You already know about Kebler Pass and McClure Pass and Guanella Pass, and that a visit to Aspen pretty much guarantees a golden aspen extravaganza (the Maroon Bells — is that where those are?).

And of course you’re all over Rocky Mountain National Park for its eye-popping explosion of crimson and burgundy hues, punctuated by wildlife cameos reminiscent of red-carpet highlights on Oscar night (if you think that’s an exaggeration, swing by Trail Ridge Road, and watch cars clamber for position paparazzi-style at the first whiff of deer dander).

Welcome once again to the fabulous fall colors of Colorado.

Sometimes, though, it’s even more fun to be in the midst of other activities and sort of stumble upon the rich rewards nature doles out this time of year. Look inside for fun pastimes that conveniently coincide with Colorado’s autumn kaleidoscope.

Canoe or kayak at Twin Lakes

The two naturally created glacial bodies of water at the base of Mount Elbert seemingly were custom-made for lazily tooling around, gazing at the surrounding alpine wonder, not to mention the many mountains that come in at more than 13,000 feet.

There are several shops in the charming town of Twin Lakes, which sits 21 miles southwest of Leadville, that rent canoes and kayaks (cost: about $45-$50 per day), and a drive along nearby Independence Pass will net additional leaf-peeping views.

More info: Twin Lakes is 122 miles west of Denver via Interstate 70, Colorado 91 and U.S. 24; visittwinlakescolorado.com.

Snowmass by balloon

Not only does one of the biggest balloon festivals in the world throw down in Snowmass — the event plays out Friday through Sept. 18 — the Snowmass Wine Festival simultaneously brings more than 300 wines, as well as restaurant chefs, to the area for tastings. But you can hop in a balloon yourself anytime to get a unique look at the fall colors — from above. Above It All Balloon Co. will float you around the Snowmass and Aspen areas just after sunrise, in groups of up to 12, from between 1,000 and 2,500 feet. Toast your accomplishment with a champagne brunch. Cost: $245 adults, $175 ages 6-14; visit aboveitallballoon.com.

More info: Snowmass is 200 miles from Denver via I-70 and Colorado 82. Visit snowmassballoon.com or snowmasswinefestival.com.

Hike through the ghost town of Ashcroft

The hiking around Ashcroft, which is 12 miles from Aspen, can be as easy or strenuous as you like. There’s a wooden walkway to the site from the parking lot, or you can access the miles of trails that lead away from the peaceful ghost town. With its backdrop of fourteeners and Castle Creek burbling through the valley, the stunning scenery is hard to deny — love those Elk Mountains. Named as a mining camp in 1883, the site still features 15 buildings, 12 of which are original. If you get hungry, Pine Creek Cookhouse is a mile’s hike away (reservations are recommended; pinecreekcookhouse.com).

More info: From Aspen, take Colorado 82 going out of town toward the Aspen Airport. At the roundabout, exit onto Castle Creek Road and drive for 11 miles to the road’s end. King Cabin Nordic Center will be to your right. Driving time is approximately 30 minutes; visit heritageaspen.org.

Ride a zipline in Wolcott

First you get to ride a Pinzgauer six-wheel-drive vehicle to Alkali Creek Canyon, and then you get strapped into the gear to take six 30- mph ziplines across said canyon — one of which goes for 1,000 feet — all the while trying to keep your eyes open while you squeal. But you must, to catch the fabulous — and fast-moving — views 200 feet above the water. Zip Adventures does this out of Wolcott, 15 view-lined miles west of Vail. Cost: $150 per person, includes water and snacks.

More info: 4 Eagle Ranch, 970-926-9470, zipadventures.com

Drive the Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway

The pretty leaves of the Gambel oak and cedar trees of the Plateau Valley are dramatic against the canyon walls along this loop tour, which visits the towns of Mesa, Cedaredge, Delta and Paonia, among others. Check out the Grand Mesa Welcome Center and Pioneer Town (400 SW Second St., Cedaredge, open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.), which recounts the history of the Surface Creek Valley, and the Colorado Gold Distillery in Cedaredge (1290 S. Grand Mesa Drive, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) offers free tours and tastings. The area’s newest mountain bike trail, Flowing Park Loop atop the Grand Mesa, is another top way to see the area.

More info: Mesa is 262 miles west of Denver via Interstate 70 and Colorado 65; westerncolorado.org.

Ride the Telluride gondola

One of the best free things in the

state, the 15-minute ride from the

town to the Mountain Village (and

back again) in Telluride not only

renders driving obsolete once you

get there, but also allows you to sit

back and enjoy the 360-degree

views: the entire town, Palmyra

Peak and the Wilson Range. Open

7 a.m. to midnight year-round (and

later if there’s a festival-and

when isn’t there a festival in Telly?),

and the wind-powered units

are handicap-accessible and

pet-friendly. At the other end of

the box canyon from the gondola

sits Bridal Veil Falls, left.

More info: visittelluride.com

Dine at the Flagstaff House in Boulder

Combine a restaurant built into a mountainside with French-inspired modern

cuisine (think unfussy but well-attired seafood and meat dishes), and it’s

hard to beat a romantic evening at the Flagstaff looking out at the changing

season through its floor-to-ceiling windows. If you don’t want to commit to a

full meal, stop by for “Tastes on the Terrace,” small plates and cocktails

through Sept. 30, which garners those great views and beautifully executed

fare at a fraction of the cost.

More info: 1138 Flagstaff Road, 303-442-4640, flagstaffhouse.com

Take the train in Leadville

Hop aboard the historic Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad, which originates in Leadville and then travels along the old Denver, South Park & Pacific and Colorado & Southern lines to the Continental Divide. The views of the changing leaves will be magnificent along the Arkansas River Valley and through the San Isabel National Forest – keep the camera out for Mount Massive and Mount Elbert, the tallest peaks in Colorado, as well – and you have the option of sitting inside or out. Special photo tours of the foliage are being offered at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sept. 17 and 18. Cost: $32.50 adults, $19.50 ages 4-12.

More info: leadville-train.com, 866-386-3936

Kyle Wagner: 303-954-1599, travel@denverpost.com, twitter.com/kylewagnerworld, facebook.com/traveldenverpost