Aspen in October - The Ultimate Guide to Autumn in Aspen
Aspen, Colorado doesn’t have an off-season; Aspen in October is buzzing with things to do. October is also the best month to see the fall colors.
What To Do in Aspen in October?
Aspen in October is the ideal time for a variety of activities like hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing on the Roaring Fork River, leaf peeping around the Maroon Bells, and to try seasonal menu items in downtown Aspen restaurants. There are also performances at the Wheeler Opera House, famous bands performing at Belly Up, new exhibits at the Aspen Art Museum, and lively DJ sets in Aspen’s many clubs. In the fall, the aspen trees change color and the summer heat is replaced by breezy afternoons with more comfortable temperatures. This makes October the best time to enjoy outdoor activities around Aspen.
The fall is one of the best times of year to experience Aspen because you can enjoy all that Aspen has to offer with far smaller crowds. This article is your guide to all things Aspen in autumn! If you have any questions about fall activities, contact Aspen Luxury Concierge for tickets, times, and reservations.
Things to Know Before You Visit Aspen, Colorado in October
Everyone knows that winter and summer are the busy seasons here in Aspen. Unlike other mountain towns, Aspenites don’t close up shop until ski season. Aspen in October remains a buzzing adventure destination - albeit the buzzing is slightly quieter in the fall - year round, with arts and culture events, musical performances, restaurant specials, and plenty of things to do out in nature. Before you hop on a plane to Aspen, here are a few things that you need to know:
What is the Weather Like?
After temperatures peak in July and August, the weather gets cooler leading up to ski season. In October, the average low temperature is around 30 degrees fahrenheit. The average high daily temperature is around 60 degrees fahrenheit. This means that spending time outside is far more enjoyable and visitors should work up a sweat with their outdoor activities. While ski season doesn’t officially start until mid-November, there may be some light flurries of snow in late October.
When Can I See the Fall Foliage?
The time of the trees changing depends on the weather, elevation, forest health, and if the area had an unusually wet or dry summer. In Aspen, the trees start to change in late September, so by October, the aspen trees have beautiful golden leaves. This makes October the best time for leaf peeping; visitors can go for a hike or drive and look out over forests of brilliant gold and orange trees.
How Crowded is Aspen in the Fall?
Summer and winter are the big tourist seasons in Aspen. In the fall, there are fewer tourists and the downtown area is generally less busy. The good news is that Aspen doesn’t hibernate during the off season; restaurants, hotels, and clubs remain open, offering plenty of activities for both locals and fall visitors. One benefit of visiting Aspen in October is that hotel pricing is lower and you can have your pick of the best hotel suites and luxury vacation rentals.
What Should I Wear to Visit Aspen?
When you visit Aspen, you’ll want to dress for the weather. The high most days will be in the 60s or high 50s, and the low will be around 30 degrees. That is a big temperature shift, so you should pack and dress in layers. The ALC team is all Aspen locals, so we know all about staying warm and fashionable in the fall.
Visitors should be sure to pack:
Hiking boots and hiking socks.
Closed toe shoes, not sandals, to keep your feet warm.
A light jacket - unless you’re from a state that’s hot year-round, then bring a heavier jacket because 60 degrees may seem cold to you.
Leggings, jeans, and hiking pants are always in style.
Layers you can add and remove, like flannels, cardigans, and blazers.
A sun hat to protect against sun exposure at altitude
A winter hat and light gloves for the chilly days
If you get to Aspen and realize that your jacket isn’t going to be warm enough, you can always go shopping for some new Aspen attire. The shopping in Aspen is excellent year-round with the right balance of local brands and international luxury fashion houses.
8 Things To Do in Aspen, Colorado in October
1. Celebrate the Fall Harvest at the Aspen Farmers Market
The farmers market in Aspen runs every Saturday from 9am until 2pm until mid-October. The stalls have everything from fresh, organic, farm-to-table produce to handmade jewelry and crafts. As the fall harvest gets under way, the farmers market will have more fall-centric offerings like apple cider, fresh apples, and pumpkins. Some of the farms that have stalls at the market also offer apple and pumpkin picking. Contact Aspen Luxury Concierge to learn more about how your family can go apple picking in Aspen.
2. Visit the Aspen Art Museum
Aspen is more than just a ski town; we are all about the arts and culture. The Aspen Art Museum is a fantastic fall activity! Located in downtown Aspen, visitors can wander through the well-curated galleries, have lunch at the Rooftop Café, and stay for an evening musical performance. One of the current exhibitions is Nairy Baghramian’s Jupon de Corps, which is a series of abstract sculptures that were inspired by garments and prosthetics.
