Things to do in the Rocky Mountains
A business trip to Black Hawk became a fantastic time with friends as we explored the many things to do in the Rocky Mountains.
My husband and I just got back from an awesome trip to Black Hawk, Colorado, where we stayed at the beautiful Alpina Haus and met up with some friends. We found tons of fun things to do and see while we were there. Check out my suggestions for what to do when visiting Black Hawk. Plus, I’ll share a few other cool experiences I’ve had over the years in Colorado. Just a heads up—I’m not into hiking or skiing, so don’t expect any hiking stuff on my list! There are many things to do in the Rocky Mountains, and I’m only touching the tip of the iceberg!
- My favorite seat at Alpina Haus
- Jim is enjoying the stunning view of the Rocky Mountains from the Alpina Haus
- Snow capped mountain view
The backstory of how this trip came to be.
One evening, after sharing a bottle of wine, my friend Vicki and I discussed why we had yet to take a trip to the Rocky Mountains together (wine will do that.) Vicki was eager to go, especially since her husband had never seen them. She knew I often traveled there for work, and since I had another trip planned soon, we thought, “Why not organize a visit?” With her husband’s birthday approaching, it felt like the perfect opportunity. I had my eye on a fantastic house I found on Instagram, and it seemed like just the right fit for us.
The following morning, Vicki texted me, “Did you book that house yet?” I asked if she was serious, and she confirmed that she was! So, I booked the Alpina Haus, a short-term rental home in Black Hawk, Colorado, which was also the town I needed to visit for work.
Our visit to COLORADO
STAY – Our home base
Fast-forward to our visit. We stayed at the Alpina Haus, which you can learn more about here. It was a perfect home base with an outstanding view of the mountain range and the animals that would visit.
- Front of Alpina Haus after the snow
- A deer and her fawn are stopping to take a drink
- Watching the deer through the window
Estes Park, The Stanley Hotel, Rocky Mountain National Park and Trail Ridge Road, and Grand Lake
- The Stanley Hotel
- Jim and I
- On Trail Ridge Road
While there, we didn’t just stare at that fantastic mountain view (which was tempting!) One day, we drove to Estes Park, stopped at The Stanley Hotel, and headed to Rocky Mountain National Park. You can read more about my Stanley Hotel visits here.
We cruised along Trail Ridge Road, stopping at the lookouts and gawking at the beautiful mountain views. Luckily, the weather in mid-October was super mild, and we didn’t have to deal with any snow blocking the roads. We climbed up over 12,000 feet, stopping often to soak in the amazing views, snap photos and selfies, and have a great time, all while totally blown away by the scenery.
- Over 12,000 ft high on Trail Ridge Road
- Trail Ridge Road
- Rocky Mountain National Park
We finally arrived at Grand Lake and found a place to eat. If you have time to relax and are visiting during the right season, consider staying at the Grand Lake Lodge. I stayed there years ago with my teenage son during a business trip that I had extended. The views are stunning, and I experienced the best sleep of the trip, with the window cracked to let in the crisp mountain air. It is more than just a lodge, it has bungalows to rent. My son and I had rented a bunk room. It was awesome. Then we ate dinner in the lodge with a lake and mountain view.
We ended our Rocky Mountain National Park adventure, returning to our home base at The Alpina Haus in Black Hawk.
ATV/UTV Tours in Dumont, Dinner in Idaho Springs
- A stop on our UTV ride
- Downtown Idaho Springs
- The UTV tour
One day, we booked a UTV tour with ATV Tours in Dumont, about 30 minutes away. After lounging around the house for most of the morning, we scheduled our tour for 2:30 p.m. We hopped on our UTV and followed a guide through some rough terrain and up the mountain, watching out for steep drop-offs on the side of the road. Along the way, we checked out old silver mines and the remains of abandoned buildings, complete with leftover equipment and tracks that were once used to transport silver.
After the tour, we checked out Idaho Springs to browse the shops and grab a delicious dinner at MTN Prime. Don’t miss the waterfall, and if you’re with kids, they’ll probably get a kick out of the Argo Mill and Tunnel!
