Denver, Colorado
Denver is an eclectic, beautiful city overshadowed by the austere majesty of the largest mountain range in the northern hemisphere, the Rocky Mountains. The city and surrounding area have everything anyone could ever hope to do, from sports to the arts, hot springs to relax in, and mountain climbing unmatched for thousands of miles around.
Driving to Denver CAN be done of course, though maybe it is not the preferred option when there’s an alternative, given it’s location relative to the rest of the country. I have driven from Indiana to Denver, and that is a mind-numbingly dull trip. There is beautiful country on the way, but there is only so much Kansas vista a person can enjoy in one sitting.
What to do in Denver
The Denver Art Museum has a lot of the items you would naturally suspect it to have. Western themes and even a few Georgia O’Keefe pieces dominate the several floors. With its distinctive geometric architecture, this institution is not just a building but a work of art in itself. The museum's extensive collection, spanning from ancient to contemporary works, showcases the brilliance and diversity of artistic expression available to a city of this size and taste. From the American Indian art wing to the modern and contemporary galleries, there is something to captivate and inspire every visitor. With thought-provoking exhibitions, interactive installations, and engaging programming, the Denver Art Museum brings art to life, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the visual arts. Whether you are an art enthusiast or a curious novice, a visit to the Denver Art Museum is an experience that will forever enrich your artistic soul. For most people, this is not an all day museum like the Louvre or the Chicago Art Museum, but it was worth the price of entry and was entertaining. We are glad we took the time to enjoy what it had to offer.
Nestled in the heart of Denver, Colorado the Denver Botanic Gardens are a captivating oasis that offers a beautiful respite from the bustling city. Sprawling across 24 acres, this enchanting botanical haven showcases a dazzling array of plant species from all corners of the globe. As visitors stroll through meticulously manicured gardens, they are greeted by a symphony of colors, scents, and textures that awaken the senses. From the vibrant blooms of the seasonal gardens to the tranquil ponds adorned with water lilies, every corner of this horticultural paradise is imbued with a sense of serenity and natural beauty. The Denver Botanic Gardens serve as a sanctuary for both avid garden enthusiasts and curious wanderers alike, inviting them to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature and find solace in its ever-changing embrace.
The Botanic Gardens of Denver are somewhat unique in that there are two locations in the city. We have visited the York Street location which costs $15 for adults and is located in downtown Denver. The Chatfield Farms location, in the southwest corner of Denver and located next to Chatfield State Park, costs $10 for adults.
America's Mountain, Pikes Peak, is about a two hour drive from the city center, and is famous for its prominence and size. Standing at 14,115 ft. this mountain is no slouch and commands awe inspiring, panoramic views. These days a hike to the summit is optional, as a road leads all the way to the top, and anyone can make the trek in a vehicle. There is a toll and the prices vary depending on the time of year, number of people, and whether you pay by car or individual. The most up to date pricing can be found at the Pikes Peak website.
Denver is really into its sports. The Denver Broncos (NFL), the Denver nuggets (NBA), the Colorado Rockies (MLB), the Colorado Avalanche (NHL), and the Colorado Rapids (MLS) all call the Mile High City home. If you like watching your sports on ESPN8, “the Ocho”, you may also be into the Colorado Mammoth, Denver’s own professional Lacrosse team! Whatever your sport, you can be sure there is a group of other like minded fans somewhere in the city, ready to yell at the tv screen in futile and mutual rage.
Hot springs are a feature not commonly talked about by the uninitiated, and we certainly did not associate Denver or Colorado with them. They exist nonetheless, and are hinted at in names like Colorado Springs and Glenwood Springs, so perhaps we should have known. We partook of the waters in Glenwood Springs with some of our friends, at a place called Iron Mountain Hot Springs, and we had a grand ol’ time. General access tickets here start at $36, come with 2 towels, and there is a 3 hour time limit. We aren’t necessarily the sit-around-and-enjoy types, so that was plenty of time for us. There is also an All-Day pass. As you may expect, food and drink is available, for a hefty price.
At IMHS you could check the temperature of the 17 General Access pools and pick one in line with your desired heat level. If you are at least 21 years old you can purchase tickets for all of the pools onsite, the additional pools having the levels of the minerals in them adjusted to closely match those of famous hot springs around the world. One such pool is available to the General Access ticket holders and mirrors the hot springs of Bath, England.
The real treat of the hot springs for us was the novelty, and the view, which was fantastic. If hot springs are your thing, there are a plethora of options within driving distance of Denver to scratch your hot water itch.
The Boulder Dushanbe Tea House is by far our favorite place to go, natural or manmade, when we are in town. The fare, the history, the aesthetic, the location; everything is great and we cannot recommend it enough.
To begin with, the Dushanbe Tea House (Do-Shawn-Be) exists as a gift from Boulder’s sister city of Dushanbe in what was then the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic, but is now Tajikistan. The gift and tea shop were announced in 1987 but due to lack of funds, construction, and delays, opened in 1998. 11 years may seem like a long time, but things moved more slowly before the internet. The fact that the project survived the fall of the Soviet Union is impressive in and of itself.
The most impressive and inspiring part of these 11 years though, is that the building was entirely custom built and planned in Tajikistan before being packaged and shipped to Boulder and constructed onsite. The entire project, from the gardens outside to the design of the interior, is engaging stands out from the surrounding buildings and scenery.
