Taylor07

I am trying to plan a trip to Denver in August 2014 for two guys - myself and best friend. We will arrive in Denver Thursday AM and leave Sunday PM. Any itinerary ideas would be greatly appreciated!

martym

A little more information would be helpful. Such as--Do you plan to spend the whole time in Denver? If so, what types of activities are you interested in? What type of accommodations do you prefer? Or are you planning to go to the mountains?

Gretchen

There could be a Rockies game--don't miss seeing that stadium and environs, even if you aren't a baseball fan!! Fun and pretty.
And yes, more info.
You might enjoy just hanging around Boulder for a day recapturing college days!! LOL
But maybe RMNP for hiking or such.

Taylor07

My original thought is to spend the whole time in Denver, maybe stay in a hotel in the downtown area... catch a Rockies game, go to some breweries. Maybe fli fishing one day if somewhere close to Denver. Basically I don't want to spend a lot of time driving around...

Tabernash2

Denver can be HOT in August. I'd recommend you spend at least one night in the mountains or foothills. There is good fly fishing here. One beautiful spot is on the Blue River, between Kremmling and Silverthorn (hwy 9?).

You could do an overnight at any number of places in that area. We like Winter Park, from which you could access this area.

Or splurge on a night at Devils Thumb Ranch, in Tabernash, which is an awesome and 'green' place to stay. They will hook you up with fly fishing. Also Pole Creek golf course is close. Hiking, biking, etc. Dining at the Ranch House there is superb. Also at less pricey Heck's.

historytraveler

You can rent bikes and cycle the miles of path that run through Denver. Known as the Cherry Creek path in the downtown area, it follows Cherry Creek east to the Cherry Creek Reservoir or go west and connect with the Platte River portion. One can also rent kayaks and paddle through the Confluence. If interested in sports, visit the anchor REI store, interesting architecture and if a nice day have a drink on their patio.

Of course there are the usual places of interest...Denver Art Museum, the Mint etc. I can't help with breweries but I believe there are some good brew pubs downtown.

Devil's Thumb is a great place, but it is pricey.

historytraveler

I admit I know nothing about Denver's breweries, but I can do research. Just found an article on Denver's Five Best Brew Pubs here on the Fodor's site. Have a look.

Tabernash2

The Wynkoop brewery in old LoDo is good. Gov Hickenlooper's business a long time ago; not sure what involvement he can or does have now. Good enough pub fare.

If you go to Winter Park, the new base area village has Cheeky monk, which specializes in European Imports. Good food, too.

I will check out the Fodor's article, too.

historytraveler

I should clarify my statement regarding the article about Denver's Five Best Brew Pubs. I must have had brew pubs on my mind. It should be Denver's Five Best Micro Breweries.

Gretchen

Denver hot in August is NOT NOLA!! It is quite bearable for those from the lowlands!! LOL
The idea of fly fishing is good--the Blue is wonderful and there is a shop in Silverthorne that could help. Also Deckers, south of Denver is trophy trout water and in a pretty remote area for being so close.
A nice little day trip could be to drive through RMNP, down the "other side" (Kremmling/route 9) to Silverthorne and back to Denver. Could stop in Frisco for a nice meal on the way--or make The Fort restaurant in Morrison the destination for dinner of wild meat and Rocky Mountain oysters.

Taylor07

Thanks for all the comments. Still trying to work through this itinerary...

Taylor07

Best/closest place for whitewater rafting in or near Denver?

martym

By August, the mountain streams are quite low and there is no white water rafting--float trips maybe.

Taylor07

How far is Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver? Easy day trip?

Nelson

Yes, RMNP is definitely within day trip range from Denver.

Gretchen

See my suggestion for a day trip through the Park. We have done it--not with stopping for dinner--but I "think" it might be possible. At any rate, it can be done.

wtm003

Here is the list that historytraveler mentioned: http://www.fodors.com/news/best-micr...nver-5891.html

I don't love the beer from the Denver Beer Co., but it has a nice atmosphere and outdoor patio. Worth a stop.

Red Rocks is always a popular stop for our out of town visitors. You can try to catch a show, run the benches (in the thin air) with other fitness buffs or just enjoy the scenery.

It is always nice to escape the Denver heat and a day trip to Summit County is pretty easy. I like breakfast at the Arapahoe Cafe next to Lake Dillon. The alpine slide in Breckenridge is fun for all ages. Beautiful mountain scenery and lots of hiking opportunities too.

wtm003

The closest place to Denver for floating/rafting is Idaho Springs.

Nelson

As another example of what you can do in RMNP for a day, my friend and I once climbed a peak 5 miles back in Glacier Gorge, and got him home to north Denver in time for a Rockies game.

I wouldn't chose to cut it that close, but he wanted to!

Point is, there are lots of options for a day trip up there. Let us know if you want any hiking suggestions.

Have fun.

Tabernash2

I suggest you spend a night in the mountains. A drive-by doesn't do it justice. You need to smell the trees at night, look at the stars, and wake up in the fresh air.