7 days trip in Denver and surroundings

Question

Hello,

I am planning a 7 days trip to Denver in the third week of April. We are a couple and open to spend time outside of Denver area as well. We like hiking and less indoor activities. I have Colorado Spring in my mind. I heard about it. Should we stay at one hotel and do the day trip or spend overnight in hiking areas? Any information will help. Have rented an SUV in Denver.

Answer

For a 7-day trip based in Denver in the third week of April with an SUV, you have a lot of flexibility to explore both the city and the surrounding natural areas. Spring can still be a bit unpredictable at higher elevations, so plan for a mix of hiking and sightseeing. Denver itself offers parks, city trails, and a few nearby day hikes, but heading into the mountains or Colorado Springs will give you more iconic scenery.

Consider your options regarding lodging:

Base in Denver: Stay in Denver the entire trip and take day trips. This works if you prefer unpacking once and enjoy urban amenities like restaurants and museums. Driving to nearby hiking areas such as Red Rocks, Golden, Boulder, and Rocky Mountain National Park is feasible, though RMNP will require early starts and possibly some longer drives (1.5–2 hours each way).
Overnight in hiking areas: For mountain hikes, consider 1–2 nights in Colorado Springs or Estes Park to cut down on driving time and enjoy sunrise/sunset views. Staying closer to the trails allows for easier access to high-elevation hikes like Garden of the Gods or RMNP trails, and can make the experience less rushed.

Recommended destinations for your trip:

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre: Short hikes with dramatic rock formations, only ~30 minutes from Denver.
Boulder: Hiking around Chautauqua Park and Flagstaff Mountain, about 40–50 minutes from Denver. Great for scenic views without too high elevation.
Rocky Mountain National Park (Estes Park): Longer day trip (~1.5–2 hours each way) or overnight stay recommended for multiple trails and easier timing.
Colorado Springs: ~1.5 hours from Denver, with must-see hikes at Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak (if weather allows), and Seven Falls. Overnight stays here are convenient if planning multiple hikes.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway: Seasonal access depending on snow; very high elevation, but offers short hikes and incredible views.

Other considerations:

Check trail conditions in April; snow can linger at higher elevations, so some trails may be icy or closed.
Start early for mountain day trips to avoid afternoon spring storms.
Altitude acclimation: Denver is ~5,200 ft, so plan easier hikes the first day before heading higher.
Pack layers, sunscreen, and plenty of water; spring in Colorado can be cold and sunny at the same time.

Overall, a mixed approach works best: stay a few nights in Denver for city exploration and easy hikes nearby, and plan 1–2 nights in mountain towns like Estes Park or Colorado Springs to maximize your outdoor experience without long daily drives.

7 days trip in Denver and surroundings

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