3 Must-Do’s for Fall Travel in Colorado

Forget sweet summertime — fall in Colorado takes the cake. The autumn months are the best time for seeing the Centennial State, especially the quaint town of Palisade. There are usually fewer crowds, plus the whole region is ablaze with color and offers lots of festive things to do. As you’re planning your fall travel in Colorado, be sure to add these favorite Palisade activities to your itinerary.

Yellowing leaves in a vineyard

Leaf Peep — By Car, Train, or High-Altitude Bike

The fall colors in Colorado are spectacular. People come from all over to see the leaves changing. Best of all, you can take your pick of how you explore this gorgeous scenery. Grand Mesa is a great place to start. Book a stay at the Powderhorn Mountain Resort, then cruise the Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway. You can also trek the Million Dollar Highway, located between Silverton and Ouray.

If you want to venture a little further than Palisade, high alpine trails in places like Kenosha Pass or Monarch Crest immerse you nature’s colorful tapestry. Or, you could book a scenic train ride at the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad, which offers special passages in the fall.

Road traveling through the mountains with trees in an array of fall colors

Sip & Savor at Colorado Mountain Winefest

Colorado Mountain Winefest in September is THE event of the fall. It’s also one of the largest and most popular wine festivals in the state. It features hundreds of wines from all over Colorado, as well as food trucks, live music, and more. This is a great opportunity to taste all the unique fall wine blends from local wineries.

People pouring wine at a festival
Photo credits: Joshua Scott LLC Photography

Explore Colorado’s Wine Country

Colorado is home to more than 100 wineries, making it one of the most popular wine regions in the United States. The climate and soil are ideal for growing a variety of grapes, resulting in complex and delicious wines. Plus, the state’s natural landscape provides a beautiful backdrop for enjoying its wines.

Several bottles of wine lying on a tartan blanket

If you want the best variety of fall wines, head to Talon Wines in Palisade. This winery features three labels. Its traditional grape wines of the same name span a spectrum of complex flavors, ranging from sweet to dry. For more explorative palates, St. Kathryn’s fruit and botanical wines can’t be missed. You’ll find some of the best flavors to pair with fall weather and festivities, including Pomegranate, Apple Blossom, and a delightful blend of blackberry and red wine, Sweet Scarlet.

As we say in Palisade, “Life tastes good here all year long.” Come visit Palisade and make a trip to wine country part of your fall travel in Colorado!

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