Go see the mountains. Face it,...
by mindfry
Go see the mountains. Face it, Denver and Boulder are basically fine places, but you don't come here to see the cities, you come here to see the outdoors around the cities. Go out and see the mountains. Red Rocks is a beautiful and accessible place, not far from the city, can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities. You can drive up to the top of a couple of area mountains (above 14,000 ft in both cases), Mt. Evans, west on I-70 near Idaho Springs, and Pike's Peaksouth on I-25 near Colorado Springs. Go see the Butterfly Gardens on US-36 between Boulder and Denver, too. They're pretty cool and worth supporting. Like I mentioned, not a huge of fan of Denver or Boulder as cities, they don't offer a whole lot of culturein and of themselves. One thing that has started to grow on me and finally attach some sort of emotional meaning for this area is the (relatively) new Denver Public Library. It looks like an overgrown toy, almost like something out of the Batman movies, but it is unique and, especially coupled with the equally unique Denver Art Museum, makes for a very iconic block in the capitol area of downtown Denver.
Blue Skies and Beaches
by Seabiscuit
Well, there's neither (since it's nightime, and Colorado is landlocked). But I thought this was a cool 'skyline at night' picture. There's a little liquor store at the lower right of the picture (the green thang). They have Pimms & Guinness.... gotta love it!
1515 E Colfax Ave
Denver, CO 80218
(303) 830-1406
(Free Delivery!)
WOAH!
Byers-Evans House Museum
by OlenaKyiv
The upstairs of the house is remarkable with old things of previous owners: lady's brushes with their initials, bottles with different oils and maybe parfumes, family photos, powder boxes, knitting kits, books etc.
It was interesting to hear that women had a special small porcelain vases where they collected their hair from brushes to use then them in wigs or jewelry making. It seemed kind of odd to almost everybody who heard that.
Denver is a medium-sized city...
by iriatetsuo
Denver is a medium-sized city that still holds on to its roots. Most people are very friendly and more than willing to help if you're lost, confused or just looking for something. Don't greet people with 'Howdy' or somesuch - that's just Texan. ;) You'll notice that Denverites don't have much of an accent - we're probably easier to understand than most Americans. :) And no, we're not all packing guns. ;) Overall, it's just a friendly city with friendly people.
Rafting the Colorado
by EGitan
Rafting in Colorado can be a great experience if the rivers are full. I had the chance to go when we had a good season. Check with the company and get the river conditions befor you go. Lakota river guides offers a good trip between vail and Breckenridge.
River Ratings
Ratings below are a general guide. Many conditions can greatly affect a river sections rating including volume of water and remoteness of location. This table is to simply assist you in selecting the most appropriate trip.
Beginners:
Rivers with Class I or flat water interspersed with occasional Class II rapids: waves 1-2 feet high. This is typically referred to as a scenic float trip.
*Best for young children and tentative adults.
Intermediate:
Rivers with Class I - II water interspersed with Class III rapids: waves usually 2-3 feet high, passageways contain some obstacles. Rapids are challenging but not overwhelming. Unintentionally falling out of the raft may mean an uncomfortable "swim".
* Best for adventurous first-timers, rafting for the widest range of people.
Advance/Expert:
Rivers with Class I - IV water and more difficult Class IV+ rapids: 4-5 foot waves and drops, complicated by difficult passages containing obstacles that require quick, precise maneuvering. Falling out of the raft and "swimming" in a rapid will be difficult.
* Best for those with Class III experience wanting to try-out Class IV, or for athletic, very adventurous first-timers.
Expert/ Extreme:
Rivers with Class I - IV+ water interspersed with long, tumultuous Class V rapids: 5-8 foot drops or greater and obstacles that must be avoided. Falling out of the raft means an extremely difficult and potentially hazardous "swim".
* Best for experienced rafters seeking a challenge. Dress in layers. They provide wetsuits but bring a fleece, river shoes, a hat, sunscreen and maybe even gloves if it is spring or fall. Weather conditions change fast in colorado so you have to be prepared. You can either be freezing or burning up.
Also, bring water....but most places provide lunch after the trip.