This weekend in Denver

Question

We have two days (Saturday and Sunday) to spend in and around the Denver area before heading to Breckenridge on Monday. Our plans were to spend one day looking around the town and going to watch the sunset at red rocks. The other day we were going to do a day trip to Fort Collins. Is there any particular order we should do these in? Are either place more or less busy either of the days or have any closures we should consider etc? Also open to other suggestions. Thanks!

Answer

With two full days in the Denver area before heading to Breckenridge, your plan—one day exploring Denver with sunset at Red Rocks and one day in Fort Collins—is a great balance of city, scenery, and Colorado “vibe.” The good news is that both destinations are enjoyable on either day, but there are a few timing and crowd considerations that can help you choose the best order.

Which Day to Do Denver vs. Fort Collins?

Generally, it’s best to do Denver + Red Rocks on Saturday and Fort Collins on Sunday. Here’s why:

Red Rocks is busier on Sundays with more fitness groups, locals, and weekend visitors using the amphitheater for sunrise workouts and midday visits. Saturdays are still busy but often have fewer locals hanging out.
If there’s a concert at Red Rocks, Saturdays typically have slightly less daytime closure than Sundays. Always check the event calendar before planning.
Fort Collins is pleasant on Sundays—Old Town is lively but not too crowded, breweries are open, and the drive is easy.
Traffic around Denver’s parks, downtown, and Saturday farmers markets is manageable and adds to the experience.

Recommended Order

Saturday: Explore Denver + Sunset at Red Rocks
Sunday: Day Trip to Fort Collins

This arrangement gives you a smooth flow of activity and avoids the busiest times at Red Rocks.

Details for Each Day

Saturday – Denver Day + Sunset at Red Rocks

Use the day to explore Denver before heading to Red Rocks for the evening.

Walk around Lower Downtown (LoDo), Union Station, RiNo, or Larimer Square.
Visit a museum: Denver Art Museum, Museum of Nature & Science, or the Molly Brown House.
Stop at breweries or food halls like Denver Central Market or Edgewater Public Market.
End with sunset at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre—the views from the Visitor Center or the top rows are spectacular.
Parking is free unless a concert is scheduled; check for evening restrictions if a show is that night.

Sunday – Fort Collins Day Trip

Fort Collins is about an hour north and makes for an easy, pleasant Sunday adventure.

Wander the charming Old Town Square—great shops, restaurants, and coffee spots.
Take a brewery tour or tasting (New Belgium, Odell, Funkwerks).
Visit Horsetooth Reservoir or Lory State Park for light walking and scenic overlooks.
Drive back to Denver in time for a relaxed dinner.

Other Helpful Notes

Weather: Afternoon storms are common certain times of year; sunsets at Red Rocks are best on clearer days.
Red Rocks Hours: The amphitheater sometimes closes early for event prep—double-check on the day you plan to go.
Traffic: Sunday northbound traffic is usually light for Fort Collins; southbound toward Denver in the late afternoon can be heavier but manageable.

Optional Alternatives or Add-Ons

Boulder: A quick drive from Denver—Pearl Street, the Flatirons (even easy trails have great views), and excellent food.
Golden: Very close to Red Rocks—easy walking through town, Coors Brewery tour, and Clear Creek pathways.
Lookout Mountain: Great sunset view if Red Rocks amphitheater is closed due to a concert.

Summary

Do Denver + Red Rocks on Saturday and Fort Collins on Sunday for the smoothest experience. This avoids the biggest crowds at Red Rocks, aligns well with weekend patterns in both cities, and keeps driving easy. You’ll have a relaxed but scenic weekend before heading to the mountains.