Travel guide: Flying RST to the Rockies
With 300 days of sunshine, a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, and close proximity to the Rocky Mountains, the Mile High City is among my favorite travel destinations in the U.S. — so much so that when I connected with the folks at Rochester International Airport about writing a visitor guide to the city, I already had notes ready to go in my back pocket.
Now, before I get on with the rest of the piece, I want to offer a quick disclaimer: RST is a paid underwriter of this article. With that said, the following article does represent my own experiences traveling to Colorado over the years. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of sites and activities; instead, my goal is to offer some helpful tips and recommendations from a fellow Minnesotan who has found adventure and respite in the Rockies.
Planning your trip
Up until last year, planning a trip to Denver meant making the 12 hour drive down or flying out of Minneapolis-St. Paul. That changed in October, however, with United Airlines adding nonstop service between RST and Denver International Airport.
Prices for the flights start at about $200, slightly higher than what you might pay for a flight out of MSP. But when you consider all of the other variables — such as saved time on the road and lower parking fares — flying out of RST can start to look like the better value. (RST has a ‘True Cost Calculator’ that compares the total cost of flying out of Rochester versus MSP.) There is also something to be said about the high level of customer service you get at RST, as well as the greater degree of efficiency I have experienced getting through the security checkpoint.
Of course, traveling altogether has been made easier (and safer) in recent months thanks to widespread vaccinations. Still, knowing that United has teamed up with Clorox and the Cleveland Clinic on its United CleanPlus℠ plan added an extra level of comfort on my flight down to Denver. (Note: the TSA continues to require face masks on all flights and in airports.)
Union Station / Credit: Paul Wedlake Photography
The flight to Denver is about 2 hours, 20 minutes, with the jet stream shaving a few minutes off the return flight home. When I arrive in Denver, I generally like to take the train downtown via the A Line. At $10.50, the 40-minute trip is far less expensive than renting a car. It also allows me some extra time to get organized before arriving downtown. (There is one caveat to this approach, however; while the train works well for urban adventures, I would recommend picking up a rental car if you plan to hop around the metro area or head for the mountains.)
As for where to stay, I have ventured around quite a bit — from hostels to Airbnbs to a tiny house up in the mountains. It all depends on who I am with and what I plan to do on the trip. If you are most comfortable staying at a hotel, downtown offers a variety of places to stay while keeping you in close proximity with the city’s best restaurants and cultural attractions.
Exploring the city
With nearly 80 defined neighborhoods, there is no single Denver vibe. There are artsy areas with bright murals and hip cafés, blue collar neighborhoods with one-of-a-kind eateries, and trendy districts with first-class breweries, dining, and after-hours entertainment.
So, depending on what you are looking for, I want to feature a few neighborhoods I have enjoyed spending time in. All three have a different feel and identity, but nonetheless are worthy stops on your expedition through the Mile High City.
LoDo (Lower Downtown): If you arrive by train, the LoDo neighborhood will serve as your welcome mat to Denver. The neighborhood, Denver’s oldest, is home to Union Station, a stunning work of architecture that serves as both a transportation depot and a hub for culture and streetlife. Around the station, there are a number of great restaurants to pick from, a few of which have outdoor seating along a plaza. The same plaza area is also home to summer concerts and a weekly farmers market. Among the stops I recommend in the area: Yampa Sandwich Company, Wynkoop Brewing Company (Colorado’s first brewpub) & Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar.
Wynkoop Brewing Company / Credit: Evan Semón
RiNo (River North): RiNo is as much a local hotspot as it is a tourist destination. Packed with breweries, art studios and bustling food halls, this is an ideal place to spend an afternoon. The district also features scores of murals, making the mundane walk from place to place anything but. Recommended activities include: visiting Denver Central Market, doing the Denver Graffiti Tour & taking in live music at Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club.
Denver Central Market / Credit: Visit Denver
La Alma-Lincoln Park: First off, this is not a part of Denver that appears on many visitor guides. But make no mistake, where La Alma-Lincoln Park lacks glitz and glamour, it makes up for in character and culture. Here you can find a mix of millennial yoga studies, Mexican diners and makeshift art galleries. This is where I have had some of my best meals, met the best people, and experienced Denver in its rawest form. Must-visits: at least one of the more than two dozen galleries along the Art District on Santa Fe, Swift's Breakfast House & Buckhorn Exchange Restaurant.
Other notable attractions
Red Rocks
Iconic concert venue, museum & park
Photo: Visit Denver
Museums
Nature & Science, Art, Buffalo Bill & more
Photo: Evan Semon
16th Street Mall
Photo: Rebecca Todd
Sports
Coors Field, Ball Arena & Empower Field at Mile High
Photo: Peter Lockley
Garden of the Gods
Located 70 miles south of Denver in Colorado Springs
Photo: Personal collection
Up in the mountains
If you have more than a day or two to spend in Colorado, it is well worth the time to take a trip up to Rocky Mountain National Park. This popular park, located about an hour-twenty ride from Denver, offers some exceptional wildlife viewing and hiking. With more than 100 peaks rising above 11,000 feet, you also don’t need to look far for a scenic spot to set up a picnic. Some of the places I have enjoyed checking out in the warmer months include: Boulder Falls & Lily Lake (for hiking) & Golden (for the beer, of course).
Hiking in the Rockies / Personal collection
In the winter months, Denver serves as a gateway to some of the best ski and snowboard terrain you will find anywhere. I am only a novice in this area, so I won’t pretend to offer any hidden secrets. But I can say that I hit the slopes once at Winter Park, located about 66 miles up the mountains from Denver, and found it offered a range of options for people of all ages and abilities. The famed ski resort Vail is also under 2 hours from Denver.
Tips for traveling
Set expectations early. When planning a trip to Denver, there is so much you want to fit in. But in my experience, it is helpful to be realistic. Pick a few destinations and take in everything you can. Whatever you miss you will see next time.
Pack accordingly. In the winter months, Denver is often warmer than Rochester. There can also be major temperature swings as you get up the mountains.
Be cautious of the change in altitude. For some people, including myself, it takes a day or two to adjust the altitude. This means monitoring how your body responds to exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, and making a concerted effort to drink lots of water.
Note the time difference. This may seem obvious, but Denver, operating in Mountain time, is an hour behind Rochester. This is particularly important to remember if you are working remotely or have a cell phone that does not automatically adjust the time.
(Cover photo credit: Visit Denver)
