Things to do in Denver/Colorado Springs

[vespasianus]

I spent a few days mountain biking in Colorado Springs last year. Not exactly what I expected but fun none the less. The trails, for the most part, were small pebble based and slippery at speed. The two trail systems that I really liked were Ute Valley and Palmer park. More technical and challenging but also harder to navigate (palmer) than other trails.

The other places I rode were Red Rock Cannon, which for the most part was boring, the captain jacks loop, that was way over-rated to me and Cheyenne Mountain State Park, which had lots of boring bits but some nice sections.

What I found surprising is that it is almost desert like. Not the lush big tree based idea I had in my mind. Also, the smoothness of some of the trails, was surprising. Lots of high speed downhill sections with little to no technical features - think flow. Personally, I am not a big fan of the "flow" movement.

[bthomas515]

Originally Posted by gdw

What's the elevation of the the town where you currently live?

I am in the Southeast, so right around 1,000 ft. I am not imagining that I will be doing anything strenuous at those altitudes but more casually riding or adventuring for the views.

[Mr. Pink]

Don't try so hard at elevation. Find your zone, and stay there. That's what I learned the first time I biked high in Colorado. I surprised myself by making it to the top of Mt. Evans, passing some people who zipped by me in the early stages.

[Ralph]

About 25 years ago, on a ski trip to Breckenridge, my wife got so sick at altitude, had to send her back to Florida early. Breckenridge is about 8800-9000 feet, and she was OK when she got "down" to airport at Colorado Springs around 6000 feet. Personally.....I wouldn't even consider going from my home here in Florida to altitude in Colorado, and attempting to climb a 14....without taking time to acclimate. I had enough trouble just walking to the ski rental shop at 9000 feet. When I go to altitude now in Colorado, I stay a few days around denver, then work my way higher over a few days. Going from sea level to altitude affects people differently, but for the first time, I would advise taking it slow.

[Seamus]

If looking for Denver-based road rides:

1. Deer Creek Canyon Loop (various Denver paths should connect you to it)
2. Lookout Mountain from Golden (can create a loop around Red Rocks)
3. Mt Evans if you want a huge climb; or "just" up to Echo Lake via Squaw Pass (starting in Evergreen), or Juniper Pass (starting in Idaho Springs).

On altitude, if you have a PM you'll notice your perceived exertion will be higher at a lower given wattage(~25-30watts difference). Definitely take it easy and don't go into the red but you should be fine. A HR monitor is helpful with that and I would at least take that if no PM on bike.

[gdw]

Unfortunately altitude sickness is much more common than most people realize. Green Mountain is a 8148 foot peak in Boulder and the hike isn't very difficult.
https://www.outtherecolorado.com/new...601379f39.html

[bthomas515]

Thanks for the help! I didn’t even notice all the responses.

Our Airbnb in downtown Denver was just cancelled so also kinda looking at different parts of town to stay. Any general location recommendations for staying? My wife likes “coffee shops and pretty sights and talking to people” (her words when I asked)

[Steve K]

Still in Denver
- Cherry Creek North: more glitiz
- Tennyson Street (38th Ave to 44th) coffee shops, food, some retail. Bit more local

[redir]

If you like that kind of thing then take a ride up to Evergreen and come back through Morison. If you have the time the the National park is worth seeing. I was just up there two weeks ago and there was still snow up high and it just makes for beautiful scenery.

[biker72]

Originally Posted by bthomas515

Thanks for the help! I didn’t even notice all the responses.

Our Airbnb in downtown Denver was just cancelled so also kinda looking at different parts of town to stay. Any general location recommendations for staying? My wife likes “coffee shops and pretty sights and talking to people” (her words when I asked)

You wont run out of places to eat in Cherry Creek North..
Back when both my wife and I visited Denver she always wanted to shop in Cherry Creek North. Never bought much but lots of shops to explore.

[jamesdak]

Well it's been years since I lived in Colorado (Peublo) but if you're into art Colorada Ave in Colorado Springs had some cool galleries and of course Michael Garmin's gallery.

https://michaelgarman.com/

Royal Gorge Bridge will get your heart pumping too.

[robt57]

Garden of the Gods [Springs] July 4 if fireworks super rad. Just plain rad otherwise..

Lars Leber shot:

[bthomas515]

Originally Posted by robt57

Garden of the Gods [Springs] July 4 if fireworks super rad. Just plain rad otherwise..

Lars Leber shot:

It doesn’t look like they’re doing it this year?

Also, we may wind up in Boulder but just looking around

[tomato coupe]

Originally Posted by bthomas515

It doesn’t look like they’re doing it this year?

Also, we may wind up in Boulder but just looking around

So, no riding in Boulder?

[pinkshogun]

go visit Dragonman in Colorado Springs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4r7usLihQE