A Local’s Guide to Fall Mornings in Denver
There’s something almost magical about fall mornings in the Mile High City. The crisp, cool air, bright sunshine, and pops of bold autumn color are somehow made even more beautiful in the early dawn quiet, as the bustling city slowly begins to wake. But don’t let this tranquility fool you: there are plenty of things to see, do, and experience for early risers who want to get a head start on embracing the season. Here, we’ve rounded up our favourite local-approved ideas for a memorable fall morning in Denver, whether you’re looking to take in the fall colors, hunt for the best pumpkin spice latte in town, or get your steps in while the city is still asleep.
Be sure to set your alarm clock—these autumnal Denver experiences are definitely worth waking up early for.
Get Your Morning Coffee Fix
Fall mornings in Denver are filled with the promise of unforgettable autumnal adventure. But first: coffee. With Pigtrain Coffee Co. right downstairs in Denver Union Station and open from 7 AM, you won’t have to go far to get your java fix. The popular LoDo coffee shop is debuting a newly renovated location this fall, shared with Milkbox Ice Creamery—new digs, same great brews and scoops. Stop by for a complimentary small drip coffee (an energizing perk of staying at The Crawford Hotel), or indulge in a classic autumnal treat with seasonal flavors like their scrumptious Pumpkin Pie Latte.
Just around the corner on Blake Street, Little Owl Coffee serves up expertly crafted cold brews, cortados, and Americanos that have earned them praise as one of Eater’s best coffee shops in Denver. Sip a seasonal brew like the classic PSL, or shake things up with one of their experimental flavors. Our favorite: the Yam Queen, a bold yam-and-marshmallow-flavored latte that pairs perfectly with the crisp air and sunshine of a Denver fall morning.
Take a Stroll Through Historic Denver
Few things are as energizing to early risers as a perfectly brewed cup of joe, but a morning stroll through Denver’s oldest neighborhood is definitely a close second. And guests of The Crawford Hotel enjoy the ideal jumping-off point for exploring LoDo in the crisp autumn air, thanks to our central, highly walkable location in the heart of downtown.
Starting from the storied front doors of Denver Union Station, head southwest along Wynkoop Street, then take a left as you reach the Mercantile Square Lofts onto the 16th Street Pedestrian Promenade. The historic street is normally a hub of activity, but the early dawn hours reveal another, more tranquil side to this pedestrian promenade.
Stroll a few blocks southeast and you’ll come to the place where the Mile High City was born: Larimer Square. Adorned with string lights, Colorado flags, and quaint cobblestone walkways, the block was once Denver’s Main Street, home to its first residence and first city hall. Though hard to imagine today, in the 1960s, the historic district was slated for demolition, but was saved from the wrecking ball by none other than our hotel’s namesake, pioneering urban preservationist Dana Crawford. You can read a detailed roundup of Denver heritage buildings she helped to save here—see how many you can spot on your morning stroll!
Enjoy LoDo’s Best Brunch
This much urban exploration is bound to work up an appetite. Luckily, Denver boasts a wide range of brunch options to fuel up for more fall fun, including several of the city’s most popular morning eateries right downstairs.
From their brand-new location on the opposite side of Union Station’s Great Hall, Snooze serves up a delicious seasonal fall menu all autumn long, with tasty options like their Pumpkin Pecan Pie Pancakes, Pumpkin Latte, and a Pumpkin Spiced Martini. Guests of The Crawford can even take advantage of priority seating at this bustling brunch spot (just be sure to call the restaurant a day ahead of time to reserve your place).
A new addition to the dining offerings at Denver Union Station, Olive & Finch offers scratch-made brunch fare like their Green Eggs and Sam sandwich, Lyon Tartine, and Genoa Hash in a relaxed, casual setting. Because they’re a counter-service restaurant, reservations are not required, making this an ideal choice for those who prefer spontaneous urban adventures without a scheduled itinerary.
For a morning feast with a side of live entertainment, head to Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox. Located at 20th Street and Larimer (about a 10-minute walk from Union Station), it’s a delicious departure from your standard breakfast joint: part music venue, part restaurant, with a Saturday and Sunday brunch service known to be one of the best in the city. Savor downhome classics like Chicken and Waffles, or decadent dishes like their Plantains Foster French Toast, along with an ever-changing lineup of seasonal specials inspired by fall’s most iconic flavors.
Go Leaf-Peeping by the River
Colorado is beautiful in every season, but autumn transforms the Centennial State into a dazzling panorama of crimson and gold that’s as breathtaking as it is ephemeral. From Garden of the Gods to Rocky Mountain National Park, there are plenty of day trips from downtown Denver that are perfect for a leaf-peeping excursion—but there’s also no shortage of ways to enjoy the fall foliage without ever leaving the city!
Just a short stroll from The Crawford Hotel, Confluence Park sits at the place where Cherry Creek meets the South Platte River. The lush urban park is dotted with Quaking Aspens and Autumn Blaze Maples, which burst forth in vivid hues of yellow and red from late September to mid-October. Experience Denver in living color with a leisurely stroll along the river bank, or rent a bicycle and take a spin along the Cherry Creek Regional Trail, which extends from Confluence Park all the way to neighboring towns of Franktown, Parker, Centennial, Aurora, and Glendale.
Embrace the Back-to-School Feeling
There’s something about early September that always puts us in a back-to-school mindset. Thankfully, fall in Denver offers plenty of opportunities to embrace the season’s studious spirit, no matter how long it’s been since you were last in a classroom.
Shop for your next great page-turner at Tattered Cover Book Store. Open bright and early from 8 AM daily, the homegrown Denver chain is one of the largest independent bookshops in the United States, with an outpost right downstairs in Denver Union Station. Once you’ve found something to pique your interest, grab a bench just outside on Wynkoop Plaza and enjoy a quiet morning of reading and people-watching on the bustling urban square.
A quick, 15-minute drive from The Crawford Hotel, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a great place to embrace your inner lifelong learner this fall. Here, you can unwrap the stories of ancient Egyptian mummies, get up close and personal with a menagerie of animals in the Wildlife Halls, or take an out-of-this-world odyssey through the vast cosmos. With the kids back in school and summer crowds departed, you just might have their exhibits all to yourself, especially if you arrive right as they open at 9 AM. (Top local tip: take advantage of the museum’s upcoming free day on Sunday, October 12 for an experience that’s as educational as it is budget-friendly.)
Fall for the Mile High City
From leaf-peeping along the river to embracing the spirit of back-to-school season, fall mornings in Denver offer a unique blend of urban adventure and natural wonder that’s well worth the early wake-up time. And with exclusive seasonal offers, like 20% off your nightly rate for stays through November 15, you can enjoy a restful retreat in the heart of the city that leaves you energized for even more autumnal adventure ahead. Start planning your visit today, and experience the Mile High City in all its fall glory.