It is hard to believe that tomorrow is October 1st and we are in the midst of fall. Colorado is beautiful in the fall. I don't watch television but I love spending time outdoors. The following is a list of five of my favorite suggestions of things to do outside in the fall.
1. Enjoy the fall colors. The fall is especially beautiful when the aspens turn a golden yellow. Living in Colorado Springs, my personal favorite drive is to take the Gold Camp Road , which to the west of the Broadmoor hotel in Colorado Springs. This route meanders through Pikes Peak Forest and ends up in the quaint mining town of Victor. It is a slow, scenic dirt road so I normally head back to Colorado Springs by going through Cripple Creek, Divide and Woodland Park.
Unfortunately, the golden colors don't last the entire fall. However, there are plenty of other things to do.
2. Hike either the Incline or the adjoining Barr Trail. Both are accessed from Manitou Springs. The Incline provides amazing views and a challenging workout year round. (Unfortunately, it is presently closed again for maintenance and violators that are caught will be fined a $100 according to news reports that I've heard. However, the Barr Trail is still open. Generally, I've always hiked up the Incline and came down the Barr Trail. However, the last time the Incline was closed for repairs, I discovered that going up the Barr Trail makes for a very scenic hike. I never fully appreciated the Barr Trail when I was tired after having gone up the Incline.
3. Visit the Garden of the Gods. The Garden of the Gods is beautiful year round.
The Garden of the Gods can be admired from a distance, from a car, on a sidewalk or on one of many hiking trails. Rock climbers do need to pick up a permit from the vistors center before they climb.
My early morning jogs through the Garden of the Gods is what most makes me feel extremely blessed to be living in the Colorado Springs area. The Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs and the Incline/Barr Trail are all about 15 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs.
4. Water, boating and fishing enthusiasts can enjoy Lake Pueblo, which is maybe 30 minutes south of Colorado Springs. In the fall, there are not nearly as many people as there are in the summer so it is more peaceful.
5. The Paint Mines are a lesser known treasure about 30-45 minutes north east of Colorado Springs. There are numerous hiking paths down in the Paint Mines and in the surrounding area. It is completelly different than Garden of the Gods. If you are looking for a quieter place for a walk or a jog, this is the place to go to. There will not be as many tourist as their would be at Garden of the Gods - especially during the week.
6. Go to an Air Force Academy Football game.
Even though I'm a Texas Aggie, I think the Air Force Academy games are an enjoyable. It is super easy to find a great parking that is walking distance to the stadium.
With the mountains as it's backdrop, the Air Force Academy campus is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful University campuses in the US.
Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog. If you would like further information on things to do outdoors in the Colorado Springs area, let me know.
Sincerely,
Sondra Meyer
Colorado - See It. Experience It. Live It.
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