Denver and surrounding area planning help

Question

My husband has a conference at the Omni Interlocken Hotel October 6-9th. He and I plan to fly into Denver on October 3rd and fly back home on the 12th. We will be coming from Eastern North Carolina, which is a whopping 43 feet above sea level. We are in our early 50’s and in good health. Planning to rent a car. We are looking to experience things unique to this area. Don’t mind an easy to moderate hike. Enjoy exploring cute towns. No zoo’s or aquariums for this trip. We are open to multiple hotels but will be staying at the Omni the 5th through the 8th for sure. Here is what I have thought about so far. Fly to Denver on the 3rd and drive to Colorado Springs. On the 4th and 5th explore Colorado Springs. Interested in visiting the Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Cave of the Winds, and the Olympic Museum. Would love any other suggestions or input including what area to stay. We try to stay at Marriott hotels. Also would love restaurant suggestions. Locally owned hole in the walls, casual or fancy- we are open to all.

Then on the 5th we will drive to the Omni for the conference. Would love some suggestions for myself of what to do during the day that is safe for a female being alone. We will utilize evening to explore the Denver area. Conference is over on the 9th so we have free days on the 10th and 11 th then fly home on the 12th. We would like to explore RMNP one day and we want to visit the Red Rock Amphitheater at some point. Other than that, we are open to suggestions for where to stay, what other towns/sites to visit, restaurants, etc.

Answer

Your October trip to Colorado offers a wonderful mix of mountains, scenic towns, and cultural highlights. Here’s a detailed plan and suggestions based on your interests, pace, and preference for Marriott hotels.

October 3: Arrival and Drive to Colorado Springs

After flying into Denver, rent your car and drive to Colorado Springs (~1.5 hours). This is a good introduction to the area and gives you a chance to acclimate to the elevation.

Check into a Marriott property like Courtyard Colorado Springs South or Residence Inn Colorado Springs, both offering convenient access to major sights.
Evening: casual dinner at a local spot in downtown Colorado Springs, like Four by Brother Luck for modern American cuisine or Shuga’s for a casual eclectic menu.

October 4-5: Colorado Springs Exploration

Garden of the Gods: Walk or drive through this iconic red rock park. Easy to moderate trails available.
Pikes Peak: Consider driving the Pikes Peak Highway or taking the Pikes Peak Cog Railway (if still operating in October). Stunning photo opportunities.
Cave of the Winds: Guided tours available; some areas are easy walking, and the thrill attractions are optional.
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum: Hands-on, interactive experience; allows 2–3 hours of exploration.
Optional: Visit Old Colorado City for boutique shopping and coffee shops.

October 5: Drive to Omni Interlocken Hotel

Plan a scenic ~45-minute drive to Broomfield/Westminster area where the Omni is located. Check into the Omni for your conference stay. Your husband attends the conference; here are ideas for solo activities:

Denver Botanic Gardens: Safe, walkable, and peaceful; 2–3 hours recommended.
Union Station and LoDo District: Shops, coffee, casual dining; easy to navigate alone.
Museum of Contemporary Art Denver: Small, manageable for a solo visit.
Optional walking/biking: Cherry Creek Trail or City Park for easy outdoor activity.

Evenings 5-8: Exploring Denver

Larimer Square: Historic district with restaurants and boutique shopping.
Local casual/fancy restaurants:
- Root Down – upscale, farm-to-table
- Acorn – modern American
- Snooze – breakfast/lunch spot with creative dishes

October 10: Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip

Drive from Denver to Estes Park (~1.5–2 hours).
Use timed entry passes for Bear Lake Road if required; otherwise, explore accessible trails like Bear Lake, Alberta Falls, or Sprague Lake for easy/moderate hikes.
Lunch in Estes Park; consider Bird & Jim or Rock Inn Mountain Tavern.
Return to Denver area in the evening.

October 11: Red Rocks and Nearby Exploration

Morning visit to Red Rocks Amphitheater; walk trails and enjoy the iconic scenery.
Optional: Explore nearby Morrison town for casual lunch and galleries.
If time permits, drive through Lookout Mountain or visit the Dinosaur Ridge exhibits nearby.

Hotel Suggestions Outside Omni Stay

Colorado Springs: Courtyard or Residence Inn Marriott for easy access to Pikes Peak/Garden of the Gods.
Estes Park: The Stanley Hotel (historic, scenic), though not Marriott; otherwise, check nearby Marriott options for consistency.

General Tips

Plan for elevation changes: drink plenty of water, take it easy on hikes your first day.
Use your rental car for mountain day trips, but allow extra time for traffic and mountain driving.
Check sunrise/sunset times and weather for RMNP; October can have early snow or cool temperatures.
Reservations: some restaurants in Estes Park and Denver may require early reservations for evenings, especially on weekends.

This itinerary balances scenic drives, moderate activity, and cultural experiences, with flexibility for solo exploration or joint sightseeing. It maximizes your time in both Colorado Springs and Denver while incorporating RMNP and Red Rocks.

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