More than a quick holiday -
I have a possibility of staying with a friend for three months in Denver. She might take up a temporary job there. The promise of some good walking in the Colorado Rockies is appealing.
First question, any advice on the best day walks and multi day expeditions, with emphasis on open/desert like terrain as opposed to all in forest?
Second, snakes and bears, how dangerous? (I come from a wonderful country with none of these)
Third, I've been told Denver is currently not a good city to visit on account of the economy, job losses and high unemployment. Is this generalised hearsay or worth considering?
Fourth, notwithstanding three above, is Denver a hip, trendy, gay friendly city or more conservative, cowboy style?
Any thoughtful knowledgeable advice welcome!

Cheers

Just one person's opinion. I live in a suburb south of Denver; lived in Boston and Chicago, but love Denver for the outdoor, laid-back lifestyle. IMHO, it's not a hugely sophisticated city - but then, I'm comparing it to Chicago and Boston.

Day walks and the like depends on where your friend is living. Many places in Denver, even in the middle of the city, have lots of places to walk. But Chicago and Boston had lots of places to walk too; I'm not sure if there are more places in Denver. There are many more miles of biking trails, both on-road and on dedicated biking paths. In my very boring, somewhat conservative suburb, we have miles and miles of trails, both paved and unpaved - I'm a runner, and have been on most of them.

Just outside the downtown area, also many places to walk or hike (or run or bike); probably more than lots of cities. And then, of course, you have the entire mountain area. More trails and places to walk, hike etc. than you would ever have time for. Google 14ers for an idea of some people's idea of fun - I've done a handful; it provides a great sense of accomplishment.

In and around Denver, most of the walking is not in forests. There are quite a few trees in Denver, but like most cities, not forests. Outside of the Denver, it's a high alpine environment - dry, few trees, but not a desert. In the mountains, you'll see all sorts of terrain, except most of the forests are evergreen, so not much thick undergrowth. And very few mosquitos. Few bugs at all, if that matters to you. Our dogs don't even get fleas here.

Snakes - some. There are a few trails in the Denver area that I feel better going on with my dog because I feel he'll step on the snake (rattler) before I will. But despite warnings, I've never seen one. Not all trails have lots of snakes; it depends on the terrain. Bears - yes, in the mountains, but they are few and rarely seen (most people have never seen one). There are more mountain lions than bears, but those are rare as well. Personally, I prefer going out anywhere with my dog (I'm a small female), but plenty of other trails in the mountains don't have these concerns.

Hip, trendy, gay friendly? I think it depends on your perspective. My 16yo sons says somewhat hip and trendy, my 13yo daughter says it's not, and I guess it is somewhat, but with a cowboy culture. Denver is pretty progressive, probably gay friendly, the gays I know are like everybody else, they work, like to be outdoors, etc. Out in the southern suburbs (where we live - we're the token liberals on our street) it's more conservative. Boulder is very liberal; hippy town.

Economy? We're suffering, like everybody else, but I believe our unemployment rate is lower than the national average. We have a tech-oriented economy, I feel like things are better here than many other cities in the U.S.

Make sure you understand your visa options for a 3 month stay.

You don't mention which country you are from. Only certain countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program. This allows a 90 day stay. You should investigate this. However, be aware that 3 months is more than 90 days, so if you are eligible, you need to plan a departure within 90 days.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wi...hout_1990.html

I agree with what Lexma said, can't find anything else to add.

Palcename - what makes you think a visa is needed for OP?

We have lived in Denver for many years. Finding hiking trails will certainly not be a challenge for you here. There are too many to list.

I believe Denver has been slightly less-affected by the economic downturn that most other US cities. No problem there, especially since you are not looking for work.

It is a city with a proud Western heritage, but I would not classify it as "cowboy". Rather, it has a wonderful open heart and friendly attitude. You can wear whatever styles you please to go out in Denver and you won't be out of place.

Gay friendly, I would say Yes. I am not gay, but have friends who are, and they seem to feel comfortable in Denver. One of the most frequented 'gay bars' is Hamburger Mary's on 17th Avenue. Our friend threw himself a b-day party there awhile ago, and it was so much fun. The crowd was gay and straight, with lots of lively conversations. Great hamburgers, too!

First, it would be very helpful to know the details, especially time frame of your visit and what part of the cities you would be stay in. Also look at a map. Technically speaking Denver is on the plain in front of the Rockies and the Rockies are about 50 miles to the west so your ability to walk in the Rockies daily is very limited. Denver does have over 500 miles of walking/biking trails in the metro area. Most are hard surface and separated from traffic. However, easy access to the trails varies depending on where you are staying.

Snakes are no more prevalent here than in other parts of the west. As you get closer to rural areas along the foothills you may see a few snakes. But they are more scared of you than you are of them. And they are quick to leave if given a chance. Brown bears in the Fall can be a very small problem as they look for ripe fruit in the city areas. And sometimes a mountain lion will wonder through. Potentially the biggest threat are coyotes as they are frequently and living in the stream/drainage when a lot of the paths are located. And they are not to be treated lightly although it is rare to encounter coyotes during mid day. They are generally hunting in early morning and early evening.

Denver has fared much better with the economy than many other areas. It is one of the youngest and highest education population of other US cities.

Hey thanks everyone, that's all really good general guidance. Thanks for the advice re the 90 days/three months visa. I'm a Kiwi and was planning at looking more into that before making definite plans. The city and surrounds certainly look like I could enjoy a few months there, with weekends away in the Rockies. I like this way of travel, being based in one place for a really good look around - now about tonight's lotto draw!