Most visitors fly into Denver and rush straight to the mountains — but the city is worth a day or two on either end of your trip.
Denver at a glance
| Known for | Breweries, pro sports, Red Rocks, LoDo & Union Station |
|---|---|
| Best for | Acclimating, food & nightlife, gateway to the mountains |
| Getting there | Denver International (DEN); A-Line train downtown in ~40 min |
| Elevation | Exactly one mile high (5,280 ft) |
What to do
- LoDo & Union Station — the walkable historic core, packed with restaurants and bars around a beautifully restored train station.
- Craft beer — Denver is one of America’s great beer cities, with dozens of breweries and taprooms.
- Pro sports — catch the Broncos, Nuggets, Avalanche, or Rockies downtown.
- Red Rocks & culture — a concert at nearby Red Rocks Amphitheatre, plus the Denver Art Museum and Botanic Gardens.
Gateway to the mountains & the altitude
Denver sits at exactly 5,280 feet — a mile high — so even the city can affect visitors coming from sea level. Spending your first night or two here before going to 9,000+ feet is the single best way to avoid altitude sickness. From Denver, Summit County is about 90 minutes west on I-70; see our getting around Colorado guide for drive times.
Getting there & where to stay
Denver International (DEN) is a major hub, connected downtown by the A-Line commuter train in about 40 minutes. Stay downtown for walkable food and nightlife, or near the airport for an early mountain departure.
Where to stayFind hotels in DenverDowntown for nightlife, or near DEN for an early mountain startCheck availability → Prefer a whole place? Search Vrbo homes & condos in Denver → Book onlineTake a Denver food or brewery tourTaste the Mile High City’s best restaurants and craft beerBook now →Denver FAQ
Should I spend time in Denver before the mountains?
Yes. Denver sits at a mile high, and spending a night or two there lets your body start adjusting before you go up to the mountain towns at 9,000 feet or more. It's the best way to reduce the risk of altitude sickness, and the city has plenty to do.
How do you get from Denver airport to downtown?
The A-Line commuter train runs from Denver International Airport to Union Station downtown in about 40 minutes for a low flat fare. Rental cars and rideshares are also available, and a car is worth it if you're continuing to the mountains.
How far is Denver from the ski resorts?
From Denver, Summit County resorts like Breckenridge and Keystone are about 90 minutes west on I-70, Vail about two hours, and Winter Park around 90 minutes. Winter traffic and weather can add time.