Things to Do in Colorado this Fall, While Social Distancing

Labor Day is past us and that means the colder months are just ahead. Unlike in years past, your autumn and winter in Colorado may be hampered by social distancing guidelines intended to slow the spread of COVID-19. These recommendations include wearing a face mask, maintaining at least six feet of distance from others and regular sanitizing of your hands.

In a year dominated by a pandemic, it may seem that your recreational options are severely restricted, but you can still enjoy many of your favorite activities while still observing social distancing guidelines. Many of the most popular tourist attractions and activities throughout Colorado are still available to the public even if certain restrictions are in place.

Enjoy Scenic Colorado

One of the great attractions of Colorado is, of course, its breathtaking scenery. Among the most popular destinations for local residents as well as out-of-staters is Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park is understandably one of the country’s most popular national parks.  This gorgeous locale has more than a hundred mountains soaring over 10,000 feet as well as alpine lakes, forests and abundant native wildlife. Best of all you can enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park and other outdoor locales without rigid adherence to social distancing—if you are on your own.

You can enjoy all the sites by driving or hiking the Trail Ridge Road which is located at a height of 12,000 feet. Although summer is the peak visit time, autumn in the Rocky Mountains is just as awe-inspiring. You can experience Colorado’s majestic forests as the leaves change color as well as enjoy winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing later in the season.

Colorado is well known for its many skiing venues like Vail and Aspen. Although you can still enjoy your favorite winter pastime in these luxurious settings, you will need to maintain social distancing when not on the slopes.  In addition to the high-end destinations popular for VIPs and celebrities, you can also book more reasonably priced stays at other ski resorts like Avon or Beaver Creek.

Autumn in Colorado is an excellent time to play some golf as well.  Not only can you enjoy 18 holes set against one of the most beautiful backdrops in the world, but you can take a break at some truly spectacular resorts like Garden of the Gods Resort and Club or the Broadmoor.

For more adventurous people, there are plenty of activities available that put you up close and personal with the outdoors. You can book a spot with groups like Front Range Climbing, Play Dirty ATV Tours, or Academy Riding Stables. Most of these activities can be performed with minimal consideration of social distancing.

Socialize Sensibly

It probably wouldn’t seem like a vacation if you didn’t spend some time in a crowd. You can still socialize with friends, old and new, by picking the right setting. For example, you might enjoy taking in a music concert at one of the nation’s most storied venues, Red Rocks. Since Red Rocks is an outdoor concert venue, you can enjoy a great show without a great deal of anxiety about COVID-19, although you should know that only 175 people are allowed into the amphitheater.

You may not feel comfortable spending a couple hours with an auditorium full of strangers, even if you are taking in the latest Hollywood blockbuster, but there are some alternatives. If you are near Fort Collins, you can visit the Holiday Twin Drive-in. Watch two movies from the comfort and safety of your car while listening to the audio through your car’s radio.

If you enjoy plants, you may find some beautiful ones at the Denver Botanic Gardens. With two locations in Denver, the Denver Botanic Gardens covers more than 700 acres with plants from around the world. Both sites have a limited number of visitors and you must purchase your tickets online. In order to minimize crowding, you have a limited time per visit, and you must wear a mask during your visit.

Kid-friendly Activities

If you are bringing the entire family on your visit to Colorado, then you probably want to schedule some activities that will appeal to your children as well.  While many of the previously mentioned attractions can appeal to some kids, many children may require activities more suitable for their age.

  • Denver Zoo—spending the day with some exotic animals can help take your minds off of the latest COVID-19 development.  Your kids will likely enjoy at least some of the 3,500 animals found at the Denver Zoo.
  • Denver Museum of Nature and Science—this popular kids attraction has many exhibits on space, dinosaurs, gems and human body that should stoke the curiosity and imagination of young visitors.
  • Downtown Aquarium—the Downtown Aquarium has more than 1 million gallons of exhibits.  The many amenities include the Aquarium Restaurant that is seated around a 50,000 gallon tank featuring breathtaking aquatic shows throughout the day.
  • Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience—if your kids want a more personal encounter with dinosaurs, the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience is ideal.  Not only will you find animatronic dinosaurs on site, but your kids can see and touch actual dinosaur fossils.
  • Captain Zipline Adventure Tours—for children with a desire for more adrenaline-inducing activities, they might really enjoy Captain Zipline Adventure tours.  These aerial adventures include swings, walking tightropes, and cliff climbing for all ages and abilities.
  • Burlington’s Old Town Museum—your kids should enjoy a trip back in time of almost a hundred years. At the Burlington’s Old Town Museum, they can immerse themselves in a historic prairie town with soda fountain, horse-drawn carriages and much more.
  • Purgatory Village—this attraction offers an array of kid-friendly activities including mini golf, an alpine slide, horseback riding or bungee trampoline.
  • Telluride Ski Resort’s Eco Adventures—for kids aged 5 to 12, these half or full day camps introduce children to the overwhelming beauty and value of the environment.

Article written by: Dr. Robert Moghim – CEO/Founder Colorado Pain Care

M.D. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the personal views of Robert Moghim, M.D. and do not necessarily represent and are not intended to represent the views of the company or its employees.  The information contained in this article does not constitute medical advice, nor does reading or accessing this information create a patient-provider relationship.  Comments that you post will be shared with all visitors to this page. The comment feature is not governed by HIPAA and you should not post any of your private health information.