3. Hit the Club Scene & Attend Musical Performances
During the summer, Aspen gets taken over by live music. There is the Aspen Music Festival and School classical music concert series and then the JAS Aspen Jazz Festival. But just because summer has faded into fall doesn’t mean that the music has gone out of Aspen. In October, the party continues with concerts by world-famous performers at Belly Up, comedy shows and operas at Wheeler Opera House, and the Aspen nightlife scene is as active as ever with new dance music sets from local DJs.
4. Drink German Beer at Oktoberfest
In early October, Elk Camp hosts an epic end of summer celebration. Both locals and visitors dress in their German best and gather to drink beer, eat German-inspired recipes, and welcome the fall season. Every year, Oktoberfest includes live music, activities, beer tastings, and outdoor adventures on the Lost Forest obstacle course. For more information about Oktoberfest, contact Aspen Luxury Concierge.
5. Guided Tours to Learn About the History of Aspen
Aspen has a rich history as a booming mining town. The best time to learn to go on guided tours in Aspen is October because you can delve deep into the history while enjoying the spectacular fall colors. Visitors have a few different options for guided tours in Aspen:
The Wheeler Opera House, built in 1889
The ghost town of Ashcroft, a well-preserved time capsule
Walking tours of Aspen’s most interesting landmarks
Scenic nature tours, which include information about the local flora and fauna
Nightly ghost tours, which are an excellent way to gear up for Halloween
Local vineyard, which include wine tasting opportunities
Guided tours can be private or with a group. If you would like to book a tour of Aspen, contact Aspen Luxury Concierge for pricing and availability.
6. Scenic Mountain Drives & Hikes for Leaf Peeping
Once the aspen trees change color in the fall, the Roaring Fork Valley is transformed into a golden paradise with fall colors stretching as far as the eye can see. In Colorado, Aspen is well-known for the incredible fall foliage. Anyone visiting Aspen in October should definitely go for a scenic hike or drive. The ALC team recommends the following routes for peak leaf peeping:
Maroon Lake - The Maroon Bells are one of the most photographed features in Colorado. The entire drive up to the lake has breathtaking views and the fall colors at the lake do not disappoint.
Ashcroft - The ghost town is enveloped on all sides by golden aspen trees. Whether you want to take the tour or just see the trees, it is a sight to behold.
Aspen Mountain - Taking a scenic trip up Aspen Mountain is a strong recommendation from the locals, as it offers the chance to observe the beautiful fall colors from above. This promises an unforgettable and captivating experience.
Hunter Creek Trail - This is one of the most popular hiking trails for leaf peeping. The trail head starts near the Roaring Fork River in town and winds along Hunter Creek.
7. Outdoor Activities in Aspen, Colorado in October
Aspen is a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, kayaking, and horseback riding year round. However, October is one of the best times of year for outdoor activities because the weather is cooler and the views get even more beautiful. If you are a seasoned outdoor explorer, the ALC team can recommend trails and the best places to buy new gear. For those wanting to fly fish, mountain bike, kayak, or ride a horse for the first time, your concierge can arrange for gear rental and lessons. Aspen has a variety of trails for all experience levels.
8. Dine in Fall Style at Aspen Restaurants and Bars
After a long day of exploring the outdoors, learning Aspen’s history, or engaging with art, enjoy a gourmet dinner in one of Aspen’s many exceptional restaurants. Aspen offers so many different options for dining, from sushi and Asian fusion to authentic Italian food, classic alpine fare, and South American soul food. Most restaurants and bars have fall seasonal menus, which utilize local autumn ingredients grown at nearby farms. Many bars offer their own signature fall-inspired cocktails and locally brewed cider. Contact your Aspen concierge for restaurant recommendations and reservations.
Come Experience Aspen in October!
If you have never seen the Colorado fall colors before, you are in for a treat! October is the best time to experience Aspen because you get all the experience but none of the crowds. Contact Aspen Luxury Concierge today to book accommodations, transportation, activity reservations, and gear rental for your Aspen adventure.
BY: RACHEL NAIDUS
Rachel is the Principal & Founder of Aspen Luxury Concierge. For over a decade, she has cut her teeth in the luxury hospitality services business. Since 2019, she has led ALC’s premier staff in creating luxury, effortless experiences for its clients. With her ever growing network of partners, vendors, and clientele, Rachel leads the pack in providing expert services to Aspen luxury travelers and locals.