Get the Most Out of a Colorado Autumn
Here in Colorado, spring and fall are vivid and atmospheric. On these two shoulder seasons, I can literally feel the change in the air, and it’s exciting and invigorating.
Here are some Colorado fall excursions that will help you get the most out of this colorful bridge between summer and winter.
RIDE THE FALL PHOTO TRAIN IN LEADVILLE
While people tend to think of the Northeast when it comes to autumn leaf-peeping, Colorado’s fall colors hold their own against places like New Hampshire and Vermont. And there’s no more delightful way to see this colorful display than aboard the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad.
The Fall Photo Train pulls out of the station in Leadville on September 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25, 2016, and departs twice a day at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Learn more here.
HIKE IN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
The fall foliage around Steamboat Springs will take your breath away, as will hiking atop Mt. Werner at Steamboat Ski Resort, 10,570 feet above sea level. The oxygen deprivation is totally worth it, as the views from this mountain are awe-inspiring.
There are lots of trails around Steamboat Springs. With 80 U.S. Forest Service trails available and easy hikes around town such as the Fish Creek Falls, there’s something for everyone. See a comprehensive list of trails around Steamboat Springs here.
Photo courtesy of Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau
EAT FANTASTIC FOOD
Food has become a big part of The Heidi Guide and that’s because Colorado has become a great place for foodies. One of the restaurants leading the way in the seasonal food movement is Bin 707 Foodbar in Grand Junction. They serve “American Seasonal Cuisine,” which means the menu changes as the earth travels around the sun.
Since opening the restaurant in 2011, head chef Josh Niernberg has made connections with local farmers that have become vital to the restaurant’s mission of serving fresh, local cuisine. And it’s Niernberg’s customers who ultimately benefit from these farm/chef relationships.
The view from our cabin at Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs
SOAK IN NATURE
There’s no better way to play witness to nature’s annual fall gala than by soaking in one of Colorado’s many hot spring pools.
Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Hot Springs is tucked into a canyon just 15 minutes outside of Carbondale, Colorado. With its field of sheep, charming cabins, and quaint shepherd’s wagons, Avalanche Ranch is a magical getaway.
Their hot spring pools fit seamlessly into the dreamlike atmosphere of the place, and while there’s wi-fi in the The Lodge, this destination’s off-grid status only adds to its allure.
