Let's make some memories.

August 12, 2016 7:09 AM

What awesome things should I do before I move away from Denver. Slight wrinkle, pregnant.

Our contract in Denver will be up in April. Can you recommend some awesome and unique 2-3 day trips we should really try to fit in?

Things we've done and loved: Hanging Lake, Great Sand Dunes, Glenwood Springs Pool, Manitou Incline, Mt. Princeton Resort. I am 14 weeks pregnant and am finally waking up and not feeling like ass some days. So I probably shouldn't try skiing for the first time or partaking in our legal weed, but what other bucket list experiences should I be looking at?

(I'm due in early February so we'll be moving somewhere in the world with a not quite two month old, but that'll be a question for next week. )

posted by stormygrey to Travel & Transportation (9 answers total)

I really liked the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. It's near the entrance to Rocky Mountain State Park so the nature around there is awesome.
posted by cecic at 7:13 AM on August 12, 2016

Just breathe the air and look at the mountains.
posted by amtho at 7:24 AM on August 12, 2016

Best answer: Have you been to Crested Butte? Looong drive, but in the summer you can go over Cottonwood Pass which makes it much shorter, and to me it's the epitome of perfect Colorado mountain town for the summer. You won't be able to mountain bike but the hiking around there is excellent - Oh Be Joyful trail is great, as after the first short upwards section it's mostly flat. Also: if you go in September, holy crap the aspens on Kebler Pass. (There are some Forest Service campgrounds on the pass with great short hikes too.) Do not miss if you can make it in September!
posted by iminurmefi at 7:31 AM on August 12, 2016 [3 favorites]

Getting close to autumn, you could combine the above mentioned trip to Crested Butte with one of the listed color drives if you feel up to coming over to the western slope.
posted by kattyann at 9:08 AM on August 12, 2016 [1 favorite]

Best answer: How about a trip to the Grand Valley -- go to Colorado National Monument, drive over the Grand Mesa, walk around downtown Grand Junction, drive through orchards in Palisade?
posted by heurtebise at 9:54 AM on August 12, 2016 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Yes to Grand Valley - you could also go to Mesa Verde, and spend a night in Cortez, which has an awesome place for breakfast - Pippo's Cafe, going 50 years strong! (and you will be asked "Red or Green", even though you are in Colorado).
posted by dbmcd at 9:58 AM on August 12, 2016 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Ouray is the Switzerland of America and about 5 hours from Denver. It's a bit touristy but the views are spectacular and the hot springs and pool are good after a long days hiking. It's also worth it to drive over the Million Dollar Highway to Silverton, another old mining town with old Victorian architecture. From there, you can ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

As mentioned above, all of this is fun to do when the aspens are changing color (check with the local Forest Service to see exactly when).
posted by jabo at 11:20 AM on August 12, 2016 [1 favorite]

No thoughts on Denver, but I moved to a new country with a tiny baby and it was brutal. It didn't have to be! I made some mistakes that I would totally re-do if I could. Memail me if you like!
posted by heavenknows at 1:24 PM on August 12, 2016

Response by poster: Thanks everyone, we have done the Stanley, but not the rest.
posted by stormygrey at 10:28 AM on August 13, 2016