Sunday, September 6, 2015

Five Colorado getaways for fall

Gunnison National Forest, Smith Fork Ranch, Colo.

The beauty and  excitement of Colorado continues into the fall season as autumn paints the landscape in vibrant colors, bringing crisp weather and bounties of the harvest. Outdoor enthusiasts cans still hike, bike and horseback ride. Shutterbugs can shoot away at North America's most photographed attractions. Food and wine lovers can savor the season's harvest.  Fall brings a bounty of beauty, adventure and culinary experiences. Here's five destinations and activities to experience and celebrate the fall season.

Hike Beaver Creek
Experience the fall colors with the Beaver Creek Hiking Center which specializes in private, customized, interpretive nature hikes for all ages and abilities. Hiking excursions include Beaver Creek Mountain, Beaver Lake, and trails all around the Vail Valley, providing ample opportunities to experience the fall foliage. Take advantage of seasonal discounts when you stay at one of the area's premiere resorts, the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain. The resort is offering a fall getaway package which includes credits to Spa Anjali and Maya restaurant, as well a hiking trail map to explore the area on your own. Package starts at $225 per person.

Attend the Colorado Mountain Winefest
Food and wine lovers can celebrate the harvest at  this year's Colorado Mountain Winefest Sept. 17-20  in Palisade. Located in Colorado Wine Country, the state's largest and oldest wine festival features dozens of Colorado wineries, food and wine pairings, chocolate and wine tastings, live music, a grape stomp, live demonstrations and seminars. While visiting, take in a feast for the eyes and see nearby Grand Mesa, where the world's largest flat-top mountain offers majestic views of the Western Colorado landscape in autumn.

See the Maroon Bells
Just six miles from the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness, Snomass is a prime destination to visit  one of the most photographed peaks in the North America in autumn glory. With its close proximity, there are numerous options to get to the peaks including shuttle and bike.  You can also take advantage of discounted lodging rates for the season in Snowmass starting at $89 a night, where 96% of lodging accommodations are located on-mountain.

Mountain Bike Winter Park
Known as the Mountain Bike Capital USA , riders who take who take on the steady climbs of the area's  numerous trails are rewarded with spectacular views of the fall foliage. Rogers Pass offers scenic views Continental Divide, Winter Park Resort, Williams Fork Range and Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Riders looking for a challenge can tackle the Tipperary Trail, a local favorite used in Winter Park's Epic Singletrack Race Series.

Ride the Gunnison National Forest on Horseback

With access to 1.7 million acres of the Gunnison National Forest and West Elk Wilderness areas, Smith Fork Ranch is ideally located to experience the fall colors. The ranch also boasts one of the most versatile riding programs in the West, offering riders of all abilities the right instruction, horses and trails. The upscale dude ranch also features farm-to-table cuisine from word-class chefs, rounding out a memorable fall getaway.