Things to Do in Colorado

So... you're coming to Colorado from out of state, but you don't know how to pass the time when you're not whooping it up in Lyons. I can help with that!


Things to do in Estes/Lyons:
If you want a more outdoorsy experience, you have to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. A scenic drive (the Continental Divide, perhaps?) and some short, easy hikes (Bear's Lake is only 0.6 miles) would be a few hours well spent, in my opinion. You'll probably see some wildlife-- bighorn sheep or elk, birds, chipmunks, and the like-- and some snow, so make sure to bring a jacket! Park admission was $20 last time we checked.



Of course, downtown Estes Park itself is nice and quaint. Walking down the main drag yields plenty of tourist-oriented shops. There's also an air tram that goes up one of the mountains. Plus, mini-golf!

There are also a few wineries scattered here and there between Estes and Loveland. These are not things that Arlen and I know very much about, but if you were curious to see how Colorado wine compares to Napa Valley, now's your chance!

Things to do in Boulder/Longmont:
If you are going to Boulder or Longmont from the airport, you should really go down Highway 36. It gives you your first spectacular look at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains (including the Flatirons-- see if you can spot them), in a fairly dramatic way.

Once you're there, you are officially in Health Nut Central. Boulder has tons of trails and parks if you feel like renting a bike or just taking a walk. Downtown Boulder/the Pearl Street Mall is quite nice, as is the University of Colorado (CU) campus. Other shopping can be found at the 29th Street Mall and Flatirons Crossing, the latter of which is actually about 10 minutes east of Boulder on Highway 36.

For hiking, I really recommend Chautauqua Park, a spectacular Boulder city park with miles of trails to hike in and around the Flatirons. When Arlen and I are trying to show out-of-state visitors a good time Colorado-style, we almost always go to Chautauqua and hike the Royal Arch trail. Great views of the city, great introduction to the Colorado altitudes.

Something that Arlen and I have never done, but a lot of people have said they've enjoyed, is the Celestial Seasonings factory tour. Their mailing address may say Boulder, but they're really between Boulder and Longmont.

Things to do in Denver:
Oh boy, where to start. The 16th Street Mall is worth walking; tons of shops. You could see the Denver Mint or the Capitol Building (tour them too, if you're there during weekdays), go to the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the Children's Museum, the Art Museum, the Aquarium, Elitch Gardens (don't be fooled by the name, it has roller coasters), the Botanic Gardens (where Arlen and I almost got married... marvel at the seasonal flowers and the seasonal construction!)... the list goes on. It doesn't look like any sports games are going on our wedding weekend, that's too bad.



Or you could just stay in your hotel room and rent an appropriate movie. I won't tell.