The gardens and seating outside are on several levels, divided by the walkway to the main entrance. On one side of the building runs a stream, offering a great place to sit by the water surrounded by beautiful flowers and plants. The main area of the interior is divided into 8, equally apportioned squares. Each square is the same at the ground level and the ceiling is where the division becomes apparent and delightful. There are 8 different colorful designs for each square, masterfully crafted and executed. Each square contains a single, purposeful flaw, as the designers did not believe a creation not of the divine can or should be perfect.
The Rocky Mountains are a destination in themselves. You can do just about anything in the mountains; climbing and rafting, hiking and mountain biking, skiing or snowshoeing, birding or relaxing in the hot springs. The highest point in Colorado, Mount Elbert, is a great and beautiful climb with multiple routes. We have hiked the north and south trails and summited Mount Elbert, and you can read more about that adventure in our article on highpointing.
Originally built in 1881, Denver Union Station has undergone a stunning transformation, blending its rich history with modern amenities. Its grand architectural design is a captivating blend of Beaux-Arts and neoclassical styles, with its iconic tall clock tower serving as a reminder of its bygone era. Inside, passengers can take a local line across town or board an Amtrak headed across the country. Union Station is more than just a transportation hub, however; it has become something of a vibrant destination for locals and tourists alike. The Great Hall, with its soaring ceilings adorned with opulent chandeliers, is now an inviting space filled with trendy restaurants and boutique shops and hotels. The outdoor plaza has become a gathering place, adorned with meticulously maintained gardens and inviting seating areas, where people can relax and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Denver Union Station, with its seamless blend of the past and the present, serves as a testament to the city's commitment to preserving its history while embracing its future.
The Red Rock Park and Amphitheater is a world-famous venue located ten miles west of Denver proper, and the city skyline is visible from various points of the park and the amphitheater itself. You may recognize the singular arena from various fitness videos of people running the large, bench like seats and stairs or from U2 concert footage. The first recorded concert held here was in 1906, and the venue in its (more or less) modern form has been open to the public since the 1940s, since which famous names like the Beetles have performed here nonstop, every year, with a break for the Covid-19 pandemic.
Whether you know the venue or not, it is less commonly know that there is are nature trails on the same grounds, and entry and parking are free. There are even electric car chargers on-site so even the most environmentally minded can get in their red rock fix. Red rocks formations, unlike in other states like Arizona and New Mexico, are rare in Colorado. The park and walking trails are a great way to experience this unique and special aspect of nature close to Denver.
How to Get to Denver, and How to Get Around
Getting around Denver is pretty easy, and you’re spoiled for choice. Renting a car is the best way to go, and you may be surprised by what choices are available. The cheapest option for our last visit was a Tesla Model 3, and it was our first time in an EV, so we got to add that to our list of experiences.
The public transit system is pretty good, and we found riding the rails around the city to be pretty easy. This past trip, all of the transit was also free of charge, due to the heat and desire to reduce smog.
Distance to Denver
Albuquerque 6 hours by car
Kansas City 8 hours by car
Chicago 2 hours, 30 minutes by plane
NYC 4 hours, 20 minutes by plane
LA 2 hours, 25 minutes by plane
Flying in is very convenient as the airport is a central hub of airport activity, and looking at a map it is easy to see why. The strategic location of Denver means that the US government has allocated additional route availability to commercial airlines, over the usual allotment. Many connecting flights go through Denver.
Denver is the headquarters for budget airline Frontier Airlines, which does offer affordable airfare, but at the usual cost of a budget airline. If your flight is under 3 hours, we consider budget airlines to be worth the smaller seats, a la carte options, and potential hassles like delays. We do love a deal here at the GG. Be aware that Frontier does have an abysmal On Time Rate though. According to this article from NerdWallet, in 2022 Frontier had an On Time Rate (leaving less than 15 minutes late) of 69% (we know, nice). Over that same period Frontier only canceled 2.34% of flights though, so, like Gandalf, you may not get there on time, but you’ll (probably) still get there.
Cons of Denver
The altitude is not to be discounted. The Mile High City is aptly named and the smaller amount of oxygen in the air can be noticeable if you live near sea level. How you feel may also depend on your physical fitness and cardiovascular level. If you travel up and into the Rocky Mountains you may reach altitudes over 10,000 feet, which feels quite a bit different than even the 5,280 of Denver. If you plan on tackling some of the higher hikes or even one of the “Fourteeners”, take the altitude into account and plan accordingly.
If you do plan on venturing into the mountains or even going for a shorter hike in Chataquah spelling or Estes Park prepare by improving your cardio through exercise or investing in a can of oxygen. Altitude sickness and lack of oxygen can cause dizziness, light headedness, nausea, headaches, nosebleeds, and impaired judgement. Effects can be even worse in some people and deaths occur on the Rocky Mountains every year for various reasons. Take precautions, plan accordingly, and take nature seriously.
The quantity of homeless people in Denver is higher than in many other American cities and if you’re getting around the city at all in the warmer months you will see homeless people and tents far and wide. This can be disconcerting if you’re traveling for any reason, and especially if you’re traveling for leisure and you’re trying to enjoy yourself. Hopefully, as you see the issue firsthand, it will be thought provoking, as it was for us.