Great Ways to Explore Colorado’s Brilliant Foliage

Harvest celebrations and great vacation packages to be had, there’s no better time to explore Colorado. Below are a few ideas to inspire ‘leaf peepers’ looking for a picture perfect Colorado vacation. For a complete list of travel packages, vacation values, travel itineraries and more, visit www.colorado.com

Embark on a fall photo safari at the Delaware Hotel in Leadville, and capture beautiful images of Colorado’s fall colors. The Fall Photo Safari package includes accommodations for one night at the elegant Victorian inn, a photo safari with personalized scenic photography instruction from award-winning photographer Jon Sheppard, box lunch,transportation to and from photo sites and an afternoon image review. Prices start at just $235 per person. Available September through October. Call 800-748-2004.

Enjoy Colorado’s fall colors from new heights with The Inverness Hotel’s Fly & Soar package in Englewood. This package combines the excitement of a hot air balloon flight with the grounded relaxation of upscale accommodations, a couples spa treatment and luscious gourmet treats. Packages start at $699 (based on double occupancy) and include two nights in a deluxe hotel room, a hot air balloon ride for two with complimentary champagne and continental brunch served aboard the balloon, Xpress Focus Massage for two at the hotel spa and the ‘Take Flight with Tony’ flight sampler featuring artisanal cheeses, chocolates and wines at the Fireside Lounge. www.InvernessHotel.com

Head to Durango in Southwest Colorado and delight in the fall colors while soaring through the forest canopy in a state-of-the-art harness. This exhilarating package is great for all ages. Enjoy a Tree Top Soaring Adventure for two, tickets on the the Historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and two night’s lodging at a Durango area hotel starting as low as $399. http://www.inntopia.com/inntopia/templates/packages/packageselect.xml?salesid=487643&packageid=1243

Celebrate Colorado wine and food on a scenic bike ride through Colorado’s wine country during the beautiful fall harvest at the 15th Annual Tour of the Vineyards in Grand Junction, September 20th. This 25-mile ride through the vineyards of the Western Slope (on paved roads with a few hills) gives cyclists an opportunity to pass by the area’s wineries, as well as acres of fruit orchards, located in the Grand Valley of Palisade. www.emgcolorado.com

Hit the road on one of Colorado’s 25 Scenic and Historic Byways. Try the Rocky Mountain National Park’s Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved continuous road in the U.S. This 1.5- to 2-hour drive from Grand Lake to Estes Park features the magnificent scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park and offers great viewing areas for elk and other wildlife. Or, cruise along the Top of the Rockies Byway and check out the sights from Copper Mountain to Aspen. www.coloradobyways.org

Enjoy Frisco’s Autumn Spectacular, September 6-20. Nestled in the heart of Summit County, at 9,097 feet, Frisco is a great hub for viewing the area’s breathtaking foliage. Along with the beautiful colors, businesses throughout town will be offering “9,097 deals” on dining and shopping plus, a full lineup of events including The 1st Annual America Cup Fly Fishing Tournament, musical entertainment and kids activities. www.townoffrisco.com

Run with the Salmon at Willowfly Anglers in Almont. Experience the country’s largest land-locked kokanee salmon run from late August to late October. Purchase any all-day guided fishing trip in September and October through this Orvis Endorsed outfitter and, receive a 20 percent discount on lodging accommodations for two nights or more at Three Rivers Resort. Soak in the scenery on a relaxing fly fishing experience on the Gunnison, Taylor or East Rivers. http://www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com/package/run-salmon-almont

Hop aboard the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad and soak in the fall brilliance as the locomotive scales up 640 feet of mountainous terrain on narrow gauge track between Georgetown and Silver Plume. This journey includes a trip across the massive Devil’s Gate High Bridge. Along the route passengers may stop for a guided tour of the historic Lebanon Silver Mine, and view wildlife in its natural habitat. www.georgetownlooprr.com

Courtesy of leisuregrouptravel.com