Going to Denver for 10 days

[19clone91]

Many of the mountain passes along with Trailridge Road across RMNP usually dont open until Memorial Day weekend but that can fluctuate a week or two in either direction so if you plan on driving in the mountains, keep an eye on those before you drive 3 hours to find out your road is still closed.

We use this website to determine what roads are open and it has webcams and stuff so you can see the road conditions at any time.

http://www.cotrip.org/map.htm

I would recommend driving to the top of Mt. Evans if its open by then. Its the highest road in North America and you often see wildlife on the way up. RMNP is obviously popular. Boulder has plenty to do to fill up an entire day (hikes, downtown shopping, breweries). Golden is also a good opportunity. If you go to Idaho Springs as others have suggested, eat at Beaujos Pizza and there are 2 or 3 breweries next door. Its some of the best pizza ive had, a lot like Great Plains but slightly better IMO, true "Denver Crust". There are a few of them in Denver too but Idaho Springs has the original.

Downtown Denver has litteral a hundred breweries and great restaurants to fill up an entire week. Downtown Littleton is a fun little area too. The Terracotta Cafe in Littleton has great breakfast and there is a distillery nearby thats good. Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey distillery in Denver has a great tour and is right off I-25 and Santa Fe.

If you like hiking, Boulder, Golden, and Morrison have a lot of easier and shorter options; St mary's Glacier, Guanella Pass, and Lake Brainard areas are all within an hour of Denver and have better views up higher in the mountains, but check trial conditions. RMNP has a lot too but is a bit further away and way more busy. Lots of dogs on most trails and at most breweries and outdoor restaurants so you can bring your furry friend anywhere!

 

[Cycsk]

There are breweries everywhere. Two of note that are owned by Iowa State Alums are Living the Dream, and Dry Dock. Check them out.

Yes, these are ones that I remember from the Denver NCAA things to do thread. Here is what I found on that thread:

"Living the Dream brewery (a ways from the Pepsi Center) is run by a CFanatic. Dry Dock Brewery in Aurora (also a ways from the Pepsi Center) is run by ISU peeps."

 

[jcyclonee]

You can spend a couple hours wandering around Red Rocks. If you go downtown, Winkoop brewery is pretty cool.

If you have a day, go to Rocky Mountain National Park. Be sure to drive through Big Thompson Canyon either on the way in or out. At the very least, hike to Dream Lake and do the Trail Ridge Road drive, stopping for the views. Also, you'll get to see Upper Beaver Meadows.

A day trip to any of the mountain towns would be cool. A visit to Vail shows you how the upper crust lives or vacations. Also, it's near Avon which is the home of Beaver Liquors. There seems to be a lot of beaver in Colorado. You should like it there.

 

[cyhiphopp]

You can spend a couple hours wandering around Red Rocks. If you go downtown, Winkoop brewery is pretty cool.

If you have a day, go to Rocky Mountain National Park. Be sure to drive through Big Thompson Canyon either on the way in or out. At the very least, hike to Dream Lake and do the Trail Ridge Road drive, stopping for the views. Also, you'll get to see Upper Beaver Meadows.

A day trip to any of the mountain towns would be cool. A visit to Vail shows you how the upper crust lives or vacations. Also, it's near Avon which is the home of Beaver Liquors. There seems to be a lot of beaver in Colorado. You should like it there.

Huh huh
Upper Beaver
Huh huh

Yeah! Beaver! Yeah!

 

[drlove]

Yes, these are ones that I remember from the Denver NCAA things to do thread. Here is what I found on that thread:

"Living the Dream brewery (a ways from the Pepsi Center) is run by a CFanatic. Dry Dock Brewery in Aurora (also a ways from the Pepsi Center) is run by ISU peeps."

Both have expanded since the NCAA tournament in size and beers.

Dry Dock actually has a two locations now a days (North and South Dock). Both in Aurora, but very far apart.. One is kinda close to the airport.

 

[Colorado]

Plenty of fun stuff to do without leaving the Front Range, especially from Littleton.

Deer Creek Canyon Park is great for a hike/mtn bike adventure and probably less than 15 minutes away. Stay left and take the Plymouth Mountain Trail. Great views of the city from the peak.

If you want to wet a line head down to Deckers. Big Trout. Be sure to stop by Bud's Bar in Sedalia on your way back for a Cheeseburger and a beer.

If you want to get into the thin air, take the road trip to the summit of Mt. Evans. I do it annually. Great views but dress accordingly.

If cards/dice are your game, head to Blackhawk/Central City. Worth checking out even if you don't want to leave a donation. From there get on the Peak to Peak highway and road trip to Estes Park. Make a pit stop in Nederland.

