Food/Shops/Outdoors
Parks & Nature
A popular hiking spot in Boulder that let's you know you are in the mountains without a long drive, and gives a great view of Denver. Trails will take you up an area known as the Flatirons.
649 locals recommend
Chautauqua Park
9th StreetA popular hiking spot in Boulder that let's you know you are in the mountains without a long drive, and gives a great view of Denver. Trails will take you up an area known as the Flatirons.
A must see for music lovers or outdoor enthusiast. It's a great venue for concerts with a lot of history and open to the public throughout the day. A lot of people do workouts by running the stairs at Red Rocks and they also do "drive-in" movies. Search online for 'film on the rocks'.
1973 locals recommend
Red Rocks amphitheater
18300 West Alameda ParkwayA must see for music lovers or outdoor enthusiast. It's a great venue for concerts with a lot of history and open to the public throughout the day. A lot of people do workouts by running the stairs at Red Rocks and they also do "drive-in" movies. Search online for 'film on the rocks'.
If you want to see snow in the middle of summer this is the place for you. A favorite for locals who want to ski every month of the year, although the skiing is only worth the bragging rights. It has some great views and an alpine lake.
https://thisisidahosprings.com/st-marys-glacier-hike/
148 locals recommend
St. Mary's Glacier
7599 Fall River RoadIf you want to see snow in the middle of summer this is the place for you. A favorite for locals who want to ski every month of the year, although the skiing is only worth the bragging rights. It has some great views and an alpine lake.
https://thisisidahosprings.com/st-marys-glacier-hike/
In Colorado, mountain peaks over 14,000 ft are known as 14ers. Mt Evans is one of 58 fourteeners and the peak is accessible by car from Memorial Day to Labor Day (typically). It's a good idea to call or check if the road is open before making the drive; and bring a jacket as it can be much cooler and windy at the peak. Check this website for info: https://www.colorado.com/byways/mount-evans
259 locals recommend
Mount Evans
In Colorado, mountain peaks over 14,000 ft are known as 14ers. Mt Evans is one of 58 fourteeners and the peak is accessible by car from Memorial Day to Labor Day (typically). It's a good idea to call or check if the road is open before making the drive; and bring a jacket as it can be much cooler and windy at the peak. Check this website for info: https://www.colorado.com/byways/mount-evans
Located on the west edge of Boulder, this is a popular hiking spot of locals. It's easy to get to, has a great view of Boulder and Denver, and is challenging enough to make it worth the trip.
47 locals recommend
Mount Sanitas
Located on the west edge of Boulder, this is a popular hiking spot of locals. It's easy to get to, has a great view of Boulder and Denver, and is challenging enough to make it worth the trip.
Neighborhoods
Our community is called Stratford Lakes and the greatest thing about this neighborhood is easy access to the city owned open space preserve. The open space is a trail system that goes for miles and is home to prairie dogs, coyotes, hawks and bald eagles. Great for a morning/evening walk or run, or just hanging out and enjoying the view.
The neighborhood is quiet and friendly and the HOA has started bringing in food trucks every other Wednesday which are convienently located across the street from my house.
It really is a taste of Colorado - great views, trails and activities, a bit of wildlife, and people with shared interests.
Stratford Lakes Drive
Stratford Lakes DriveOur community is called Stratford Lakes and the greatest thing about this neighborhood is easy access to the city owned open space preserve. The open space is a trail system that goes for miles and is home to prairie dogs, coyotes, hawks and bald eagles. Great for a morning/evening walk or run, or just hanging out and enjoying the view.
The neighborhood is quiet and friendly and the HOA has started bringing in food trucks every other Wednesday which are convienently located across the street from my house.
It really is a taste of Colorado - great views, trails and activities, a bit of wildlife, and people with shared interests.
Food scene
Great area for Pho, boba and asian market. Several restaurants and large market within 5 miles. Search for POM at the following address since there are several in the Denver area...
6600 W 120th Ave, Broomfield, CO 80020
Pacific Ocean Marketplace
6600 W 120th AveGreat area for Pho, boba and asian market. Several restaurants and large market within 5 miles. Search for POM at the following address since there are several in the Denver area...
6600 W 120th Ave, Broomfield, CO 80020
Sightseeing
The largest carnivore sanctuary in the U.S. I have volunteered here and can give details on what it's like and when to go. They do good things here and it is a great experience. To see everything plan a half day, and 3 miles (walking) round trip.
98 locals recommend
The Wild Animal Sanctuary
2999 Co Rd 53The largest carnivore sanctuary in the U.S. I have volunteered here and can give details on what it's like and when to go. They do good things here and it is a great experience. To see everything plan a half day, and 3 miles (walking) round trip.