Nederland, Middle Boulder Creek, the Flatirons, and Boulder
- Nederland
- Phil & Vicki near Middle Boulder Creek outside Nederland
- Near Middle Boulder Creek outside of Nederaland
On our last day, we kicked back at the house for a while, taking in the incredible views out the windows. Around midday, we headed to Nederland to check out a few shops. On our way to the Flatirons, we stumbled upon this beautiful spot by Middle Boulder Creek, just outside Nederland. I’m unsure if it has a name since there wasn’t a sign, and I couldn’t find it on any maps, but I’m glad we decided to stop there. After that, we made our way to Chautauqua Park in Boulder to see the Flatirons.
We wrapped up our day exploring Pearl Street in Boulder and grabbed dinner at The Colorado Club. We tried this awesome plate of sausage, which included buffalo and wild boar bratwurst, and then enjoyed some Old Fashioneds, too.
- Pearl Street in Boulder
- Bev inside The Colorado Club
- The Flatirons
Since we made Black Hawk our main spot for this trip, I should definitely mention the casinos and places to eat here. I usually stay at the Ameristar Casino—it’s a really nice place. The rooms are comfy, there are great restaurants, and the top floor has an awesome pool and patio with some stunning views.
- The rooftop pool at Ameristar Casino
- Me and Vicki in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Me and Jim in Rocky Mountain National Park
Continue reading for more suggestions on things to do in the area. I’ve visited all these places at various times over the years. When I travel to Black Hawk and Denver for business, I always leave some extra time to explore and enjoy the surroundings. There are so many things to do in the Rocky Mountains.
Morrison, Red Rock Amphitheater and The Moxi Poppy
- Red Rock Amphitheatre
- The Moxi Poppy, a Colorado Makers shop in Morrison
- Panorama Point Scenic Overlook in Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Visit Morrison, a charming town with shops and restaurants. Remember to check out my friend’s store, The Moxi Poppy, which features items created by local Colorado makers. Afterward, go to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater for stunning views of the magnificent rock formations and maybe a concert.
Golden, Lookout Mountain, Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, and The Eddy Hotel and Brewhouse
- View from Lookout Mountain
- Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave
- Cafe 13 in Golden
Check out Golden at the mountain’s base for good food and shopping. While at it, head up to Lookout Mountain to visit the Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave. The Eddy Taproom & Hotel is an excellent choice for a place to stay—it’s also a brewery so that you can enjoy some beer and dinner there. You’re even greeted with a tasting as you check in. And don’t skip breakfast at Café 13!
- The Denver Art Museum
- The Eddy Taproom & Hotel in Golden
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers numerous spots for picnicking, hiking, and enjoying breathtaking views from Panorama Point Scenic Overlook.
Denver, Denver Art Museum, Union Station, Molly Brown House, The Lo-Do District, Broncos, The Oxford Hotel, The Cruise Room, and The Art Hotel.
- The Cruise Room
- The room at The Oxford Hotel
- Denver Union Station
Denver offers many attractions and activities, from museums like the Denver Art Museum to historic sites like Union Station and the Molly Brown House Museum. Attending a Broncos game provides an unmatched energy I’ve never experienced. Head to the LoDo District (Lower Downtown District), Denver’s oldest neighborhood, which includes Union Station, plus lots of restaurants, shops, galleries, and things to do.
For accommodations, The Oxford Hotel and The Art Hotel are great options. Oh, and visit The Cruise Room, the oldest cocktail bar in Denver!
Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Woodland Park, the Colorado Wilderness & Wildlife Center, and the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.
- Pikes Peak
- Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
- Petting a wolf at Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
- Garden of the Gods
Colorado Springs is home to Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. Be sure to visit Woodland Park and the Colorado Wilderness & Wildlife Center, located just a few miles away, where you can howl with the wolves. Additionally, explore the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, which features petrified redwood stumps.
Canon City, the Royal Gorge, and Cripple Creek
- The Royal Gorge Bridge
- The Royal Gorge
- Canon City
Travel to Canon City to explore The Royal Gorge Bridge, and then proceed to Cripple Creek.
Breckenridge, Breckenridge Resort, and Frisco
Breckenridge is beautiful. We only spent a little time there. We do not ski, but we visited the Breckenridge Resort, which is stunning. It was fun to watch everyone skiing. There are also dining options in Frisco.
You may also like these articles about Colorado! There are so many things to do in the Rocky Mountains. The Oldest Hotel in Denver, Colorado Wanderer: The Armstrong Hotel, and Eight Haunted Hotels You Can Stay in the U.S.