Although it is quite obvious that Estes Park shines bright when blanketed in snow, an autumn visit is also pretty special, showing a different, more colorful side of our mountain town. Offering a vibrant and exciting adventure which is complemented by the luxurious comforts of our Voyago Vacation Rentals seasonal sanctuaries, your fall visit is definitely going to be one you will never forget. And to make sure that you don’t miss out on some of our favorite adventures, this guide to the top outdoor activities in Estes Park will help you fill in all the blank spaces on your vacation itinerary!
Peeping Leaves
The colors of fall are absolutely stunning, bringing people in from all over the world just to bask in their beauty, and we invite you to check them out for yourselves. For those visiting before Trail Ridge Road closes (usually around the 3rd week in October), this is the path we suggest you take. Leading travelers through Rocky Mountain National Park, the road is known for being the highest continually paved road in North America, and the views—not just of the trees, but of the park, the mountains, and the valleys—will take your breath away. Of course, if you aren’t up for a drive, we can promise that the trees you see from the balcony of your Voyago Vacation Rentals retreat will be pretty spectacular as well!
Estes Park Autumn Gold, September 20 & 21, Bond Park
Oh, how we love a good fall festival, and we especially love the Estes Park Autumn Gold festival, offering family friendly activities, live music, delicious food, and all the beer you want to drink! This exciting event used to be held in October, making it more of an Oktoberfest adventure, but it did get a little too cold, so we just moved it up a few weeks. The world-famous Autumn Gold Brat is the star of this show, but your kids may prefer the face painting and LEGO racecars they can build, and you may prefer the Rocky Mountain Spirits Experience, but we are pretty sure the music, the cool mountain air, and the raffles will excite you too!
Experience the Elk Rut
Viewing the wildlife in the area, especially during a tour of the park, but during the elk rut (generally occurring in September and October) it can be especially fascinating. Elk rut is, of course, elk mating season, and we can assure you those randy bulls certainly make their presence known, so much so that you may be able to hear them calling for a mate as you relax on your balcony overlooking the Colorado countryside. Some of the best viewing spots are also the best spots for viewing the changing leaves, including Lake Estes, Big Thompson Canyon, and Moraine Park.
Take a Hike
The weather is so beautiful this time of year, cold enough to keep you from sweating but warm enough that you can still feel your toes, and the trails you are taking will lead you through some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. The 4-mile paved trail that goes around the lake is easy to navigate and is also often used by joggers and bikers.
Ride the Mustang Mountain Coaster
Setting free your inner child is as easy as climbing aboard the Mustang Mountain Coaster and riding down the mountain at speeds that may reach up to 25-27 miles per hour. You probably already know how an alpine coaster works and that it is similar to a roller coaster, only it is gravity that propels you, and you have the control of how fast you go, but if you have never experienced the fast ride down the mountain, fall is the perfect time to do so! Located at 1180 Dry Gulch Road, the coaster gives guests a new and exciting way to experience the trails of Estes Park and will be one of those experiences you will cherish forever.
Relaxing in the Backyard of Your Voyago Vacation Rentals Seasonal Sanctuary
Of all the fun outdoor activities you can engage in during your stay in our Estes Park escapes, the ones that will reap the biggest benefits may be the activities you engage in while exploring the wonders of our backyards. Sit out on balconies that face the most stunning Rocky Mountain views, sipping mulled wine (it is fall after all!) or pumpkin porter, and wondering how did you get this lucky? Some retreats may offer hot tubs, others may offer firepits, and still others will offer both, perhaps encouraging you to stay home more, spoiling yourself and your family as much as possible. Contact us to reserve your favorite fall Estes Park vacation cabin today and discover even more ways to play and relax in Estes Park!
