Embrace the Spooky Season 👻🎃

October is a month of transition in Colorado, as the fall colors fade and the first snows start to fall in the high country. It's also a month of spooky fun, with Halloween celebrations and haunted happenings across the state.

For a spine-chilling adventure, visit one of Colorado's many haunted places. The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park (the inspiration for Stephen King's "The Shining") offers guided ghost tours and a chance to stay in one of the haunted rooms. The Museum of Colorado Prisons in Cañon City is another eerie destination, with tales of ghostly sightings and paranormal activity.

October is also a great time for a scenic train ride. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers a special Peanuts The Great Pumpkin Patch Express, complete with a pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating, and appearances by Charlie Brown and Snoopy. The Georgetown Loop Railroad near Denver has a Halloween-themed Oktoberfest train, with German food, beer, and costumed characters.

For a more active October adventure, go for a mountain bike ride. The trails around Fruita and Grand Junction are world-renowned, with miles of smooth singletrack and stunning desert scenery. The Kokopelli Trails offer a variety of options for all skill levels, from beginner-friendly loops to challenging technical rides.

As you plan ahead for November, consider booking a hot springs getaway. As the weather cools down, soaking in a warm mineral pool is the perfect way to relax and unwind. Pagosa Springs is home to the world's deepest geothermal hot spring, while the Dunton Hot Springs near Telluride offer a luxurious and secluded experience in a restored ghost town.