You already know that living around Fort Carson, Colorado, is on many service members' duty station bucket list. It consistently ranks at the top of the most requested lists year after year, and some of Fort Carson’s popularity likely has something to do with the perfect, glorious fall weather.
In fact, much of Colorado is due for a spectacular leaf show due to their extended winter which produced plenty of snowfall, later creating lush, green landscapes throughout spring and summer. For fun, check out the interactive national map that the Smoky Mountains National Park perfected to showcase fall foliage schedules. It has Colorado Springs at or near peak by October 1st.
Whether you love or hate everything pumpkin spice, it’s going to be hard to sit home and ignore all of the fun fall theme adventures right outside your back door on and near Fort Carson. Plan well ahead, as there are so many activities each weekend that you’ll probably have to choose from multiple options.
With map and coffee from the Trading Post in hand, the Pikes Peaks Region is not one to miss during the fall season. Pick from easy to moderate trails for hiking within yellow, red, and orange vistas as far as the eye can see. To complete an extra special day, book a horseback ride at Academy Riding Stables.
Nearby, Cripple Creek is home to the iconic golden aspens trees. On site, Heritage Center looks over the once bustling mining town. Before heading home, stop at a local’s favorite, Donut Mill, to select a well earned treat.
In your family, if fall equals a "U Pick" Farm experience, than Happy Apple Farm is the place to be. No admission is charged, hay rides are free, and pets are welcome. But what you will pay for is by the pound prices for apples, berries, and pumpkins. Baked goods and hard pressed cider fill the Country Store with sweet aromas! Jarred jams, jellies, and vegetables round out the seasonal goods.
It's the best time of year to be a runner, and Fort Carson’s MWR delivers its most festive race series that includes: Amuck Amuck A Ruck 10K, The Fearless 5K, and the Pumpkin Spice 1 Mile Run. Running not your thing? How does Beer Olympics or a Dance Party sound? The Flavors of Fall also has a zip line, carnival games, bounce houses, quad jumper and fun food offerings.
Right across the street from the Garden of Gods lies Rock Ledge Ranch, and they have their own version of a fall festival to share with the public. Favorites such as horse drawn wagon rides, food vendors, a you-pick pumpkin patch, and a candy scramble are just the beginning of the fun adventures happening throughout the day.
Diana’s Pumpkin Patch is known for so many traditional fall and Halloween activities, but it's the corn maze that really makes a statement. This year’s theme is It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown! One paid admission price includes all of the patch’s activities and one Jack O Lantern sized pumpkin.
Every great zoo needs a Boo at the Zoo event! The late afternoons are cooler, animals are more active, and trick or treating along the zoo path is just plain fun. Younger kids love the decorations and easy trails while parents enjoy the less frantic pace found throughout neighborhood streets
There you have it! Just a taste of what the Fort Carson area has to offer during the fall months. Just be sure to schedule enough time to sneak in a few s’mores campfires and football games to check off all of the must-do fall festivities!