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Denver
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith · Public domain

Weekend (2 Days) · in Denver

A Denver Weekend: Downtown Icons Plus Red Rocks

A weekend gives you time to combine Denver's downtown landmarks with the beauty of the foothills. Day one explores Union Station, LoDo, the Capitol and the Denver Art Museum, ending with dinner in Larimer Square. Day two heads west to Red Rocks, Dinosaur Ridge and the mountain town of Golden, with a concert at Red Rocks if the calendar allows. It suits first-timers who want the essentials of the city and a taste of the mountains.

2 days
Things to DoRestaurantsHotelsPhoto SpotsTravel TipsItinerariesLandmarks

Day 01

Downtown & the Art Museum

The historic core and the city's great art museum.

  1. Morning

    Union Station

    Begin in the Great Hall of Union Station.

  2. Late Morning

    LoDo & Larimer Square

    Walk through LoDo to Larimer Square.

  3. Lunch

    Dairy Block

    Have lunch at the Denver Milk Market or a nearby restaurant.

  4. Afternoon

    Denver Art Museum

    Spend the afternoon at the Denver Art Museum.

  5. Late Afternoon

    Colorado State Capitol

    Walk to the Capitol for the mile-high steps and the view over Civic Center Park.

  6. Evening

    Larimer Square

    Have dinner under the lights of Larimer Square.

Day 02

Red Rocks & Golden

Sandstone giants, dinosaur tracks and a mountain town at the foot of the Rockies.

  1. Morning

    Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

    Drive to Red Rocks early, on a non-show day, and climb the amphitheater's rows for views of the plains. Walk the Trading Post Trail among the rock formations.

  2. Late Morning

    Dinosaur Ridge

    Stop at nearby Dinosaur Ridge to see dinosaur tracks and fossils preserved in the rock.

  3. Lunch

    Golden

    Continue to Golden for lunch on its historic main street.

  4. Afternoon

    Clear Creek & Coors brewery

    Walk along Clear Creek and, if you like beer, tour the Coors brewery.

  5. Late Afternoon

    Lookout Mountain

    Drive up Lookout Mountain for views over the plains and visit the grave of Buffalo Bill Cody at the summit.

  6. Evening

    Concert at Red Rocks or dinner in LoHi

    In summer, return to Red Rocks for a concert; otherwise, head back to Denver for dinner in LoHi.