I’d probably do an evening in Cheseman and Denver Botanical gardens and Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. But I have fond memories of those places from growing up.

Denver is...fine...as a city but if I only had one day there and had a car I'd definitely drive to the mountains. There's really nothing in Denver you can't see, eat, or drink anywhere else but the Rockies are something special you can only see in Colorado.

I disagree with the people saying RMNP is too far. It's actually a pretty perfect day trip driving up through Boulder to Estes Park then back via US-40, a nice 5-6 hour loop with a few scenic pull-off stops. that being said if you're going in the near future the pass between Estes Park and Granby is currently closed.

A nice alternative would be to drive down to Colorado Springs and take US-24 to Buena Vista, then up through Leadville to Vail, and take 70 back to Denver. It's about a 6 hour loop, 8 with lots of scenic stops, and BV and Leadville both have a few nice cafes or breweries to have lunch in.

It's an absolutely gorgeous drive and IMO better than anything you could do in Denver.

Hike the Flatirons.

Pearl street

RMNP is too far to bother

Eat in boulder (walk pearl st!) or Louisville that night. Get up early (early!!) go to el dorado canyon. Hike explore and take pics til you head to airport

If looking to hike in Boulder, the Chautauqua park office has knowledgeable rangers who can help plan a hike for any level or length. I had no idea what trail to do and we had limited time. Their advice was spot on. Get there early - the lot fills up quickly. Then Pearl Street to wander and for lunch, but it’s a touristy area.

A little further away, you can do Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods and the town of Manitou.

Anonymous wrote:Pearl street in Boulder

Lots of good hikes in Boulder too. Trails are crowded, but still a nice walk.

Thank you!

Pearl street in Boulder

I wouldn't go all the way to RMNP if you're only there that long. I would look for a hike around Evergreen or go visit Red Rocks.

Hike

Say you've got one evening and most of a day in Denver before an evening event. What do you do?
I'm outdoorsy so would City Park & Cheeseman Park be nice for the evening, then maybe a trip to see Boulder the next day? Or a short hike in RMNP? I've got a rental car.