Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Denver half-day

Paul, hope you get this in time for it to help! I don't get on here that often so just saw it. I 2nd your inclination to do something outdoors since it's so beautiful here & the weather is supposed to be nice (80s). If you have a car & start out really early you can do my favorite CO tourist thing. I assume you mean you have to be in the car heading to the airport by 2, not flying out by 2 - if the latter is the case you won't have enough time for this. Drive to the top of Mt. Evans - it's the big one you see from town when you look straight west. Take I70 west to Idaho Springs, & exit at highway 103 (Mt. Evans highway). Just follow the signs & you'll come to Echo Lake, which is a gorgeous photo opp. You turn right past the lake to actually go all the way to the top of this 14000+-ft. peak. On the way you'll have breathtaking views & are almost sure to see mountain goats, maybe even bighorn sheep. My nieces & nephews want to go here every time they visit - they really feel like king of the hill when they walk the very short trail to stand on the very top! It's 1-1.5 hours from Denver & you may want to spend as much as an hour at the top. Closer options: A short hike in the foothills - try Mt. Falcon open space park near Morrison or Alderfer-3 Sisters in Evergreen. I think you could call Jefferson County to get detailed directions. Heritage Square in Golden - people with kids seem to like it; some shops & a little theater, & I think an alpine slide. Biking along the Cherry Creek trail. I'm not sure where you can rent bikes in the city, but this beautiful trail runs a great distance. Your hotel should be able to help you find it. There's also a great book called "Things to do with kids in Colorado" that is at most bookstores. If you're staying downtown go to the Tattered Cover - everyone knows where it is & she'll have a ball just exploring it. Anywhere else should be close to the usual chain bookstores. You can always scan the book. There are museums, including the Children's museum, if the weather happens to not cooperate, & even the zoo isn't out of the question with 1/2 day. Good luck & enjoy!