Boulder is a bit over rated imo, but the Pear Street Mall certainly is not. If you want to people watch, this is your spot. Some interesting shops as well, but nothing you purchase will be cheap.

As others have mentioned, Red Rocks is a must. Take Uber or a cab if you are going to a show. Do the same if you plan to head downtown for a game or to party. Enjoy!

​

Everything on this list is solid advice.

Jason at Living the Dream (close to Littleton) is a CF'er. I would recommend picking a mountain town and wander. Idaho Springs, Winter Park, Frisco, Georgetown, Evergreen, Nederland, the list goes on. Most mountain towns will have hiking nearby.

The only thing I would disagree with is that Great Sand Dunes is a day trip, especially if you have to get back to Denver for the dogs.

 

[Colorado]

I want to add that unless you want crowded trails, I would venture a little further into the hills for hiking. The trails closer to town are packed every evening and weekend. Weekdays would be your best bet if you have to stay close to town.

 

[BCClone]

Forgot to ask, how needy are the dogs? Do you need to let them out every 3-4 hours? If so, have fun sitting in the house.

 

[HGoat]

Another note that I haven't seen anyone mention. You can bring dogs almost everywhere in Colorado. Most restaurants and breweries are dog friendly, so you won't have to worry about getting back to Littleton to let out the furry friend, you can just bring him along!

 

[Doc]

i saw another thread, but that seemed kid-centric and I didn’t want to hijack.

I’ve got a friend flying me out for 10 days in the end of May to dog watch for them. Sounds like it’s in the Littleton area, but I’ll be able to use their car, so travel shouldn’t be much of a problem. I’ve been to Denver a few times, but they’ve been work related so I didn’t have as much freedom to just go and do things. Looking for recommendations of things to do. Definitely interested in doing some hiking, so if anyone knows some good areas for that, that’s a plus.

If you’re in town, there’s a festival in Downtown Littleton tomorrow with beer, foods, Talking Heads and Tom Petty cover bands. Downtown Littleton is kind of nice.

I’m actually going with 3 single girls #player Look for the tall gangly guy with very bloodshot eyes.

 

[dmclone]

The last few times we were in Denver we ventured out to Idaho Springs. It's about a 45 minute drive straight on I-70. Real neat little town with hiking and white water rafting. A few cool little bars and an awesome pizza place.

Was it Beau Joe's? Love that place.

 

[cyrocksmypants]

If you’re in town, there’s a festival in Downtown Littleton tomorrow with beer, foods, Talking Heads and Tom Petty cover bands. Downtown Littleton is kind of nice.

I’m actually going with 3 single girls #player Look for the tall gangly guy with very bloodshot eyes.

No ****? I’m actually in town and I’m staying in Littleton. Sounds like it was meant to be....

 

[Cyclone.TV]

No ****? I’m actually in town and I’m staying in Littleton. Sounds like it was meant to be....

Get a room you 2.

 

[cyrocksmypants]

Get a room you 2.

The three single chicks can watch.

 

[Cyclone.TV]

The three single chicks can watch.

I think you have to be within Boulder City limits for that sort of thing

 

[Doc]

No ****? I’m actually in town and I’m staying in Littleton. Sounds like it was meant to be....

Yeah, it’s this. I’m heading down around 2:30. I’ll PM you my #.

https://www.thebigwonderful.com/

 

[cyhiphopp]

If you’re in town, there’s a festival in Downtown Littleton tomorrow with beer, foods, Talking Heads and Tom Petty cover bands. Downtown Littleton is kind of nice.

I’m actually going with 3 single girls #player Look for the tall gangly guy with very bloodshot eyes.

Stay hydrated. For multiple reasons.

 

[CubsClones1]

Haven't done hiking in CO but one of my favorite places to grab a bite is Luciles Creole Café.

https://www.luciles.com/

 

[Colorado]

You've got amazing weather this weekend. You timed it well.

 

[cycopath25]

i saw another thread, but that seemed kid-centric and I didn’t want to hijack.

I’ve got a friend flying me out for 10 days in the end of May to dog watch for them. Sounds like it’s in the Littleton area, but I’ll be able to use their car, so travel shouldn’t be much of a problem. I’ve been to Denver a few times, but they’ve been work related so I didn’t have as much freedom to just go and do things. Looking for recommendations of things to do. Definitely interested in doing some hiking, so if anyone knows some good areas for that, that’s a plus.

1. Smoke weed
2. Top Golf
3. Casa Bonita
4. Elitch Gardens