By: Katie Schneider
If you’re looking to escape the crowds this fall and continue to properly follow social distancing protocols, Colorado is one of the best places to be. The extent of activities across our beautiful state makes somewhat secluded small group adventures easy to achieve. Check out five of our favorite socially distanced activities to partake in this fall in Colorado.
1. Seeking the Best Fall Foliage
Arguably one of the most impressive sights every year in Colorado is watching the Aspen trees turn into a sea of yellow. The fall foliage only lasts a few short weeks, but if you’re in the state at the right time you’ll be able to catch this magnificent time of the season. Here are some fan favorite spots to peep Colorado’s autumn colors:
Independence Pass Near Twin Lakes, Colorado
Grab a hot apple cider, your camera, and pile the family in the car for a road trip. This wondrous mountain pass that links Twin Lakes and Aspen, Colorado is riddled with aspen trees on either side and is known to be one of the best and most sought-out fall sights in the Rockies.
Aspen Alley in Breckenridge, Colorado
If you’d rather head out on foot, Aspen Alley in Breckenridge, Colorado is a few mile hike that tunnels through an aspen grove. This trail does get pretty busy at this time of year, so don’t forget to pack your mask in case social distancing isn’t a possibility.
Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park
Check this national park off your list and take the whole family! This drive will cost you since you’ll need to pay for a National Park pass, but you can make a few days out of it by booking a spot at a campground along this road. Head’s up! Elks are in rut in the autumn every year, so keep an eye out because you’ll see plenty while venturing through RMNP.
2. Fly Fishing on the Upper Colorado River
Whether you’re a father/son duo or want to spice up a date with your significant other, AVA’s Upper Colorado 4 Hour Fly Fishing Trip will be a great fit for you. Spend your morning casting a line on the water and taking in the beautiful scenery the Colorado River has to offer. You’ll be navigating the rapids with your plus one and one of AVA’s guides, so social distancing is a given on this adventure. This trip also includes 6 flies per person and all gear required. If you’ve ever dreamt of fly fishing on one of the best stretches of river in Colorado – this one’s for you.
3. Climb One of Colorado’s 14ers
Colorado has over 50 mountains that surpass 14,000 feet in elevation, and autumn is a good time to knock one off your to-do list. Known as “14ers” here in Colorado, some are much more popular than others, but there’s no better way to socially distance yourself than going for a good long hike outside. If it’s your first summit, these are some great beginner-level treks that you can attempt this fall:
- Grays and Torreys (yes, two 14ers in one day)
- Longs Peak in Estes Park
- Quandary Peak south of Breckenridge, Colorado
- Mount Bierstadt near Georgetown, Colorado
4. Take an Inflatable Kayak on a Scenic Float Trip
Ditch the raft and head out on the river in your own vessel! The best part about this trip is navigating the water in single kayaks makes these Class II rapids much more intense, and you can separate yourself enough from the pack to have that six foot radius around you be easily attainable. We suggest having a little bit of rafting experience before booking an inflatable kayaking trip, and if you’re looking to up the ante even more our stand up paddle boards will do the trick. The Colorado River runs trips well into the fall time, so though the whitewater in our state is past its prime at this time of year, there are still plenty of ways to get out on the river.
5. Romp Around the Backcountry on a UTV
All you’ll have to do once you book this trip is hop into one of these off-road vehicles at our Kremmling outpost and head straight for the hills. Grab some friends and explore the mountains in Grand County, Colorado with just your crew and you for the morning or afternoon this fall. Pro Tip: If you’re looking to view the autumn leaves this way, book your trip towards the end of September or beginning of October for prime fall foliage time.
Still can’t decide how you want to spend your free time this fall? Use AVA’s Help Me Choose tool to see what best suits your family and friends, and enjoy some fresh crowd-free autumn air in Colorado!
