Northern Colorado is the perfect spot for an adventure weekend getaway. This “loop” route started from the Denver metro area and headed north to Fort Collins, over to Longmont / Boulder, through the mountains to Black Hawk before completing the loop with a stop in Golden.
I recommend this route if you are looking for a quick weekend getaway close to the Denver metro area!
Day One I Fort Collins
- Morning Gravel Bike Ride from New Belgium Brewery
- Lunch at New Belgium Brewery OR picnic lunch at Lory State Park
- Hiking to Horsetooth Reservoir at Lory State Park
- Lodging in Old Town at The Elizabeth Hotel {highly recommend; especially if want to stay in the heart of the city}
- Happy hour at Sunset Lounge {highly recommend; perfect rooftop stop to enjoy the sunset}
- Dinner at Blind Pig Pub {recommend; above average pub grub}
- After dinner drinks at Penrose Taphouse & Eatery {highly recommend; pretty space + bonus for non-beer drinks}
Day Two I Longmont, Boulder, Black Hawk
- Morning Gravel Bike Ride from downtown Longmont to Boulder via LoBo Trail
- Lunch at Lucile’s Creole Cafe in downtown Longmont {highly recommend; get the famous biscuit}
- Afternoon stroll along Pearl Street Mall in downtown Boulder {highly recommend; always love visiting Pearl Street Mall}
- Lodging at Monarch Casino and Spa Black Hawk {recommend; if you are going to stay in this area; Monarch is the nicest resort and best place to stay}
- Evening relaxation on the 23rd floor – outdoor hot tub and outdoor fire {highly recommend; this was my favorite part of the entire complex}
- People watching on the casino floor at Monarch Casino and Spa Black Hawk {cautiously recommend; this is a “once-in-a-decade” activity for us so while intriguing to see the different betting strategies, it isn’t for us}
Day 3 I Golden Gate State Park + Golden
- “Tried” to hike at Maryland Mountain Hidden Trailhead but found out it was closed for a mountain bike race {boo!}
- Drove through Golden Gate State Park searching for a parking spot along all of the leaf peeping! After finally finding a parking spot, we hiked the Mule Deer trail soaking in the beautiful sunny weather and golden aspens {cautiously recommend; Golden Gate is the top destination in the fall; I recommend going VERY early or late afternoon to avoid the crowds}
- Much earned pizza lunch at Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza in downtown Golden {highly recommend; great pizza and drinks with the fun atmosphere}
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