5-Day Adventure and Relaxation on a Shoestring Budget in Denver, Colorado

Day 1: Explore Downtown

Denver, Colorado

8:00AM

Morning Walk in Civic Center Park

Start your day with a refreshing stroll in Civic Center Park, surrounded by lush greenery and relaxed vibes.
Walk if you're in downtown, as it’s nearby.
Free, 1 hour

9:30AM

Bike Ride at Cherry Creek Trail

Rent a bike and ride along the picturesque Cherry Creek Trail for beautiful views of the creek and city.
Walk or take a bus to the bike rental site near the trailhead.
USD25 (bike rental), 2 hours

12:00PM

Walk through the Denver Botanic Gardens

Enjoy the tranquility at the Botanic Gardens and observe diverse plant life and themed gardens.
Take the number 15 bus from downtown to the gardens.
USD12, 2 hours

2:30PM

Visit Denver's RiNo Art District

Explore street art and vibrant murals while walking through this artistic neighborhood.
Take a rideshare or bus to RiNo.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Hike at Red Rocks Park

Go for a hike in the stunning Red Rocks Park, known for its unique rock formations and scenic views.
Take a rideshare to Red Rocks, about 30 minutes from Denver.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Enjoy Sunset Viewing at Red Rocks

Stay at Red Rocks for some breathtaking sunset views as the sky changes colors over the formations.
Find a good spot within the park.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Return to Denver

Drive or rideshare back to your accommodation in Denver for a relaxing evening.
Rideshare back or arrange transportation ahead.
Included in earlier rideshare., 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Nature Adventure

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

6:30AM

Drive to Rocky Mountain National Park

Start early for a scenic drive to the storied park known for its breathtaking landscapes.
Rent a car and drive, approximately 1.5 hours from Denver.
USD20 (rental share), 1.5 hours

8:00AM

Scenic Breakfast Picnic

Enjoy a picnic breakfast surrounded by the stunning nature within the park.
Pick a scenic spot after entering the park.
USD5 (snacks from store), 1 hour

9:30AM

Hiking at Bear Lake

Embark on an easy hike around Bear Lake and take in the mesmerizing scenery.
Drive to the Bear Lake trailhead inside the park.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Scenic Drive along Trail Ridge Road

Experience the breathtaking drives over the highest paved road in North America.
Resume driving along Trail Ridge Road for stunning views.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Wildlife Viewing at Alpine Visitor Center

Look out for elk and other wildlife while enjoying the alpine scenery.
Stop at the visitor center during your scenic drive.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Short Hike at the Visitor Center

Take a quick hike in the area surrounding the visitor center to enjoy more nature.
Select a nearby trail from the visitor center.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Return Drive to Denver

Head back to Denver as you descend from the mountains, reflecting on the day's natural beauty.
Drive back to Denver, about 1.5 hours.
Included in earlier rental share., 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Outdoor Activities Day

Denver, Colorado

8:00AM

Morning Walk at Washington Park

Revitalize with an early morning walk or jog in this beautiful and expansive park.
Walk or takes a bus to Washington Park.
Free, 1 hour

9:30AM

Kayaking on Confluence Park

Rent a kayak and explore the waterways at Confluence Park, a fun way to enjoy the outdoors.
Take a light rail to Denargo Market and walk to the park.
USD20 (kayak rental), 2 hours

12:00PM

Bike Ride along the Platte River Trail

Cycle along the scenic Platte River Trail for fantastic views and some exercise.
Return your kayak rental and bike to the trail starting point.
Free if you already have a bike rental., 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit City Park

Relax by the lake or stroll through the grounds; a great place to unwind for the afternoon.
Bike or take a bus back to City Park.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore the Highlands Neighborhood

Take a leisurely walk through the trendy Highlands neighborhood, enjoying the local architecture and atmosphere.
Bus or bike to the neighborhood from City Park.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Relaxing Night Walk at Riverfront Park

Conclude your day with a peaceful evening walk along the river, enjoying the city lights and ambiance.
Walk to Riverfront Park from Highlands.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Day Trip to Golden

Golden, Colorado

8:00AM

Drive to Golden

Head to Golden for a day filled with outdoor adventures and beautiful scenery.
Use a rental car or rideshare; it’s about 30 minutes from Denver.
USD20 (rental share), 30 minutes

8:30AM

Hiking at Mount Zion

Kick off your day with a hike on Mount Zion for exceptional views of Golden and the surrounding landscape.
Drive to the Mount Zion trailhead.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Golden's Clear Creek

Stroll or walk along the picturesque Clear Creek and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Head back down to the creek from Mount Zion.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Walk through the Historic Downtown

Take some time to explore the charming shops and art galleries in Golden's historic downtown area.
Walk to the downtown area from Clear Creek.
Free, 1 hour

1:30PM

Hike at Lookout Mountain

Enjoy more hiking and the breathtaking views from Lookout Mountain, a must-see in the Golden area.
Drive to Lookout Mountain trailhead.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at the Lookout Mountain Nature Center

Take a peaceful stroll around the nature center area and learn about local wildlife.
Visit the nature center after your hike.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return Drive to Denver

Conclude your day by heading back to Denver, taking in the beautiful mountain views.
Drive back to Denver, about 30 minutes.
Included in earlier rental share., 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Final Relaxation Day

Denver, Colorado

9:00AM

Visit the Denver Parks

Start your last day exploring one of Denver's many parks, enjoying the morning calm.
Take a short walk to a nearby park.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Hike at Mount Falcon

Enjoy a morning hike at Mount Falcon Park with stunning views of the foothills.
Drive or rideshare to the Mount Falcon Park trailhead.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Explore the Front Range Trail

Continue your adventure with a hike on sections of the Front Range Trail nearby.
Drive to the nearest access point for the trail.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Morrison Lake

Take a leisurely walk around Morrison Lake or relax by the water, enjoying the serene surroundings.
Drive to Morrison Lake from the trail.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

End Day at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

Spend your final evening at Red Rocks, soaking up the stunning red rock formations one last time.
Drive back to Red Rocks park.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Farewell Walk to Reflect

Take a farewell walk reflecting on your Denver adventure amidst incredible scenery.
Stroll around the park and enjoy the surroundings.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability