Fall in Durango

Okay fine I'm ready to say it: Fall is here. Don your sweaters, order that autumn spiced latte, and throw some leaves in the air 'cause Fall officially starts on Thursday, September 22nd. So in keeping with the Autumn spirit, here's some fun activities to enjoy.

Leaf Peeping

Obviously Fall means the leaves changing and although we may not get the variety of colors that the East Coast enjoys, there's still much to be admired about Fall in Colorado.  In fact, many come to Colorado just to see the aspens turn their golden hue. I hiked the Castle Rock trail last October, and the yellow aspens were stunning. (Where the photo above was taken.)

Can't wait for the aspens to turn in Durango? Head north to Silverton, Ouray or Telluride where the trees are already putting on a show. You could also ditch the car and ride the train to and from Silverton for spectacular views. Lengthen the fun by staying the night in Silverton where there are several hotels, a surprising amount of airbnb's and even this fun hotel/hostel.

Apples, Pumpkins, Wine Oh My

Fall means harvest season making me feel even more lucky to live in such a bountiful area. It's fun to see the selection at the farmer's market changing from tomatoes to squash and from peaches to apples. Feel the urge to get in on the harvest yourself? Sign up for a glean through the Good Food Collective where you can help a neighbor out by picking their ripe apple or pear trees.

The Fall is also a great time to visit local wineries, as it's also grape harvesting time. You can even volunteer to harvest grapes yourself at Sutcliffe Vineyards (email mariah@sutcliffewines.com) or at Fox Fire Farms (sign up in-person) If you haven't been to Fox Fire yet, you're in for a treat. Located in Ignacio, CO, it's a short 30 min drive from Durango. There's live music every Friday until the end of the month; the last one is Friday, September 30th. And the tasting room is open until October 31st which features $10 tastings (for 4 wines) and $8 glasses of wine.

Need pumpkins to put you in the Fall spirit? Falfa pumpkin patch located in Durango is opening this weekend. However if you're looking for a full-on Fall festival complete with an American-themed corn maze, check out Jack-a-lope Acres in nearby Ignacio, Co.

Put those apples or pumpkins to good use by hosting a Fall-themed dinner or pumpkin carving.

Hiketober Biketober

So you've waited all summer to do that one hike or bike ride and then decided . . . it was too hot, it might rain, there were too many tourists, yada yada yada. Well now is the time! As the temperature has dropped, the monsoons have ceased (we think) and the numbers at the trailhead have dwindled, now is the best time to tackle some of those trails you've had your eye on all summer. They don't call it Biketober for nothing. (I'm not actually sure if anyone calls it Biketober, but I'm gonna go with it.)  Personally, I've had my eye on some hikes in Southern Utah, and it seems like October/November might be the perfect time. So don't let the cooling temperatures dissuade you from getting out there. Take advantage of this time before snow starts falling; you'll be glad you did! (But do be prepared if you're planning on camping i.e. bring lots of warm clothes.)