I’ve made it a point to visit Colorado annually to see some friends from college. Specifically, I visit my buddy Will and we usually plan a short trip to explore Colorado after meeting up in Denver. This year, I decided to have my “base camp” in Denver and plan a few day trips to explore the surrounding areas. Some of my historical favorites include Breckenridge, Vail, and Boulder. This year, we did everything from a last minute concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, to exploring an old mining town (or two), to hiking yet another 14er high peak. Below, I’ve included some of my favorite places and activities all within a reasonable drive from Denver! Having the same spot to call “home” each night was refreshing yet still allowed us the opportunity for exploring Denver and the wonderful state! This trip was such a nice blend of everything.
Exploring Denver and the Surrounding Areas
Adventures & Hikes
- National Natural Landmark with numerous trails and visitor center
- Free parking. Plenty of spots outside the visitor center with several other lots near trails
- Downloadable park map on your phone including trails, parking lots, nearby attractions
- Trolley, Jeep Wrangler, and bike tours available along with E-bike rentals
- Right around 1.25 hours south of Denver, depending on starting location
- Trail within Garden of the Gods
- Very easy trail/hike around 0.3 miles
- Roughly 30 minutes to complete with multiple scenic stops along the way
- Trail within Garden of the Gods
- Easier loop trail around 1.5 miles
- Paved trail through the heart of the park. Accessible by wheelchairs, strollers, etc
- Plenty of scenic rock formations (and wildlife!) throughout the loop trail
- Trail within Garden of the Gods
- Just under 3 miles total
- Easier loop trail; however, more “hiking” and off road than those above
- Still incredible views of the rock formations in the backdrop
- Considered “easier” 14ers; however, I will say no 14er is truly easy
- Many complete this combo trail to cross off two 14er high peaks at once
- Around 8.25 miles total, out and back hike, 3600+ total elevation gain
- Grays Peak is around 7.5 miles solo, 3000+ total elevation gain
- Torreys Peak is around 7.75 miles solo, 3000+ total elevation gain
- Grays Summit is 14,275 feet and Torreys Summit is 14,272 feet
- Suggest a higher clearance vehicle with 4WD/AWD given the bumpy road to parking lot
- Bathrooms available adjacent to the parking lot at the trailhead
- Start early to avoid the afternoon thunderstorms! We were on the trail before 6 am
- Just over 1 hour drive west from Denver
- Around 1.25 hours northwest of Denver
- My buddy’s friend has a family cabin we visited with several trails right outside
- Many trails within/adjacent to Roosevelt National Forest
- Some amazing views hiking near Mammoth Gulch
- Trails of varying length, difficulty, and elevation gain
- Old mining town nearby with a small main street and one of the BEST breweries (see below!)
Exploring Denver and the Surrounding Areas
Entertainment/Concerts
Red Rocks Amphitheatre – O.A.R. Show
- Around 20 minutes southwest of Denver
- Built within and around several large sandstone rock formations
- World renowned venue for decades with headliners such as The Beatles in the 1960s
- Free to park, enter, and walk around (outside of set showtimes)
- Numbered seats closer to the stage with open seating towards the back
- My first O.A.R. show which was simply incredible! Would absolutely see again (ended up booking tickets to see them back home at Artpark in Lewiston, NY)
Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre – Dave Matthews Band Show
- Around 20 minutes South of Denver
- A more modern, larger amphitheater compared to Red Rocks
- Numbered seats located closer to the stage with lawn seating in the back
- Multiple paid parking lots and garages adjacent to the amphitheater. Ridesharing (Uber and Lyft) also readily available nearby
- Multiple food and beverage vendors within along with bathrooms
Exploring Denver and the Surrounding Areas
Good Eats
- Near Colorado State Capitol Building downtown
- Has the feel of an old diner blended with more modern vibes and menu
- Fried chicken dinner with homemade biscuits were phenomenal
- Pro tip…order a couple of entrees and share to experience a few things!
- North Capitol Hill area of Denver
- Walking distance from my base camp therefore became my coffee spot a few mornings
- Very relaxing interior, some outdoor seating, extremely friendly and helpful staff!
