The Travel Thread - 2022 edition

Cool. Welcome. Hope this doesn't get too long and feel free to reach out in a PM.

Rockies

They are playing the Cubs that weekend so expect big crowds and expensive (but still reasonable) tickets.

Breweries

We have lots of them. Lots to the north of downtown in RiNo. Almost empty in downtown so you'll have to branch out, but having a car will help.

Hotels

Lots of places in downtown, but if you're looking for something unique, there's the Monaco and the Brown Palace.

Food

Depends what you are up for. Lots of places along the 16th Street Mall (walking pedestrian mall). Mexican food is good here. For tacos, I'd hit up El Taco de Mexico on Santa Fe. If you want regional chain, there's Santiago's. Green chile. We're a cow town so we've got lots of steak places. There's an Elway's downtown. If you want old school/1950s vibe, there's Bastien's on East Colfax. For Thai, there's Tommy's on East Colfax. Sandwiches, we've got Snarfs and Cheba Hut.

Hikes

Yup. Tons and tons of them to the west. Check out Jefferson County Open Space.

Open Space | Jefferson County, CO

And Boulder County Open Space.

Parks & Open Space

If you go on Saturday or Sunday, expect big crowds.

Favorites: Chautauqua Park in Boulder, Green Mountain in Lakewood, North Table Mountain in Golden, South Table Mountain in Golden, Elk Meadow Park in Evergreen, O'Fallon Park in Kittredge. You can't go wrong and can make them as long and short as you want.

Destinations

You have a car, so go out during the day to see Red Rocks. You can drive up there, park for free, come in at the top. Watch the exercise freaks running the steps. You're here Easter weekend, so weather permitting, there will be a sunrise service on Sunday if you're into that.

Go west on I-70 toward Evergreen. If you're lucky, the bison might be out in the pasture at the top at Genesee. Great for photos. If you go to Elk Meadow Park to hike, then drop down into Evergreen. Nice mountain town nestled against a large lake. Good breweries up there and outdoor seating. You can keep going west on I-70 about 45 minutes west of downtown and see Idaho Springs. Nice little town with a cool brewery (Tommy Knockers). The gambling towns are about 20 minutes from Idaho Springs, Central City and Black Hawk. Full-on gambling. Central City is an old mining town. Black Hawk is much more built out and modern. Nice drive back into the city through Clear Creek Canyon with a stop in Golden along the way.

Boulder is a nice place to hike and breweries (Southern Sun is a favorite).

In Denver, I'm not an arts guy, but there's the Denver Art Museum. I'm a big fan of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The Denver Zoo is a very good stop as well.

Far out drives

If you just want to drive in the mountains for the scenery, highly recommended. A drive up to Estes Park. Getting into Rocky Mountain National Park could get crowded. Fort Collins is a fun town. If you want to go south, Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs has lots of hiking opportunities. Peak-to-Peak Highway through the gambling towns, up to Nederland and down into Boulder is gorgeous. Also, we've got nearby state parks: Eldorado Canyon (though closed right now because of a fire), Golden Gate.

Also

It's April. So pack accordingly. It could be 80 to 85 .... or it could snow. On the same day.

Downtown has changed a lot in the past couple of years. Crime is way up (shootings, stabbings, robberies). We have a homelessness problem. So be careful.

And, yes, we're a Mile High So drink lots and lots and lots of water. Don't know where you're coming in from, but the altitude gets a lot of folks. Stay hydrated by having a water bottle and just drinking water (and the great craft beers).

Enjoy. And, again, reach out with any questions.

 

Forgot to add that since it's near downtown and it's pretty quick (I think less than an hour): A tour of the Denver Mint.