Rocky Mountain National Park
This national park is a perfect day trip, and it’s only a 1.5 hour drive away from Denver. The 3.5-mile Emerald Lake trail is one of the most popular hikes here, but we went on a Monday afternoon in January and the trail was so peaceful and quiet! There was a lot of snow so we rented microspikes and poles from the Estes Park Mountain Shop which also had super affordable rental rates for snowshoes and skis (next time, amiright!?) Definitely bundle up as much as you can if you visit in the winter -- and bring hand and toe warmers.
Colorado Springs: Garden of the Gods
Another day trip recommendation is Colorado Springs! We started the day at the Garden of the Gods which had lots of short and easy hikes that had views reminiscent of Bryce Canyon and Zion national park. There’s a visitor and nature center where you can get great recommendations for places to visit within the park and learn more about how the red rock formations got there.
Colorado Springs: Pikes Peak
Later we visited Pikes Peak, which is normally a 19 mile drive to the summit, but due to weather on the day we went we only got to drive up to mile 13. My ears were constantly popping though, and the views were still high and grand!
Downtown Denver
On the days we worked remotely, we went out in the evening to explore Denver’s nightlife. Some favorite activities include mini golfing at Urban Putt and playing pool at Zanzibar. We also walked around Larimer Square and did our own mini food tour.
Next time...
I would love to come back to Denver in the spring or summer! I’m eager to try some of the national park hikes with less snow and be able to see the lakes in liquid form. But if it was still cold I’d be down to try skiing or snowshoeing similar hikes/trails. I’d also like to be able to drive Pikes Peak again and maybe make it all the way to the summit and see those infamous mile-18 goats and “beloved, high-altitude” donuts at the top.
Catching the sunset at the Red Rocks amphitheater
Thanks Kevin for sharing your new home and Colorado experiences with us! ‘til next time :)