- Simple black iced coffee was very good. Mini french toast sticks added some sweetness
- An INCREDIBLE deli with a mediterranean twist. Well worth the long wait and lines
- Plenty of indoor seating with multiple outdoor picnic tables
- Near the Denver Art Museum, Capitol Hill region
- Too many favorites to list but the Pastrami Reuben hit the spot with their homemade Rye
- Several sides also available with my favorites below (numerous sizes available)
- French Curry Potato Salad
- Macaroni Pasta Salad with Dill
- Domas (grape leaves)
- Whipped Feta
- Downtown Denver near Coors Field (home of the Colorado Rockies MLB Team)
- Unique building home to bars, restaurants, boutiques, and a hotel
- Plenty of seating throughout the building
- We stopped for a drink at Poka Lola (see below) before our Dave Matthews Band (DMB) concert later
- Several locations around the Denver area
- We ate at the DTC-Belleview Location right before the DMB concert
- Around 20 minutes Southeast of Denver
- Under 10 minutes from Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
- The Carne Asada and Baja Fish Tacos were very good, as were the rice & beans
- Grab and go little deli/store with amazing breakfast wraps and coffee
- A few tables inside with multiple outdoor seating areas out back
- Very reasonably priced with friendly staff
- Pro tip…Breakfast burrito with Chorizo (mexican sausage) and add guac…YUM!
Exploring Denver and the Surrounding Areas
Breweries/Libations
- Around 1 hour South of Denver, just outside of Colorado Springs
- 100% Veteran owned and operated brewery
- One of the lowest flight prices in Colorado
- One of the largest flights I’ve ever seen which included 20 samples!
- Unfortunately, the beer was nothing to write home about but some solid choices overall
- Around 1.25 hours south of Denver in Manitou Springs
- Offers typical pints, flights, and to-go crowlers (25.4oz)
- Several varieties and types including some interesting one-of-a-kind beers
- Isn’t That Cuke Brut IPA…a refreshing IPA with several hints of cucumber!
- Their nachos were HUGE and could easily be shared by 2-3 people
- Just over 1 hour northwest of Denver in Rollinsville
- Smaller, newer brewery right in the heart of the old mining town
- Very friendly staff with incredible beers. One of my new favorites!
- Cozy indoor space, some outdoor seating, awesome logo, along with merch to go
- Live music and events with occasional food trucks outside
- Around 1 hour west of Denver in Idaho Springs
- Several ciders on tap along with some local draft beers
- The Elote dip was amazing and hit the spot after our 14er hikes!
Westbound & Down Brewing Company
- Around 1 hour west of Denver, also in Idaho Springs
- One of my favorite breweries from a few years back. STILL one of my favorites today
- I suggest sitting at the bar for a cool experience and warm welcoming
- You will not be disappointed with any of their beers, especially their IPAs!
- Nachos were very, very good (if you can’t tell already, I enjoy nachos and IPAs!)
- TVs throughout if you’re looking to catch a game or two while enjoying a brew
- Located within the Dairy Block (described above)
- Unique cocktail bar with plenty of comfortable seating and some tables
- Enjoyed my first ever Espresso Martini! I’m now hooked and would definitely return
- Some small bites and appetizers are available along with their cocktails
- Downtown Denver, right across the street from Coors Field
- Buffalo Bills Backers Bar!! One of my buddy’s favorite spots for games
- Some local Buffalo favorites are offered along with plenty of fans during the season
- Labatt Blue Light (including buckets during games)
- Chicken Wings
- Beef on Weck
- Pizza Logs
- Located downtown within the Icehouse Condominium, adjacent to Union Station
- CASH only. All drinks (including beer and cocktails) are only $5!
- Such a cool and unique establishment; however, very difficult to find
- Enter the main Icehouse Condo door at 1801 Wynkoop Street
- Take the small staircase to the left upon entering
- Enter through the large black industrial appearing doors
- They will check your ID before entering. You’ll exit by a different door
- Plenty of indoor seating along with outdoor seating and picnic tables
- Several varieties of beer including classic IPAs, New Zealand hops, Oktoberfest, Belgian Blondes, and barrel aged beers
- Couches and a dart board available in the larger, side room
- Food trucks available on a rotating basis, several times weekly
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