Things to see in Denver, CO ?

[Ted]

In July I'll be travelling to Denver for a Microsoft conference :D

Naturally, I'll be visiting the Coors brewery in Golden, CO as well.
I believe that's all there is to see in Golden? :D :D :D :D

All kidding aside, what are the "must" things to see in the Denver area?

I have 5 days extra (saturday till wednesday), of one will be reserved to do the obvious :rolleyes: . I do like riding through the mountains, a good hamburger, a good cup of coffee and a cheesecake. Some shopping in Denver is planned as well. Perhaps a nice view from a skyscraper?

What I'm gonna do for sure is drive the Trail Ridge Road and visit Estes Park in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Perhaps pay a visit to Aspen? I guess they'll have some cable-cars going high-up in the mountains?

Some "real" 'Wild West Cowboy scenery'? A ghost-town?

Perhaps an odd question, are the mountains snow-capped in the summer?

All travelling tips are welcome!

Thanks,
Ted

[Jenner 515]

There will be some snow on the Mountains in July...if you drive Trail Ridge you'll see it...maybe drive through it.

[Darkfin]

Pikes peak has a train ride up it, or you can drive like a maniac like they do in the annual race. The Air Force Academy is also in Colorado Springs.

[Mr Blonde]

It's a bit campy, but I did enjoy visiting the Buffalo Bill museum. For a small but nice park close to Golden, go to White Ranch Park. Other things: the red rocks area and amphitheater, the dinosaur footprints, flat iron crossing shopping mall (there's an outlet mall close to Golden as well, which name eludes me) and you already mentioned downtown Denver (Cherry creek mall is also nice).

Wouter

[Jenner 515]

Colorado Mills is the outlet Mall near Golden.

There is like a downtown festival a week during the Summer, lots to do.

I heard there is a knife manufacturer with a Factory Outlet Store attached in Golden....name escapes me tho'.

That'd be pretty cool.

Good Cheesecake?...Cheescake Factory on the 16th Street Mall. Good Coffee? there is a Peet's in Cherry Creek, or a Caribou Coffee downtown. Fado's in LoDo for a good authentic Pub. Try the Rocky Mountain Diner downtown for a good burger.

[hanswurst]

Hi Ted,
Here are a few ideas, I’ll try to add links, so you can check things out before you get to Denver.
As Jenner mentioned, for the cheesecake go to the Cheesecake Factory. The food besides the cheesecake is good too.
For good coffee, I suggest Daz Bog, they have a location within walking distance from downtown.
The Downtown Aquarium is worth a visit and the food at the restaurant there is excellent.
http://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/down ... index.html
Mount Evans is near Denver (~60 miles), it is 14264 feet tall and you can drive to the top of it (except for the last 130 feet). The views are breathtaking and the drive is an adventure in itself. There are lots of hiking trails and you are likely to see Mountain Goats and Marmots and if your lucky Pikas.
Here is a link to Mount Evans site: http://www.mountevans.com/
For a good burger on the way back from Mount Evans stop by the Buffalo Restaurant in Idaho Springs for a Buffalo Burger.
While near Golden, take a drive through Clear Creek Canyon. The turn off is about a half mile south of Spyderco. There are also a few Casinos up there if you are interested in gambling.
Marco

[Bayoublaster]

Here's a tip, the mountains are always to your West in Denver.

[Ted]

Here's a tip, the mountains are always to your West in Denver.

LOL - that's a good one!

[Ted]

Thanks all - great tips so far.

Mt.Evans sure looks great. Just visited it virtually with Google Earth! :D

[chinook]

, a good hamburger,

http://www.casagrandemexican.com/burgers.htm
I was unimpressed by a couple other highly rated burger joints in this tourist town, butt this place was fun and informal and satisfied on many levels. I had the 'Bandido' for lunch and enjoyed its effects all day and into the evening.
I easily caught brown trout on the Little Thompson out of Loveland in case you want fresh flesh.

[J Smith]

I here there is some really hot women out there.
Heres a couple but I think they are married....not to each other. :o

[flyguy]

Estes Park - Either going to or coming from Estes, take Highway-34 through Loveland. It is prettier than going through Lyons (highway 36).

When you go to Rocky Mountain National Park, take Fall River road up and Trail Ridge down. Fall River road is marked as a one-way jeep trail, but they keep it well groomed and is no problem for cars.

Colorado Springs has lots of tourist stuff that can be done in one day (maybe not all of these in the same day). "Garden of the Gods", "Cave of the Winds", "7 falls", and I believe there is an old gold mine some where around there.

If you like to gamble, go up to Blackhawk or Central City. You can take Highway-6 out of Golden after your Coors / SFO trip. Just don't blame me for giving you the idea if you loose.

[hanswurst]

Ted, you didn't list the exact date, but there might be a Colorado Rockies (Baseball) Homegame while you're here. Coors Field is a nice stadium, within walking distance of downtown and if you've never seen a game live, definitely something worth while.
Here's the schedule for July:
http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/schedul ... m=7&y=2007