“Nature is not a place to visit, it is home”
Gary Snyder
Denver, Colorado is the Mile High city with an elevation of 5,280 feet and is home to endless outdoor adventures, several popular sports teams, and one of the most famous outdoor concert venues in the world!
You can visit Colorado’s capital city almost any time of the year with great hiking in the summer, beautiful fall foliage during autumn, and various outdoor activities during the winter and spring months. Please book travel plans that align with CDC and local guidance to ensure you can travel safely while exploring this great city! As COVID-19 restrictions continue to change, please refer to individual websites for the most up to date availability.
If you are in need of some new luggage, consider investing in some Briggs and Riley luggage, my personal favorite that I’ve been using for over four years now! With a lifetime guarantee and several years of actively using my luggage, I cannot recommend this brand enough! Below is the ZDX medium expandable checked bag and my well-used carry on is the domestic carryon spinner.
Here are my 10 top recommendations to do when you visit the Denver area during the fall months, with many recommendations applying throughout a majority of the year:
1. Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
One of four national parks in Colorado and the most popular one in the state, plan at least 1-2 days to explore Rocky Mountain National Park! Enjoy the cute nearby town of Estes Park then head into the park and experience some of the highlights including seeing wildlife, taking the scenic drive up to the tundra on Route 34, Bear Lake Trail, and Emerald Lake Trail.
2. Head to a Local Brewery!
From Denver Brewing Co to the Coors Factory Tour, there are endless beer options in Denver! Support a local business and enjoy a nice cool beverage after a long hike!
3. Drive to see Fall Foliage!
The best time to visit Colorado for fall foliage is the last week of September to the first week of October. A few great spots to see peak fall foliage include Kenosha Pass, Geneva Road near Georgetown, and various spots along I70!
4. Take a Day Trip to Breckenridge or Vail
Take a drive through the mountains and soak in the incredible views along I70. Iconic ski towns of Breckenridge and Vail are great towns to visit all year long with incredible hiking in the summer and fall and skiing in the winter! You can also find plenty of aspen trees changing colors during the fall months.
5. Visit Boulders Dushanbe Teahouse
The Dushanbe Teahouse is the only authentic Persian teahouse in the western hemisphere and is a symbol of international friendship. They are open 6 days a week, closed on Mondays, and they serve a wide variety of flavorful teas, appetizers, and full size meals for lunch and dinner times. Official tea time is 3PM – 5PM where you can choose from over 80 types of tea paired with a light tasting menu.
6. Watch Sunrise at Red Rock Amphitheater
Start your day off right by watching the sunrise at one of the most famous outdoor concert venues! Arrive about 20-30 minutes before the official sunrise time and start your day off by soaking in the beautiful views of Denver, Colorado.
7. Visit Union Station
The historic train station is located in the heart of downtown Denver and has various shops, restaurants, and a farmer’s market during the warmer months of the year. You can also stay at the Crawford Hotel located in Union Station. Waiting for your train, stop by the Terminal Bar located inside the station for a beverage!
8. Enjoy Little Man Ice Cream
Head to this famous ice cream spot in the Highlands and treat yourself to some of the best vegan ice cream in Denver! If you visit in the fall, I highly recommend the Pumpkin Chip and Matcha Honey flavors.
9. Hike a 14er
If you are feeling a little crazy and are up for a challenge, consider hiking one of Colorado’s 14ers, a mountain over 14,000 feet. Colorado is home to 58 mountains with an elevation of more than 14,000 and many locals and tourists take on this hiking challenge at a high altitude.
10. Enjoy a Local Hike at Sunset
In about 30 minutes you can go from downtown Denver to a local hike near Golden or Boulder and end your day with an incredible mountain sunset. Or you can enjoy a full day at Rocky Mountain National Park and enjoy beautiful sunset colors there as well. Overall, there are endless options here!
As we continue to navigate travel with COVID-19, please stay safe, follow CDC and local guidelines, and save these Denver, Colorado travel recommendations for your future trip to the Mile High City! As always, don’t forget to pack your Briggs and Riley suitcase with all the gear you’ll need for your upcoming trip.
Happy and safe travels everyone!
With wanderlust,
Haley
Halesyah 