. Bring binoculars and patience; nature, as always, operates on its own schedule.
End the Season at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
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As nights grow cooler, concerts at Red Rocks feel even more electric. The sandstone walls bounce sound in every direction. The crowd, bundled in layers, moves in rhythm under the open sky as the lights trace the shape of the rocks.