Lately, I have been exploring several of Colorado's State Parks. I am still miffed that I have lived in Colorado since 2003 and only just recently set foot inside Roxborough State Park! As a friend of mine stated, "It's like Garden of the Gods but without the crowds." This park sits among giant red sandstone formations with several trails leading in and around these gorgeous rocks. There is also an old cabin and stone house from the late 1800's on the property. The park also features a plethora of gamble oak bushes, wildflowers, and lots of wildlife.
In order to preserve the natural setting of the park there are prohibitions on pets, mountain bikes, and camping....which is a bit of a bummer...but don't let it deter you from visiting this hidden gem in Denver's backyard!
4 comments:
I love your blog! Can you tell me if you were me, flying into Denver for a long weekend Th-Sun what would be the things you would HAVE to do? I would love to see nature, possibly white water raft but nothing too dangerous, hot springs, good food, possible night life. Thanks so much!
Hi, thanks for the comment! I hope you enjoy your time in Denver!
To answer your questions:
1)As for night life or dining experiences: I would definitely recommend the rooftop bar at Linger. It has the best view of downtown Denver! It is used to be Olinger Mortuary...but now is a trendy restaurant with rooftop. :)
2) For night life...check out an area of downtown called Larimer Square. There are several bars/clubs/restaurants around there that are popular.
As for parks/nature recommendations:
3) I think if you want a nice day trip experience the following are some great options:
a) Drive to the top of Mt. Evans...not too far from Denver...you can see alot of wildlife (I have a post on this blog about Mt. Evans with some pictures). Then on your way back stop in Idaho Springs at a place called Beaujos Pizza for some Colorado Style Pizza. There are several locatins but the one in Idaho Springs has the best ambiance. **and i would probably do this later on your trip to help you adjust to the altitude...be sure to drink and take water and ibuprofen...
b) Drive to Estes Park and explore Rocky Mountain National Park...there is an entrance fee but so much beauty and wildlife. Plenty of shopping, restaurants and lodging in Estes if you decide to stay the night. You can also check out Boulder (hippy town) on the way there or back. If you go to Boulder check out Pearl St. which is where all of the shops and action is.
c) Definitely check out Red Rocks Ampitheatre in Morrison ...just twenty minutes from Denver...its a cool place...cool hikes, views...
d) or just drive up I-70 to Breckenridge....pretty drive in the mountains and Breck, as we call it, is a very cute town.
Thank you so much! And great tip on how to combat the altitude, I wouldn't have even thought of that! One last question- are the drives you recommend up a narrow road? Or are they scary drives where there is a drop to either side of the car? I would just want to be prepared as where I am from it is mostly flat. Thanks again!
Hi!
Let's see...as for "scary" drives...definitely on Mt. Evans and Trail Ridge Road (in Rocky Mountain National Park) there are times when there is no guard rail and could be a bit "scary" if you are not used to it....but just keep focused straight ahead and drive slow if you need to...also...you may know this (i learned it the hard way when i first moved here from FL...but when you go downhill for a long time, dont brake the whole way...use your lower gears). :)
Even though the roads I mentioned might be a little anxiety producing at times...they are my favorite drives!! Especially Trail Ridge Road!! Totally worth it!!
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