7 Must-Do Fall Activities In Winter Park

Just before watch-the-snow-stake season comes leaf-peeping-and-flannel season– that’s right, we’re talking about fall! And there’s plenty of adventure to be had right here in Winter Park. Here are the 7 best activities to fuel your sense of adventure and the best places to experience fall in true Colorado fashion. Queue up your favorite fall playlist and plan your getaway to Winter Park to see the fall colors, watch wildlife, and cozy up trailside in the evenings with a warm drink:

Hike Among the Changing Leaves

Rogers Pass

Rogers Pass trailhead sits near the top of the Continental Divide. This trail takes you up toward James Peak and is above the tree line, which offers views of all the changing colors below and sweeping views of the towns of Winter Park and Fraser.

Chainsaw/Flume

Located in Fraser, The Chainsaw/Flume trail is great for all members of the group or family. A relatively flat area, both bikers and hikers alike can enjoy.

Bottle Peak

Bottle Peak trail has flowers, aspens, panoramic views, and one of the best spots to see some wildlife. As you continue on the trail, you begin to escape the surrounding trees so you’re able to see for miles and look at all of the fall foliage.

Head To A Weekend Wine Festival (Or A Pop-Up Tap Room In The Mountains)

Rocky Mountain Wine Fest – Sept 19 & 20

You know what pairs well with award-winning wine from around the world? Top-tier Rocky Mountain views Join us for a trailside wine festival, featuring unlimited wine samples, live music, and more all benefitting the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD). Presented by Rendezvous Colorado.

Save Your Spot At Rocky Mountain Wine Fest

Backcountry Tap Room – Sept 13

Get ready to enjoy some good beers in the great outdoors… but you’ll have to earn ’em! Upslope’s Backcountry Tap Room, the 1.4 mile hike to a pop-up tap room experience for brews and views is like no other. A portion of the proceeds will go to Leave No Trace Center For Outdoor Ethics. This event sells out, so don’t wait to get your tickets!

Grab Your Tickets To Backcountry Tap Room

See Autumn Colors From Above

Scenic Gondola

Catch the fall colors from 10,700 feet! The Scenic Gondola takes you to the top of Winter Park Resort where you can admire the Continental Divide dotted with aspens.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Climb aboard and float to the best views with Grand Adventure Balloon Tours. This is truly one of the best ways to see fall colors in Colorado!

Hop On A Bike

Whether it’s a road bike, mountain bike, or E-bike, the trails in the Winter Park area are great places to peep the changing leaves.

Trestle Bike Park

Even on the other side of summer, there’s still plenty of gravity-filled fun to be had through the early fall! Ride the Gondola all the way up, then zoom in and out of the changing trees and view the valley from a new perspective. (Pro Tip: need a lesson? We’ve got you covered with Intro to Downhill!)

E-Bike Mountain & River Tours

If you’re looking for some easy cruising with nonstop Rocky Mountain views, grab an e-bike and join us for a tour! We’ll show you around the mountain, take you up to some of your favorite ski runs (so you can say an early “hello” to them before winter begins!), and help make mountain biking feel easy.

Or, stay lower down and cruise along the Fraser River into the town of Winter Park with the Riverside E-bike Tour that includes scenic river views with wildflowers and changing leaf colors. End the 90-minute guided tour with a complimentary drink at Doc’s Roadhouse and base of the Resort.

Book An E-Bike Guided Tour

Vasquez Trail System

Get off the beaten path and explore the Vasquez Trail system. When you enter the town of Winter Park coming from the resort, take the first left at the stoplight on Vasquez Road and go enjoy all the aspen groves while weaving through the beautiful fall colors.

Take a Scenic Drive and View Wildlife

Trail Ridge Road

The highest continually paved highway in the United States, sitting above 12,000ft, is Trail Ridge Road. While driving through Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll see aspens and willows scattered through the highway and in the distance. It’s also a great time to spot wildlife.

Corona Pass

Located adjacent to the resort, Corona/Rollin Pass road is a great area to peep the changing leaves with the ski runs in the background. It is an unpaved road with a few bumps, so we recommend having a high clearance vehicle.

Explore the Waters

Grand County is home to some of the best fishing spots in the state. Situated at the headwaters of the Colorado River, the area boasts more than 1,000 miles of streams and rivers, 1,000 acres of alpine lakes, and is home to some of the biggest reservoirs, as well. Whether it’s fishing from the shore, boat, or fly fishing, there’s a spot for everyone.

Meadow Creek Reservoir

A locals’ favorite during the fall months, Meadow Creek Reservoir holds brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. There are also some amazing hikes around here for when you need a break from fishing.

Fraser/Colorado River

The Fraser River & Colorado River are the 2 best areas for fly fishing. The fish in these rivers can be up to 20” long! Grab a guide from Fish Winter Park or Winter Park Flyfisher for the best experience.

Visit Rocky Mountain National Park

Just 45 minutes from Winter Park, Rocky Mountain National Park is the crown jewel of Colorado’s high country. Fall is one of the best times to visit; the aspen leaves turn golden, the air is crisp, and the elk are in full rut, filling the valleys with their iconic bugles.

Whether you’re cruising along Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest paved roads in North America, or stretching your legs on a family-friendly hike to Bear Lake, RMNP delivers the kind of scenery that sticks with you long after you’re back home. Don’t forget your camera — the sweeping alpine views, wildlife sightings, and fiery sunsets are the definition of must-see.

Pro tip: Book your timed entry permit early, as fall weekends can fill up quickly.

Autumn in Winter Park is unlike anything else, and we have some of the best places to see fall colors in Colorado!