In my opinion, spending the fall season in Colorado is the best thing you could possibly do. The leaves are changing, the weather is cool and breezy, and the view of the breathtaking Rockies is absolutely to die for. One of my favorite fall Rocky Mountain towns in the fall is Idaho Springs, which is located about 40 minutes away from the busy town of Denver, Colorado. With an excellent offering of stores, recreation and food options, this little town has everything you need. Idaho Springs also gives you a front row seat to the beauty of the surrounding nature.
Ziplining Through Fall Foliage
Idaho Springs has a ton of awesome activities to partake in, but a personal favorite of mine is the Cliffside Zipline that AVA offers. Not only is the zipline built right into the natural topography of the land, it also offers amazing views of the Continental Divide. You get to zip through the trees on 6 different lines and partake in a few suspended bridges. Watching the leaves change and fall from the trees while you’re soaring through the sky is sure to be a time to remember. This ½ day excursion is certain to be a hit among your group this autumn. If you’re looking to save a bit, be sure to ask about any fall promotional discounts.
Panning for Gold in the Rockies
Another popular activity among tourists in this area is exploring and panning in the gold mines. The three most popular are the Argo Gold Mine and Mill, the Phoenix Gold Mine, and the Hidee Gold Mine. All of these local businesses offer guided tours that travel through the historical mines. Not only do you get to witness all of this history first-hand, but you also get to do some panning for gold and keep whatever you find. This is a cheap way to learn about the mining history and give the kids a chance to scavenge for some treasure. The cooler fall weather is for sure the best time to experience these unique mines.
Mount Evans Via Ferrata
If you’re looking for even more excitement for your trip this season, then I highly recommend checking out the Mount Evans Via Ferrata that AVA has to offer. This ½ day aerial adventure is built into the cliffside just like the zipline course but is quite a bit more exhilarating for guests. This is a great activity for those who wish to go mountaineering or rock climbing but lack the equipment or knowledge. You get to traverse among iron rungs, do a bit of rappelling, and you even get to soar down a few of the ziplines I mentioned earlier. Be sure to check it out if you’re looking for an experience of a lifetime.
All in all, Idaho Springs is a beautiful little mountain town that is definitely worth taking a visit to this fall. Take advantage of the cool weather and get out there and have some fun; I promise you won’t regret it!
About the Author
Allison M.
Allison is a contributing writer from our
Sales & Marketing team. She makes a mean
veggie lasagna, loves the smell of Ponderosa
pine bark, and has successfully made the
half court shot at a Denver Nuggets game.
