This guide provides key facts about Denver, plus an interactive map to help you plan your trip. I also share the story of what inspired me to visit Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park.
I am on a mission to visit all 50 states, and Colorado was #20. This was more or less a spontaneous trip that I planned for Labor Day Weekend, just a quick getaway to explore a new place and visit the mountains (the mountains are my happy place). I chose Colorado as I had never been to any of the Mountain States, and the Rocky Mountain National Park was on my bucket list.
Denver, nicknamed the Mile High City, is home to a vibrant cultural scene, beautiful parks, and award-winning restaurants and breweries. For sports fans, the city has six professional teams and several local leagues. And, of course, one cannot forget that Denver is near the mountains, which offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, whitewater rafting, skiing, and so much more!
My journey to Colorado was 4 days: 3 in Denver and 1 at the Rocky Mountain National Park. As the trip was short, I focused my time on visiting a handful of the must-see attractions and squeezing in a few experiences, such as exploring Downtown Denver, searching for outdoor sculptures, and attending a concert at the Mission Ballroom. For the trip to the Rocky Mountains, as I have no experience driving in the mountains, I opted for a guided day tour with Explore Tours.
The following are the places I visited during my trip. The links take you to the destination guides I wrote for each site.
- Museums ~ Wings Over the Rockies, History Colorado Center, Denver Art Museum, & Museum of Nature & Science
- Colorado State Capitol Building
- Historic Home of Molly Brown (Titanic survivor, activist, and philanthropist)
- Botanic Gardens
Traveling is more than just visiting sites, it is also about experiences. And I had three great experiences while in Colorado! I absolutely loved just meandering through downtown Denver – exploring Union Station, walking through the historic Larimer Square, and admiring the various historic buildings and structures. A very fun experience was attending a concert at The Mission Ballroom to watch Gregory Alan Isakov, an indie and folk-rock musician. I love his music, so it was awesome to get to see him perform live!
The biggest highlight of my journey to Colorado was the day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. From the scenic drive through Trail Ridge Road to the awe-inspiring hike around Sprague Lake and the amazing wildlife, the visit to the Rocky Mountains will forever be a memory I cherish. I highly recommend that you add the Rocky Mountain National Park to your bucket list!
Interactive Travel Map
This is a map of my adventures in Denver. I created it to help me develop my trip itinerary.
Fellow adventurers can use this map as a guide when planning your trip to Denver. Click on each icon for more information on the location, such as address, phone number, and website. You can also select the option to view the site in Google Maps.
Check out this travel guide to learn how to create your own My Maps for your next trip.
Key Facts
Language: In Denver, English is the main language, but many Uber drivers speak little to no English. Be mindful of this fact if an Uber driver has trouble understanding you or is not very talkative.
Currency: The US Dollar. For foreign visitors, credit cards are accepted in most places, and there are a handful of ATMs around the city.
Transportation: Denver is a large city, so travelers need to rely on public transportation or ride-share services to get to most places. I had initially planned on taking the bus as a way to save money but settled on Uber since it was quicker and more efficient. I used Uber 13 times throughout the trip and found the service to be reliable in Denver. Of course, travelers can rent a car, but keep in mind that some hotels charge a high fee for parking, plus parking is limited in the downtown area and at some sites.
Weather: Denver’s weather can range from very hot to very cold. In the summers, Denver can get rather warm, while winters can be harsh with snow. I visited Denver from August 30th through September 2nd, and it was hot (90s F)! The positive is that there is little to no humidity in Denver. It is important to note that at Denver’s high altitude, the air is thinner, making you more susceptible to sunburns. As for the mountains, spring and fall offer the best weather. Winter is great for snow activities like sledding and skiing!
Safety: Now to an important topic everyone has in mind – safety. Is Denver a safe city? I know this is a hot topic because there have been recent news reports of high crime in Denver, mostly related to a large homeless and migrant population. During my time in the city, whether meandering through the streets of downtown or attending an evening concert in the River North Art District, I never felt unsafe or threatened. Keeping in mind safety best practices, travelers can experience an enjoyable time in Denver!
Excited about Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park and ready to book a trip?
Visit my posts about the sites and activities you can experience in Denver, which include notes on what to expect, admission discounts, accessibility information, and much more. I also have posts about lodging and dining in Denver.
Visit my post on Rocky Mountain National Park to learn more about the park and get information on Explorer Tours.
Leave a Comment