Denver Area Suggestions

[TheYoda]

Visiting my son in Denver late August or early September.
Will have a couple of nights to hang. Any suggestions for nearby locations, within say an hour?
Open to campgrounds and/or more rustic locations.

Thanks.

[TrailDaze]

Check out Gross Reservoir.. It's about 45 min from Denver (just above Boulder) and tons of tree's.

[Skeet]

Check out the Lost Creek Wilderness area - Goose Creek Trail and then there is a dedicated campground outside of Golden - White Ranch. You will have to reserve a spot for this but it is local and good spot with fire rings, vault toilets and firewood.

[TheYoda]

Thank you. I'll check these out.

[TheYoda]

Confirmed for the week of Sept 12.
The kiddo says he is up for a camping trip, meaning we could venture out beyond the immediate Denver area.
The suggestions above are still great, but are there any other 'must see' destinations worth driving some extra miles to see?
Might not get back to this area any time soon, so it would be cool to do something awesome (but not crazy difficult, since I am old and decrepit).
Thanks.

[QFT]

The places mentioned are actually very scenic and accessible. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[OutandBack]

Confirmed for the week of Sept 12.
The kiddo says he is up for a camping trip, meaning we could venture out beyond the immediate Denver area.
The suggestions above are still great, but are there any other 'must see' destinations worth driving some extra miles to see?
Might not get back to this area any time soon, so it would be cool to do something awesome (but not crazy difficult, since I am old and decrepit).
Thanks.

If this is your first time to Colorado you might consider just driving around with a day hike or three.
The drive to the top of Mt Evans is well worth doing. There are mtn goats along the paved road, once you are past the lodge, and a herd of 1000+ elk down in one of the valleys.
I don't know if Echo Lake Lodge will be open in sept but a great stop for lunch.
From the lodge headup the mtn and stop at every road side parking and bring your binoculars.

Day 2:
From Denver head to Boulder and take the Boulder canyon road up to Golden Gate Canyon State park. Lots of very nice day hikes with scenic overlooks.

hth

some picts of Golden Gate
https://www.flickr.com/photos/outand...57645233877067

If you want something more rugged head to Nederland, CO and checkout Brainard Lake(google it for details)
Branird Lake:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/outand...57655957944916

If you have a 4x4 go to Left Hand res(same area Branard Lake)for a short hike to hammock camp along the lake.
Good trout fishing and a chance to see some new wildlife just reintroduced to Colorado from Utah.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/outand...57634147276905

EDIT All of these pict albums are best viewed using flickers slideshow button and call up some John Denver from YT to play in the background.
Rocky Mtn High album would be my choice, haha

[TheYoda]

Thank you so much. Looking into all of these suggestions and hope to get experience many.

I was in Colorado Springs for a business trip in the 90's, that's it.
Will have 6 full days this time around, with a few on my own while my son is at work.
I had formed an idea for exploring a rough triangle from Denver to Boulder to Golden Gate Canyon, looking for 1-2 day trips, so I appreciate the suggestions. This will helping provide some focus.

Cheers,
E