Colorado Bucket List: Autumn 2019

WE’VE ROUNDED UP 20 GREAT ACTIVITIES WEST OF 105 YOU’LL WANT TO ADD TO YOUR COLORADO AUTUMN BUCKET LIST

1 Surf the Dunes

Cooler temperatures in autumn mean cooler sand which makes surfing the highest dunes in North America that much more pleasant. Page 34

2 Cider Sipping

Colorado is home to a burgeoning cider industry that is intent on returning the drink to its former popularity. Check out half a dozen cider producers west of 105. Page 64

3 Get Spooked

Colorado has no shortage of historic hotels, many of which come with their share of resident ghouls. From the haunted hallways of Hotel Colorado to the iconic Stanley Hotel that inspired The Shining, fall is the perfect time to check-in and check them out. Page 80

4 Wrestle a Gator

Colorado Gators Reptile Park, just outside Alamosa, offers the chance to help wrangle alligators so minor injuries can be tended to. Page 40

5 Discover Creede in 24 Hours

As the summer season winds down in the quaint mountain town, the crowds thin out and the temperature drops, making it the perfect time to visit. Page 48

6 Live in Luxury

Check in at Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Resort and Spa in Tabernash for a truly relaxing few days this fall. Page 76

7 Try to Spot Some Wild Horses

Colorado is home to four BLM-managed herd management areas with 812 feral horses. Head to one of the fours areas to see these magnificent animals in the wild. Page 30

8 Go By Train

Hop aboard a train in Alamosa or Fort Garland and let the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad take you among the aspens to La Veta and back. Page 40

9 Check Out SLC

We journeyed pretty far west of the 105 for this issue’s In-Transit story, visiting the capital of the Beehive State. Page 102

10 Take a Trip

Make time this autumn for a road trip on and around the largest flat top mesa in the world. Enjoy wine in Palisade, the fall foliage and finish up with Applefest in Cedaredge. Page 54

11 Wine & Fine Dine

At Marcus Parrott’s new restaurant expect lots of local produce on your plate and in your glass. Page 14

12 Saddle Up

As an alternative to hiking or driving to see the foliage, explore the blanket of fall colors in the mountains from the back of a horse. Page 30

13 Splish & Splash

Those with kids or the young at heart might want to head to Glenwood Hot Springs Resort to check out the recently-opened Sopris Splash Zone. Page 15

14 Get to Know the Colorado FIVE

We spoke to the eight members of Colorado’s crack team of culinary cohorts. Page 88

15 Get Spiritual

Colorado’s spiritual center, Crestone is a quirky community nestled at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Page 94

16 Experience Alamosa

While plenty of people will have head about Alamosa thanks to its proximity to Sand Dunes National Park, it is an up-and-coming destination that is worth more of your time than just as a pit stop en route to or from the dunes. Page 40

17 Stay in Wine Country

Spoke and Vine Motel in Palisade is the perfect place to rest after a day of drinking in the views and the wines of this charming little town. Page 15

18 Get Soothed

Housed in the original sandstone bathhouse that was built in 1890, the full service Spa of the Rockies at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is a tribute to the resort’s magical appeal at the turn of the century. Page 86

19 Go Red in Redstone

Propaganda Pie is a brand new pizza place that is slinging Detroit-style pizza from their awesome location on the Crystal River. Page 14

Matt Inden / Miles

20 Frolic Among the Foliage The quintessential fall experience in Colorado is to get out and hike among the changing leaves. We’ve rounded up more than a dozen of our favorite spots. . Page 20