Summer is flying by. The first day of fall is right around the corner! Before long, the leaves will be changing color, the temperature will drop, and the days will get shorter. With gorgeous, cool weather and plentiful activities, fall is an amazing time to visit Colorado. Here are a handful of ways to enjoy fall in Telluride! 

Admire Fall Leaves 

Colorado's leaf color typically peaks between mid-September and early October. Due to an especially warm, dry summer, experts currently predict that 2021 fall colors will be at their most vibrant towards the front half of September. If you happen to be in Telluride around this time, take a hike or drive to admire the beautiful leaves! 

Get up close and personal with the magnificent gold and red leaves by going on a fall hike. Advanced hikers will enjoy exploring the aspen and conifer forest at the Lizard Head Wilderness. Ridge Trail features 2 miles of peaceful switchbacks through aspens, valley views, and plentiful rest benches. You can also explore Telluride Trail, which goes for 2.6 miles along a ski service road. 

You can also see fall foliage by car! Take a scenic drive through gorgeous Colorado to witness the full scope of its fall colors. Drive the San Juan Skyway through the stunning San Juan Mountains. Make sure to check out the connected Million Dollar Highway for more spectacular views! Lizard Head Pass and Owl Creek Pass are two more good options.

Want to experience an extra special view of the fall leaves? Admire them from the back of a horse! There are a variety of horseback riding companies around Telluride. TripAdvisor lists many of the tours that are available to visitors. 

Still not satisfied? There is one more terrific way to see leaves around Telluride! Grab a ticket for a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad- rated a top scenic railroad in the country! Sit back and enjoy unparalleled scenery and leaf views on this exciting excursion!

Celebrate Oktoberfest

Fall is the perfect time to explore local breweries! While you're in the area, check out Smuggler Union Restaurant and Brewery, Stronghouse Brew Pub, and Telluride Brewing Company. You never know what good, unique stuff will be on draft, so stop by and explore the brews for yourself! Maybe you'll even stumble upon something as autumnal as a pumpkin ale! 

For a fuller Oktoberfest experience, check out the 2021 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, taking place September 17th, 18th, and 19th. While it isn't a traditional Oktoberfest, it is still an awesome celebration of beer and music! Officially sponsored by Sierra Nevada Brewing, there will be an assortment of tasty brews to sip on while you dance to a stellar lineup of bands, including Lukas Nelson, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Taj Mahal, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, and plenty more! 

Check out the Telluride Wine Festival and Telluride Autumn Classic 

The 40th anniversary of the iconic Telluride Wine Festival will take place September 23rd through 26th. At this excellent event, you'll get to sip exclusive wines while enjoying the crisp autumn air of the San Juan Mountains. 

This year is extremely special, as the Wine Festival has partnered with the Telluride Autumn Classic of Cars and Colors! A ticket to this event gets you access to four days of live tastings, elite wines, delicious foods, classic cars, motorcycles, and airplanes. Grab your tickets to this unique event today!

What is your favorite way to spend a fall day in Telluride? Let us know in the comments!