Denver Weekend Getaway (Oct 10‑13, 2025)

Day 1: Friday, Oct 10 – Arrival & Evening Exploration

Morning: Travel from DFW to Denver. Arrive at Denver International Airport at 8:27 PM and collect your luggage.

Afternoon: Transfer to your accommodation, Hotel Econo Lodge Denver, check‑in, and freshen up after the flight.

Evening: Stroll to the historic Denver Union Station for a quick coffee, then wander to nearby Larimer Square to admire the illuminated brick buildings and enjoy a light dinner at one of the boutique restaurants. End the night with a visit to the vibrant Milk Market for local snacks and live music.

Day 2: Saturday, Oct 11 – City Sights & Fun

Morning: Take the free RT Bus to Lookout Mountain for panoramic views of the city and a brief hike on the scenic trails.

Afternoon: Return downtown and explore the bustling 16th Street Mall, stopping for lunch at a food‑court vendor and browsing the unique shops.

Evening: Head to the F1 Arcade for retro gaming and a relaxed dinner at their on‑site grill, then stroll back to the hotel.

Day 3: Sunday, Oct 12 – Nature & Sunrise

Morning: Depart early (≈5:30 AM) for Red Rocks Amphitheatre to watch a stunning sunrise and capture photos of the iconic rock formations.

Afternoon: Drive to Rocky Mountain National Park (≈1.5 h) for a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road, short hikes, and wildlife spotting.

Evening: Return to Denver, enjoy a relaxing dinner at a downtown eatery, and unwind at the hotel before your departure.

Day 4: Monday, Oct 13 – Departure

Morning: Check out of Hotel Econo Lodge Denver, have a quick breakfast at the hotel café, and head to the airport.

Afternoon: Arrive at Denver International Airport for your 8:23 AM flight back to DFW.

Evening: Touch down at DFW at 11:32 AM, concluding your Denver adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Denver Union Station – 1 hour – $0 (free access)
• Larimer Square – 1.5 hours – $15 (meals & drinks)
• Milk Market – 1 hour – $12 (snacks & music)
• Lookout Mountain – 2 hours – $10 (parking & shuttle)
• 16th Street Mall – 2 hours – $20 (lunch & shopping)
• F1 Arcade – 2 hours – $18 (games & dinner)
• Red Rocks Amphitheatre – 1.5 hours – $5 (parking)
• Rocky Mountain National Park – 4 hours – $30 (entrance fee & parking)
• Hotel Econo Lodge Denver – 3 nights – $300 (room rate)
• Total Estimated Cost: $410

Tips

To extend the trip, consider adding an extra day to explore more of Rocky Mountain National Park or visit nearby Boulder for its university vibe and Pearl Street Mall. If you need to shorten the itinerary, you can skip the evening arcade visit and combine the Lookout Mountain trip with the Red Rocks sunrise, saving a few hours while still enjoying the best scenic spots.