Officially Autumn: Why Fall In Colorado Is A Must-Experience

Summer left without much of a whimper and fall arrived without too much fanfare or really any official announcement this past weekend. And much as I love summer, I think most Coloradans can agree that there's one season to rule them all: of course, I'm talking about fall.

Autumn in Colorado is one of those genuine four seasons we're so famous for... where you often get warm days followed by cool or even cold nights. There's a dry crisp in the air, the smell of leaves burning somewhere and a hot drink of some sort waiting for you inside. This is where all you pumpkin-spice-frappa-rappa-chuckarino people go crazy.

But what is it about fall in Colorado that is just so special, anyway?

First and foremost, the colors and scenery, of course. Our state is home to more than 50 native species of trees, almost all of which produce eye-popping color this time of year.

You start to see a little snow appearing on the tops of our peaks - a reminder of the ski season to come. And if you haven't spent any time in the mountains during the fall, boy are you missing out. Walk around the downtown of any of our quaintest mountain towns like Estes Park, Vail, Breckenridge or someplace smaller like even Idaho or Glenwood Springs, and you know exactly what I'm talking about.

The events across the state really add to the charm of what autumn is supposed to be, where you can find some form of a fall festival nearly every city in the state on one weekend or another. Anyone up for the Great American Beer Festival October 10-12? Not to mention, the state is home to all kinds of corn mazes and activities that you really only get in the fall - and you can scroll down for a list of the best in the state!

Last but not least, it's football season. Hockey season fires up in fall as well. Colorado is home to some of the best sports products on earth with your Colorado Avalanche and Colorado Eagles, and of course, your Denver Broncos.