Short Trip Suggestions Please

Question

I will be in Centennial, Co for a short conference at the end of April. Flying in and out of Denver. My wife will be coming with me and we are extending our stay and will have 3 full days to do some sightseeing. We will have a rental car. Centennial does not have to be our home base for those 3 days so not afraid of some windshield time. The three free days are actually May 2-4, flying home on the 5th. Flying home mid to late afternoon.

My wife is not great at riding in elevated terrain with switchbacks and drop offs. Not sure what is open in early may anyways in higher elevations. She can handle moderate drive such as Mt. Lemmon outside of Tucson as a reference.

Looking for options for beautiful scenery with moderate hikes that will not freak out my lovely wife.

Planning on Garden of the Gods, but really looking for guidance from this great group of Colorado enthusiasts.

Thank you for helping out. Much appreciated.

Answer

With three full days in Colorado and a preference for moderate drives and hikes, you can enjoy some of the state’s iconic scenery without exposing your wife to high-elevation switchbacks. Since you have a rental car and can be flexible with your base, I suggest dividing your days by region to minimize stressful driving while still seeing highlights.

Day 1 – Colorado Springs & Garden of the Gods:

Start with Garden of the Gods. The park has paved and gravel trails that are mostly flat and easy to walk. You can see the dramatic red rock formations with minimal effort, and the scenic drive is gentle.
Consider Pikes Peak HighwayCheyenne Mountain State Park for gentle hiking with great views.
Lunch and casual stroll in Old Colorado City, which has charming shops and cafes.

Day 2 – Boulder & Surrounding Foothills:

Drive to Boulder (about 1.5 hours from Centennial). Take the Chautauqua Park trails for short hikes (1-2 miles) with views of the Flatirons. Trails are gradual, avoiding steep drop-offs.
Stroll Pearl Street Mall for lunch, local shops, and people-watching.
Optional: NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research)

Day 3 – Scenic Day Near Denver:

Consider Lookout MountainGolden Gate Canyon State Park for short, gentle hikes and wildlife spotting. Drive time is moderate and roads are less intimidating than mountain passes.
If you’d like to mix culture with nature, you could visit Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. The trails around the park are easy to moderate and the scenery is iconic.
Finish the day with a leisurely drive along South Table MountainWaterton Canyon for wildlife viewing and sunset photography.

Tips:

Early May means some higher elevation roads or attractions (like Pikes Peak summit) may still be snow-covered; always check opening dates.
Pack layers, as temperatures can vary widely from Denver to the foothills.
Driving between Centennial, Colorado Springs, and Boulder is comfortable and avoids narrow switchbacks, making it a good compromise for your wife’s comfort.
Focus on shorter trails (1-2 miles) to allow time for sightseeing and meals without feeling rushed.

With this plan, you’ll see red rocks, foothills, wildlife, and charming towns while keeping driving manageable and hikes enjoyable for both of you.