Plan an awe-inspiring trip through Colorado this fall, and experience the Centennial State in all its golden glory. Soak in the scenery as the aspen leaves show off their brilliant yellow, red and orange hues, and take advantage of Colorado’s mild-temperatures, sunny days and bluebird skies. Enjoy hiking, biking or horseback riding on colorful trails or experience signature fall events like Pueblo’s Chile and Frijoles Festival and Breckenridge’s Oktoberfest. Fall photos and memories can be captured during a fall drive along scenic roads including Colorado’s 26 Scenic and Historic Byways. For more information on places to experience Colorado’s fall splendor, visit www.COLORADO.com.

GOLDEN ADVENTURES

Go Birding at Pawnee National Grassland (Ault): On the state’s eastern plains, dramatic windswept vistas welcome visitors to Pawnee National Grassland, an expanse of nearly 200,000 acres where they’ll spot many bird species unseen elsewhere. The conservation area is home to Colorado’s state bird (the lark bunting) and unique high-plains bird species. Other Colorado critters such as pronghorns and swift foxes are also found throughout.

Raft Bighorn Sheep Canyon (Canon City): A rafting hot spot, Bighorn Sheep Canyon lives up to its name with ample opportunities to see Colorado’s state mammal. From the canyon, upstream from the Royal Gorge near Cañon City, visitors see trees flamboyantly brandishing fall colors along the Arkansas River. Various outfitters can set visitors up with whitewater excursions or riverfront camping trips. Wildlife viewing of red-tailed hawks, mule deer and sheep are part of the journey.

Ride the Rails to the Top of Pikes Peak (Colorado Springs): What’s better than a view from the top? The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, America’s highest railway, takes guests up Pikes Peak topping out at a height of 14,115 feet and offering stunning Colorado mountain views and some of the country’s best fall foliage landscapes.

Hike the World’s Largest Flat-Top Mountain (Grand Junction): Among Grand Junction’s spectacular red cliffs and winding canyons, visitors can marvel at the 11,000-foot Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain, which boasts more than 300 lakes. At 350,000 acres, the Mesa is graced with deep forests of aspens set against Colorado pine, spruce and fir and offers breathtaking ranges of fall colors. Crag Crest Trail offers a high alpine hike atop the spine of the Mesa, perfect…