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Did you know one of the most beautiful destinations to visit in the fall is right here in the United States? If you’re looking for mountainous views, every seasonal color, and a few craft breweries here and there — we have the place for you!
You’re probably thinking you can get all of those things in Europe, right? But this spot is waaay cheaper than venturing to an international destination, has multiple flights per day from most U.S. cities, and is picture-perfect this time of year.
Colorado is the perfect fall state for most travelers, offering a slower pace of life for those looking to sip on some craft brews and enjoy the cascading streams or an adventurer-lover’s haven for those looking to live life on the edge.
The Centennial State offers so much to its visitors: from mountain hiking to cliff camping, Colorado really takes things to the next level. And what better time to experience it all than in the fall, when the State is truly at its prime!
Voted Best For Foliage
Leaf-peeping season is upon us, and if you want some of the best places to see the colors change in Colorado, then you’re in luck!
In a recent report, Country Living Mag compiled the best towns for fall foliage — and 3 Colorado towns made it on the list.
Across the state, peak time is considered to begin in mid-September — so it’s time to start booking if you want to see those colors.
Charming Breckenridge came in at #6, and if you’ve had the luxury of visiting before, it’s easy to see why. With its snow-capped mountains, tree-lined streets, and beautiful lakes, this Rocky Mountains town is a must-visit stop.
The 35th and 45th spots were taken by the lesser-known Estes Park and Ridgway. Though not as popular with tourists, these 2 destinations have a whole lot of beauty between them.
Located close to Rock Mountain National Park, Estes is a great area for those who love the outdoors. Ridgway can be found in the San Juan Mountains and is covered in pops of red and orange throughout the season.
Activities Galore
If you’ve been to Colorado before, then you know they love a good celebration… or 3. This vibrant state is buzzing year-round with good people, good food, and a good mentality!
While summer crowds are beginning to wind down, there’s still always something happening here. As the air becomes cooler and the colors change, there’s something magical about visiting Colorado during this time and celebrating with the locals.
Oktoberfests and Pumpkin Patches, the Centennial State sure knows how to do fall. Denver’s German celebration has become a family outing for many locals and visitors. Food vendors, dancing, sing-a-longs, it’s the best way to experience the Colorado spirit!
Here’s a list of all the fall festivals throughout Colorado this year.
Picturesque Train Rides
A large state with diverse landscapes, the best way to see Colorado is to make the most of the train rides. While there are train routes throughout the year, the fall is the perfect time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the colors from your seat.
Sometimes, the best places to see foliage are further out than we’d like. Throughout Colorado, some of the best colors are over an hour away from inhabited spots and require a long car ride. If you want to take the stress out of leaf-peeping, these are some of the best train routes:
- Royal Gorge Route
- Rocky Mountaineer
- California Zephyr
- Georgetown Loop
- Cumbres and Toltec
- Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge
Depending on the price and duration you want, there’s a large variety of rides to choose from that’ll show you the best leaves in town! There are also alternative activities for travelers who rent a car or want to backpack around the state. (Here’s a list of a few more train routes).
Affordable Prices
Technically, it’s shoulder season in most places, which means.. CHEAPER PRICES — and Colorado is no exception to the rule. Prices of hotels and Airbnbs tend to dwindle in the fall, so it’s best to snag the good deals while you can!
What’s even better than affordable hotels? Affordable flights! Thanks to its prime location, it’s pretty easy to travel here from most U.S. States (some even offer direct routes). Boston to Denver in October can be found for around $200, and Texas to Denver for under $180, so keep an eye out.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com