Long Weekend in Colorado: Red Rocks & Rocky Mountain National Park

Fly into Denver in the morning and get ready for your Red Rocks adventure!

Stay in the city for easy access (and a bus ride straight to the show so you don’t have to mess with parking), or crash closer to Morrison for the full local vibe.

If you drive, head up early—tailgate in the lot, soak up those epic red rock views, and wander the nearby trails before the music starts.

Eat & explore in Denver

• Improper City

• Greenwich

• Linger

• Garage Sale Vintage

Where to stay

• Morrison: Just west of Denver, the home of Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

• Kittredge: Small community between Evergreen and Morrison.

• Evergreen: Mountain town west of Denver, popular for its lake, hiking, and artsy downtown.

Cure those post-concert blues with your favorite playlist as you wind through Colorado’s mountain roads!

The Peak-to-Peak Highway

Cruise the Peak-to-Peak Highway for epic views, charming little towns, and plenty of spots to stretch your legs on a hike.

Lunch: Roll through Black Hawk, then grab some pizza or BBQ in Nederland.

Afternoon hike: Head to Brainard Lake Recreation Area for a hike up to the stunning Lake Isabelle. (Don’t forget your timed entry!).

Evening in Estes Park

Afterward, continue on to Estes Park, where you can reward yourself with a well-earned dinner, drink, and some homemade ice cream to top it all off.

Hop on the hikers’ shuttle (reserve ahead!) or get a timed-entry ticket to drive into the natural beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park.

• Option 1: Up for a big adventure? Tackle the Alpine Lakes Loop, starting at Bear Lake and hitting Nymph, Dream, Emerald, Lake Haiyaha, Mills, and Jewel—six gorgeous lakes in one day—before finishing at the iconic Alberta Falls.

• Option 2: If you’d rather keep it easier, stick to the Bear Lake Trailhead and explore a couple of lakes at your own pace. Or, take a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest paved roads in the US, with sweeping views above the treeline.

Tip: Wildlife lovers should keep an eye out for elk, moose, and marmots along the way.

Visiting in the evening? Catch the sunset from Many Parks Curve for an unforgettable view.

Extra day in Golden

Spend the day soaking up that small-town mountain charm. Here are a few things I’d recommend:

• In the summer, pack a swimsuit and rent a tube to float down Clear Creek—it’s the ultimate local way to cool off.

• Afterward, wander along Washington Avenue for cute shops, art galleries, and cafés. Beer lovers can tour the famous Coors Brewery or check out one of the local craft breweries in town.

• For more adventure: Hike up Lookout Mountain for sweeping views.

• Visit the Buffalo Bill Museum: Exhibits on Wild West shows, frontier history, and memorabilia from the American West.

Wrap up your day with a laid-back dinner in town and watch the sun set over the foothills.