Some free time in Denver
 

I am in Denver on business at the end of the month, but my meetings are spread out so that I will have large chunks of free time.

A few questions: I don't think I'll have time for RMNP, but are there other recommended outdoor sites closer to the city? Should I plan to stay downtown, or will it be more convenient to stay outside of town for the sightseeing and travel downtown for meetings? What are the downtown highlights?

Any advice for the trip is welcome!

Check out the Black American West Museum. I would call to see if the founder is there -- Paul Stewart. He tells some great stories!

I'm not sure what to recommend about where to stay... if your business is downtown, then stay there, I'd say. It will be easier to get in and out the core downtown area outside of rush hour, so if you're zipping off for a few hours, I think you'll spend less time in traffic that way.

There are some great areas not that far away to go explore and get a feel for the outstanding scenic and geologic wonders here. Tops on my list would be Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Park. It's a short drive out I-70, then south to Morrison. It's open and free to go around the theatre and enjoy the marvelous view of the plains and the incredible rock formations. The visitor's center is a virtual museum of the famous bands who have played there. There's a short trail for hiking as well. If you've ever seen any video footage of concerts there, you'll really appreciate the venue!

Golden is also a nice area to visit. They have a historic downtown area and a drive to the top of Lookout Mountain is well worth it. I'd also recommend a quick trip to Boulder if you can swing it - also picturesque.

Downtown Denver is pretty compact, so you don't need to plan a lot of time there. The state Capitol, Art Museum and City Hall are all clustered together. Lower Downtown (LoDo) is a restored area where the better nightlife and restaurants can be found. The 16th Street Mall is a pedestrian area with shopping with a free shuttle bus that stops on every corner.

Hope your trip goes well!

wasinla - Depending on how infrequent your meetings are, you could stay in Boulder. I can't help you on many details there because we live at the opposite end of the metro area but just a thought. What else do you like to do, are you interested in. Denver has beautiful city parks, including City Park and Washington Park. Downtown there is a lot of entertainment, Coors Field if you are interested in baseball, restaurants, etc. The Cherry Creek area is an option also with shopping & restaurants. If you locate south, Castlewood Canyon State Park near Franktown has good hiking. I would suggest getting a book on the area, the Colorado Guide by Bruce Caughey may be available at your local library.
Good info. Betsy

If you can possibly do it, pls do try to get tot eh RMNP...what I do when I am on business in Denver is carve out teh biggest amount of time possible then avoiding rush hour traffic I drive to Boulder, get some fresh baked bakery bread and cheese and a drink, maybe look into a couple of shops and tehn drive on in to the northern entrance of the park.

Not too far from teh northern entrance there is an Interpretive center with some interesting exhibits and last time I was int eh fall and could see teh elk not 50 feet from me and heard them calling! You can get good maps and some great ideas from teh staff there...or look on teh internet before you go
If I have enough time I will go further in to a camp ground or fishing area I ahven't been too, find a picnic table and have a picnic in solitude or I might find a creek and pull over and have a picnic there...do be careful tho as there are bear...and they like picnics too..

There is something in my soul that just connect with RMNP.. so I try to go even if it is only for a little bit.

If you can't make it to RMNP, still go toBoulder and consider teh Celestial DSeasoning Tea FActory tour. Really intersting teh places they go to buy tea...if I could have a second career I'd Like to work for CST and be a world buyer...

These are wonderful ideas -- thank you! I've decided to stay downtown and will try to get to as many of the places mentioned here as possible. If only there was more time...

You're smart to stay downtown and avoid the hassle of driving and parking for meetings. (Someone recommended you stay in Boulder???)
Boulder is a nice day-trip, though. Chatauqua Park is a nice place to hike, and the "dining hall" there is fabulous.