Original Article by Rent.
Once the leaves begin to turn and the crisp mountain air signals the arrival of fall, Denver, CO transforms into a gateway to breathtaking seasonal beauty. Places to visit near Denver in the fall present a wealth of destinations showcasing stunning autumn foliage, charming small towns, and outdoor adventures that celebrate the harvest season.
Whether you’ve recently moved into your new home in Denver, CO, are searching for the ideal apartment in Boulder, CO, or are looking for a rental in Erie, CO to enjoy your first Colorado autumn, join us as we explore the beauty and excitement of fall activities just a short drive from the city.
1. Spend the day at a local farm
Embrace the charm of rural Colorado and create unforgettable memories while supporting local farmers during the fall. Exploring nearby farms, savoring the harvest season, and enjoying a day doing outdoor activities is the ideal way to experience autumn.
“A short drive from Denver, you can spend a day visiting the farm stands and pumpkin patches between Boulder and Longmont,” shares Linnea True, account manager at Boxcar Coffee Roasters. “Local farms are bursting with produce during fall harvest. There are orchards you can visit for cider, apple picking, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes.”
Where to begin your day of farm journeying? True recommends, “Start at Boxcar Coffee for a latte and house-made pastry, then head east towards Longmont, CO, known as one of the best places to live in Colorado.”
La Salle
Located in La Salle, CO, Fritzler Farm Park is overflowing with fall activities for the whole family to aid in celebrating their 25th anniversary. From their family-owned pumpkin patch, corn maze, and haunted attraction to their two craft beer gardens and a food truck alley, there’s certainly no shortage of ways to celebrate the season. Whether you’re picking the perfect pumpkin or preparing to be scared silly, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Erie
Saddle up and head down to Lil’ Buckaroo’s Farm for a visit full of furry friend fun this fall in Erie, CO. You can pet the goats, feed the chickens, cuddle the bunnies, and even brush a miniature cow during your afternoon spent there.
Dust off your boots and create unforgettable memories in a place where the Wild West blends with cozy, fuzzy adventures. Get ready for an experience filled with laughter, farm animal excitement, and just a touch of fur.
Bennett
Over in Bennett, CO, Mile High Farms is a perfect spot for enjoying a fall festival. The farm offers a delightful experience for the whole family, featuring a vibrant pumpkin patch where you can pick the perfect pumpkin for the season. Visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including a thrilling corn maze and hayrides, all set against the backdrop of beautiful autumn scenery.
With seasonal treats and fun activities, the festival is the perfect way to embrace the spirit of fall while creating lasting memories.
2. Bask in the fall foliage
Every city has its pros and cons, but Denver’s fall season is definitely a highlight of living here. As autumn descends on the outskirts of Denver, the landscape transforms into a stunning array of gold, amber, and crimson. The crisp mountain air is invigorating and the rustling leaves create a soothing symphony. One way to take in this season’s exquisite sights is by taking a hike in the autumn air.
“For a beautiful, fall mountain hike, head just west of Denver to Saint Mary’s Glacier,” recommends lifestyle blogger Haley Stomp. “This moderate hike is something out of a fairy tale—scenic reflections in an alpine lake, iconic layers of mountain ranges on the horizon, aspens in full color on the way there, and an actual glacier.”
Stomp continues, “On your way back to the city, stay on mountain time with a stop in Evergreen, CO. Grab a coffee at The Muddy Buck and enjoy the creak of rustic wood floors and the crackle of a fireplace while you reminisce about the recharging powers of mountain air.”
What could be better than a day spent relishing in the beautiful foliage that surrounds Denver?
3. Face your fears at a haunted corn maze
If you’re seeking a spine-chilling experience that will leave you trembling this fall, look no further than Terror in the Corn at Anderson Farms. This mile-long haunted attraction in Erie, CO, has been rated the #1 haunted attraction in the state for several consecutive years by The Scare Factor, an online directory 
specializing in haunted experiences.
Terror in the Corn invites thrill-seekers to embark on a harrowing journey through an abandoned ghost town. As you navigate the crumbling buildings, you’ll confront your deepest fears at every turn. It’s an unforgettable experience that will leave you with nightmares for months to come.
4. Take a ghost tour
Taking a ghost tour in Breckenridge, CO, is an enchanting way to explore the town’s rich history and eerie legends. Breckenridge Ghost Tours offers journey options that range from an English Tea Tour to Voices from the Grave.
With the crisp mountain air and the glow of a lantern, each voyage brings the past to life, making you feel the haunting presence of those who once walked these paths. It’s a captivating mix of history and thrill that will linger in your mind long after the tour ends.
5. Hunt for your annual pumpkin
In the charming Colorado small town of Monument, Colorado Kids Ranch is a quintessential fall experience that evokes a sense of nostalgia and is one of the top places to visit near Denver in the fall. As you wander through rows of vibrant orange pumpkins, the crisp autumn air fills your lungs, and the scent of hay and apples surrounds you.
From tractor hay rides, laser tag, and human foosball to pony rides, tube swings, and roller slides, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy and experience at the ranch.
6. Hike on a lake
“One of my favorite places to visit near Denver in the fall is Evergreen Lake. On the journey up, you’ll enjoy 
a winding mountain road with colorful aspen trees and intricate rock formations,” states Lucy Rose, lifestyle blogger at Greenlove Wellness. “When you get to the lake you can relish in an easy walk while checking out all the native animals that live in the area.”
Visiting a lake in the fall is a serene escape into nature’s beauty. As the air turns crisp near the Mile High City, the sound of rustling leaves and the gentle lapping of water provide a calming backdrop to enjoy.
For a more challenging hike, Rose recommends taking a short drive to Three Sisters Park, where you can tackle the trails and treat yourself to Beau Jo’s pizza and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in downtown Evergreen before heading home.
7. Cozy up in a coffee shop
Located in Highlands Ranch, CO, Nixon’s Coffee House offers a satisfying blend of one-of-a-kind scenery and a cozy atmosphere. With sweeping views of the Front Range from the spacious west-facing terrace, it’s the ideal spot to enjoy a specialty coffee or a refreshing kombucha.
Just a stone’s throw from Daniels Park, where you can glimpse a bison herd and overlook the Sanctuary Golf Course, the panoramic views stretch from Pikes Peak to the Snowy Range Ski Area in Wyoming. It’s a truly breathtaking place to unwind and take in the beauty of Colorado while warming up with a brewed beverage.
8. Learn to paint while you sip
At Sipping n Painting Highland, you’re offered a delightful blend of creativity and relaxation, making it a perfect night out with friends. As you sip on a delicious wine, an experienced instructor guides you step by step through the painting process, encouraging you to express your artistic side.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a complete novice, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it a memorable experience filled with color and camaraderie.
Final thoughts: Places to visit near Denver in the fall
As the bright hues of fall blanket the landscapes surrounding Denver, countless adventures await just beyond the city limits. From scenic days spent on a lake to autumnal pumpkin patches, this season offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and experience the rich culture that Colorado is known for. So, grab your sweater, embrace the crisp air, and set out to discover all the wonderful places to visit near Denver in the fall.
