One of my fondest childhood memories is camping trips in the Colorado Rockies while listening to John Denver and Simon and Garfunkel. Fifteen years later, the lyrics of “Rocky Mountain High” echoed through my mind as I spent a week exploring the treasure troves of Denver, the mountains and little towns along the way. While planning the itinerary, we remarked on how one could be in Colorado for 60 years and still feel that they’ve not scratched the surface of the endless beauty. My week-long journey encompassed all the gems that Colorado has to offer— incredible hikes, views, food, and, of course, mountain wonders.
Like many in Colorado, Golden is a former gold rush town. Its small, rustic ambience makes it feel like the gateway to the Rockies. However, the highlight of our time in Golden was the tubing down Clear Creek. Although services such as Adventure West offer shuttle rides to the top of the creek, we enjoyed the sway of the trees and the cacophony of echoes of live music from a nearby festival as we walked to the top. The adrenaline rush from the transformation of gentle streams to rapid current drops made the 20-minute walk up the creek worth it.
For dinner, we enjoyed a meal at Trailhead Taphouse and Kitchen. They specialize in Cajan food and an array of local craft beers. Their truffle parmesan french fries are some of the best I’ve ever had, with a perfect crunchy exterior and fluffy interior. However, Woody’s Wood-Fired Pizza deserves an honourable mention as it is Goldens’ most iconic restaurant and an absolute favourite from my childhood.
Pikes Peak is one of Colorado’s most iconic mountain destinations- and there was no better way to experience it than by the Cog Railway. The Railway (located in Manitou Springs) is an essential part of Pikes Peak history when Zalman Simmons rode a mule to the summit in the 1880s, and the view inspired him to make a mountain railroad. The ride up was enjoyable, with the combination of fun historical facts and jokes as we rode past historical landmarks, beautiful views, natural scenery and more. The views at the top were breathtaking- and quite literally due to the elevation of 14,100 feet (make sure to hydrate). Hot chocolate and doughnuts await inside the visitor centre—and if you venture outside, you can see as far as Kansas and may see a marmot or a mountain goat.
On our way back through Manitou Springs, I appreciated the charming shops and old-western vibe as we rode away from one legendary Colorado site to another. Garden of the Gods is known for its unique, bright orange-coloured rock formations that feel other-worldly. As explained by a sign along one of the trails, the name was derived when a surveyor in 1890 exclaimed, “Why, it is a fit place for the Gods to assemble. We will call it the Garden of the Gods.” We enjoyed our evening strolling through the trails and climbing the Mars-like rocks for a better view of the park. However, there is also an array of activities to bask in the wonder of the unique landscape, such as rock climbing, bike and vehicle tours and horseback riding.
My time in Idaho Springs began in the best way possible- a classic American breakfast in a gold-rush town. Idaho Springs is the birthplace of Colorado’s mining history, which began in 1859. Throughout the changes of the last 165 years, the charm and “Old American” vibe remains preserved in the colourful souvenir shops and mountain air. The food at Main Street Restaurant was the definition of the American dream, with some of the fluffiest pancakes I’ve ever had. Their lemon poppy seed pancake was unforgettable and the perfect start for our mountain adventure.
Afterwards, we embarked on an adventure up Mount Blue Sky. Plan ahead and purchase your park tickets early, as they can sell out quickly in the summer. Mount Blue Sky is known for the iconic structures which adorn its peak. The Crest House was formerly a restaurant and souvenir shop that was burned in a propane fire in 1979. Today, its ruins serve as an interesting forefront to views of Denver and the Continental Divide. The Juniper Pass Picnic Area offers incredible views of Mt Evans and the surrounding mountains. The area is complete with several rocks to explore to find the perfect view. A five-minute drive from the picnic area is the Chicago Lakes trail, which begins with views of the lake and slowly winds through trees and creeks. It was a relaxing hike that left us warm from the embrace of quiet nature and mountain streams.
Estes Park is best known as a base camp for the biggest national park in Colorado and home to one of cinema’s most iconic hotels: The Stanley Hotel from The Shining. However, even for those who are not horror cinephiles, Estes Park will have something to offer everyone. Similar to Idaho Springs, the downtown of Estes Park is full of old-western-style shops and restaurants.
We had little time to explore as we drove towards the trailhead of Sprague Lake via Glacier Creek. With a 7.2km distance and just under two hours, the loop was the perfect afternoon hike. We embraced the echo of the wind as we walked through Aspens and befriended an elk (from a distance). However, the highlight was the reflection of the mountains in Sprague Lake during the golden hour and the sunset which followed.
For less avid hikers, Estes Park is complete with alternate activities such as whitewater rafting, Open Air Adventures (my childhood highlight), horse riding, photography tours and more.
A highlight of Denver was the following culinary spots:
1. We kicked off our time with a bang at Machete Tequila and Tacos. Although it was a small menu, it took a long time to decide what to order as everything on the menu looked authentic and delicious. In the end, I decided on the Tinga, Arrachera and Al Pastor. Despite feeling stuffed with tacos and chips and an array of salsa, I left craving the Arrachera tacos with the perfectly cooked steak and impeccable blend of citrus and spice.
2. Ice cream is a summer necessity, so obviously, we had to pay a visit to Liks Ice Cream. The line was a testament to the quality of the ice cream. Their sorbets and smores ice cream were the perfect end to a hot day in the Colorado sun. However, perhaps the most iconic Denver ice cream spot is Little Man Ice Cream. Little Man is known for the gigantic ice cream tub building on 16th Street. It is perfect for families with a mini playground and plenty of seating options. The salted Oreo ice cream is a must-try and the perfect blend between salty and sweet with a crunch.
3. The Esp bar on Santa Fe Drive is the ideal cocktail hour spot. From the outside, it looks like a classic speakeasy with inconspicuous signage. However, its dedication to a sensory experience through Japanese Kissa sets it apart from other bars. Their music choices range from jazz and folk to synth-pop, which is best enjoyed alongside a delicious glass of wine.
4. If you’re in the mood for pizza and a good time, Happy Camper Pizza is a necessary stop. The large seating area, complete with disco balls, flowers, lights and ping pong tables, is only half the fun. The star of the show was the Nadene pizza. The hot honey created a blast of flavour combined with dollops of ricotta and basil. The crust-to-cheese/pepperoni ratio was perfect and left me convinced this would be my death-row meal.
Exploring these spots gave me a deepened appreciation for Colorado. The vibrant culinary scene and charming mountain towns ignited a desire to keep exploring, while the time spent in nature brought John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High” lyrics to life:
“He walks in quiet solitude the forests and the streams,
Seeking grace in every step he takes
His sight has turned inside himself to try and understand
The serenity of a clear blue mountain lake.”
The combination of the views from Pikes Peak and clusters of Aspen trees in the quiet mountain valleys of Estes Park left me with a newfound sense of joy and contentment that can only be found in the Rocky Mountains.
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Photo Credits: All photographs taken by Analise Saavedra, with the exception of the restaurant images, which are provided courtesy of each respective establishment.
