Isn’t fall the greatest time of year in Colorado? Whether you're outside taking in the sights or watching football, there are so many things to do in Colorado in the autumn. Get in as much as you can before mother nature forces you to get out your ski boots.
Boulder has some of the greatest trails in the country. If taking in the fall foliage is your style, check out the Mount Sanitas trail near Mapleton Hill. If you’re looking to get higher up into the foothills, try one of the Mesa Trails from Chautauqua Park. You can also head up north and loop around Wonderland Lake or hike up past Dakota Ridge, to the northern most point in the city.
Once again, Boulder is top in the country for biking trails and opportunities. If you’re an expert, then you already have your favorite places, but the Boulder Creek Path is always a safe and fun bet for riders of all ages. Try the Bike to Breweries tour that drops you off at some of the best local breweries for a wonderful pit stop. The Valmont Bike Park and the Flatirons Vista Trailhead are for advanced riders looking for more excitement.
Driving
If you're looking for a long cruise with many photo opportunities along the way, put the top down and get ready to feel the crisp mountain air on your face. The short jaunt from Boulder to Lyons offers a direct route via HWY 36, or you can take the back roads through Hygiene for an even longer drive. Continue to head up north from Lyons to Estes Park on 72 and it’ll put you at the foot of Rocky Mountain National Park. Looking for more of a gamble? Turn the wheel south and take the scenic Peak to Peak byway past Brainard Lake all the way to Historic Black Hawk and Central City.
Boulder is one of the foodiest towns in America. It’s so hard to narrow the list down, but here are a few you have to visit this fall because they have the best patios. I spent almost my whole life in Boulder, and it is a tragedy that I didn’t discover Zolo Southwestern Grill sooner. Great food, and a lively atmosphere are topped off with the “Hidden Gem” of patios in Boulder. The MED has been a staple in Boulder for years, and despite it being enclosed, with no view, it boasts a fantastic European style patio, great for sipping sangria and munching on tapas. It wouldn’t be a restaurant recommendation list in Boulder without including a brewery. Several breweries boast amazing patios, but FATE Brewing Company is certainly a local favorite along with Boulder Beer, Boulder's original craft brewery.
The Boulder Farmers Market is a staple of Boulder, and you can enjoy fresh veggies, local crafted wares, and other yummy treats. The market is open on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings through October. After browsing the market, check out the Open Studios Artist Tour, where local Boulder artists open their homes and studios to share their art with the community. Saving the best for last, be sure to get your tickets to the University of Colorado Buffaloes Football home games. Boulder turns black and gold every Saturday for the Buffs' home games, held up at Folsom Field on the University campus.
If you’re out and about in Boulder this fall, enjoy all that it has to offer. From the friendly parks and trails, to some of the best restaurants in the country, Boulder has so many wonderful fall treats to offer. Just remember, go Buffs!