Denver has a very nice Botanic Garden located between downtown and the Cherry Creek area. About a 30min drive from Westminster. Check their website for details... https://www.botanicgardens.org
1100 locals recommend
Denver Botanic Gardens
1007 York StDenver has a very nice Botanic Garden located between downtown and the Cherry Creek area. About a 30min drive from Westminster. Check their website for details... https://www.botanicgardens.org
The museum is located on the north side of Denver in City Park. The Denver Zoo is also in this area. About a 30min drive from Westminster.
1094 locals recommend
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
2001 Colorado BlvdThe museum is located on the north side of Denver in City Park. The Denver Zoo is also in this area. About a 30min drive from Westminster.
The Refuge is free to visit and offers easy hiking and an 11-mile driving loop where you may spot deer, bison, coyotes, hawks and eagles. Located between Westminster and Denver airport, the Refuge is a good destination to spend time while waiting for a flight. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/rocky_mountain_arsenal/
90 locals recommend
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
6550 Gateway RoadThe Refuge is free to visit and offers easy hiking and an 11-mile driving loop where you may spot deer, bison, coyotes, hawks and eagles. Located between Westminster and Denver airport, the Refuge is a good destination to spend time while waiting for a flight. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/rocky_mountain_arsenal/
City/town information
Estes Park is a popular mountain town just outside Rocky Mountain National Park. Lots of shopping, dining and activities such as horse back riding and jeep tours. Estes Park is also home to the Stanley Hotel, made famous by the movie The Shining.
From mid-Sept to late Oct it is possible to see and hear elk within the town of Estes and in RMNP. This is the peak of the elk rut, and the elk bugle as a means of communications. You can find videos this online.
Please keep your distance from the elk. They are large, strong animals that will defend their territory if necessary. They are not aggressive, but there is no need to provoke them.
586 locals recommend
Estes Park
Estes Park is a popular mountain town just outside Rocky Mountain National Park. Lots of shopping, dining and activities such as horse back riding and jeep tours. Estes Park is also home to the Stanley Hotel, made famous by the movie The Shining.
From mid-Sept to late Oct it is possible to see and hear elk within the town of Estes and in RMNP. This is the peak of the elk rut, and the elk bugle as a means of communications. You can find videos this online.
Please keep your distance from the elk. They are large, strong animals that will defend their territory if necessary. They are not aggressive, but there is no need to provoke them.
Idaho Springs is a mountain town off of I-70 which you would pass through on your way to Mt Evans and St Mary's Glacier. It has dining and shopping along with hot springs and cave at the Idaho Springs Resort. A bit of a drive from Westminster (about an hour) but if you are visiting the mountains, it's a nice place to stop. Check this website for more info: https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/idaho-springs
164 locals recommend
Idaho Springs
Idaho Springs is a mountain town off of I-70 which you would pass through on your way to Mt Evans and St Mary's Glacier. It has dining and shopping along with hot springs and cave at the Idaho Springs Resort. A bit of a drive from Westminster (about an hour) but if you are visiting the mountains, it's a nice place to stop. Check this website for more info: https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/idaho-springs
City advice
What to pack
Bring layers, a water bottle, and sun screen
Spring and Fall weather is unpredictable - it could be warm and sunny one day and snowing the next. Summers are hot during the day and cool at night so you may need a light jacket. Wintertime.... snow.
Colorado is a dry climate so stay hydrated - you may not sweat as much as in humid climates but you are losing fluids. Also you are a mile closer to the sun (give or take) so be sure to have sunscreen.
Getting around
Mountains are west
Before GPS everyone in Denver knew the phrase "mountains are west". That helped you find your way around by spotting the largest landmark around.
I'm located about a mile (1.6km) from I-25 which runs north to Ft Collins, CO and onto WY, and south to Denver, Colorado Springs and into NM. In less than 10 miles (16km) you can reach I-70 which runs east towards Kansas and west into the mountains. Highway 36, which takes you to Boulder and Estes Park is about 5 miles (8km) away.
Getting around
Airport transportation
Denver airport has rental cars, shuttles, taxis and Uber/Lyft. From the airport to Westminster is about 30mi (48km) on a toll road so it can cost upwards of $75 one way.
There is bus that goes between the airport and Westminster which cost about $15 per person (last time I used it). Look for the Skyride schedule on rtd-denver.com - the Westminster stop is called Wagon Road, which is at 120th Ave and I-25. This stop is a large Park and Ride area, and from there you can get an Uber/Lyft for about $5-$10 (depending).
Useful phrases
5280
You may see references to 5280 at restaurants and businesses. Denver is the Mile High City and there are 5280 ft in a mile. You can find a lot of info about Denver in the 5280 magazine https://www.5280.com and you can get a good burger at the 5280 Burger Bar (located in Westminster).