Denver is one of those cities that effortlessly blends urban energy with mountain majesty. In just three days, you can explore historic streets, stand atop a 14er, experience world-famous venues, and soak in some of Colorado’s most iconic views.
Here’s how to do Denver right — with a few extra must-see highlights added in.
Day 1: ✈️ Easy Travel & Downtown Exploring
Your trip starts bright and early with a nonstop flight from Huntsville International Airport to Denver on United Airlines.
With a little planning, you can typically find round-trip fares in the $250–$300 range — especially if your travel dates are flexible. One of the reasons we love flying out of Huntsville is the convenience: easy parking, manageable security lines, and so many nonstop destinations that make travel days smooth and stress-free. Delta, United, and American Airlines all fly from Huntsville to Denver, but only United offers nonstop. It was my first United flight, and it will not be my last.
🕗 Depart: 8:00 AM
🕙 Arrive: 10:20 AM MST
Landing before lunchtime gives you nearly a full first day to explore.
Let's talk about packing!
We've really worked on packing for a capsule wardrobe. We started practicing in preparation for our trip to Italy. We knew we needed to consolidate for that trip, so we've just continued with what we learned. Two huge recommendations for consolidating packing are the compression packing cubes and my favorite carry-on backpack. I literally get stopped every time I travel, wanting to know where it came from.
Welcome to Denver!
Once you arrive at Denver International Airport, grab your rental car or rideshare, drop your bags, and head straight into the city.
🍳 Lunch at Sam's No. 3
A Denver staple known for hearty comfort food and generous portions, and also seen on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
🏛 Tour the United States Mint
Start your afternoon with a fascinating look at how U.S. coins are made. (Tickets are free, but are only available 30 days before, and must be reserved in advance.)
🏛 Visit the Colorado State Capitol
Stand on the famous “One Mile Above Sea Level” step and take in views from the dome.
🖼 Explore the Denver Art Museum
Even if you don’t go inside, the architecture alone is worth seeing.
🏙 Walk Larimer Square & Lower Downtown Denver
Brick-lined streets, boutiques, and lively restaurants make this the perfect place to wander.
🏀 Optional: Denver Nuggets Game, or any sports game that's in season. It's pretty cool that they have all the professional sports!
If they’re playing, grab tickets for an exciting night experiencing the city like a local.
Starting your trip with a morning nonstop flight maximizes your time and sets the tone for an adventure-filled getaway.
There’s something energizing about landing in a new city before lunch — especially when the mountains are waiting. 🏔️
Day 2: Mountain Town Charm & Iconic Colorado Views
Start your morning with a free full breakfast at your hotel — fuel up well because today is all about elevation and exploration.
🚗 Drive to Manitou Springs (About 1 Hour 15 Minutes)
Plan to leave Denver around 8:00–8:30 AM. The drive to Manitou Springs typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic. The scenery alone makes the drive worth it as the mountains begin to rise in front of you.
You’ll arrive in charming Manitou Springs, the small mountain town at the base of Pikes Peak.
🏘 Explore Manitou Springs
Give yourself time to wander before your train departure. This walkable town is filled with local shops, coffee spots, art galleries, and mountain-town character. It’s the perfect way to ease into the day while you wait for your train.
🍽 Lunch at Mate Factor Café
Grab lunch at Mate Factor Café (often called “The Mate’” by locals). It’s a cozy, relaxed spot known for fresh, organic options and a welcoming atmosphere — ideal before heading up the mountain.
🚂 Ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Buy your tickets in advance — especially in peak travel seasons. Boarding times are specific, and trains often sell out.
The ride to the summit of Pikes Peak takes about an hour each way. Sit back and enjoy the steady climb as the landscape changes from forest to alpine tundra.
At the summit:
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Take in the sweeping, panoramic views
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Snap plenty of photos
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Breathe in that crisp mountain air
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And of course… eat the famous donuts at the top
Standing at 14,115 feet is an unforgettable experience.
After soaking it all in, ride the Cog back down to Manitou Springs.
🌄 Visit Garden of the Gods
Just about 15 minutes away, this is one of Colorado’s most stunning natural landmarks.
Pro tip: Drive through the park first to take in the full scale of the towering red rock formations. Then park and walk the popular 1.5-mile Central Garden Trail, an easy paved path that weaves you through the most iconic rock structures.
If you’re an avid hiker, you may want to dedicate a separate day here. The park offers numerous trails with varying difficulty levels and incredible viewpoints throughout.
🏰 Explore The Broadmoor
Even if you’re not staying there, The Broadmoor is worth visiting. This historic luxury resort has been welcoming guests since 1918 and feels like stepping into a European mountain retreat.
What to do there:
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Stroll around Cheyenne Lake with mountain views in the background
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Grab a treat at one of the lakeside cafés
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Browse the boutique shops
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Make dinner reservations for an elevated dining experience
It’s a beautiful, relaxed way to wind down after exploring red rocks — polished but still distinctly Colorado.
Dinner in Colorado Springs
Our schedule ran late, so we popped into a local Mexican restaurant for a quick meal, but Between the Bread was recommended to us, and was another restaurant on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
🚗 Return to Denver
After a full day of mountain views, red rocks, and fresh air, head back to Denver for a relaxed evening.
This day perfectly captures what makes Colorado special — charming mountain towns, iconic summits, and landscapes that feel almost otherworldly.
Day 3: Iconic Denver Moments & Red Rock Views
Start your final morning with breakfast at the hotel and a little time to pack up before heading out for one more full day of exploring.
📸 Capture Denver’s Most Iconic Photo Stops
Before you leave the city, knock out some of Denver’s most recognizable landmarks:
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The Blue Bear at the Colorado Convention Center — officially titled “I See What You Mean.” It’s playful, oversized, and a must for first-time visitors.
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The Dancers at the Denver Performing Arts Complex — the bright red “Dancers” sculptures are bold, fun, and instantly recognizable.
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RiNo murals in the River North Art District — this area is packed with colorful street art, making it one of the best places in the city for creative photo ops.
If you’re nearby, you could also swing by:
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Union Station — beautifully restored and worth stepping inside.
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16th Street Mall — a quick walk for classic downtown energy.
⚾ Tour Coors Field
Home of the Colorado Rockies, Coors Field is worth visiting even if there isn’t a game scheduled. Stadium tours are often available, or you can simply walk around the exterior and enjoy the views of downtown with the mountains in the distance.
🎶 Visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre
If you didn’t go earlier in your trip — or if you want to see it again — Red Rocks is a can’t-miss Denver experience. Walk the amphitheater steps, explore the visitor center, and take in sweeping views of the surrounding red rock formations.
Even without a concert, it’s breathtaking. And if you’re an early riser, some locals actually use the steps for morning workouts.
🚗 Head to the Airport
Plan to leave Red Rocks around 2:30–3:00 PM to allow for the 30–45-minute drive to Denver International Airport (plus buffer time).
Your nonstop United Airlines flight departs at 5:25 PM and lands in Huntsville at 9:15 PM, making for a smooth, efficient trip home.
Final Thoughts
In three days, you’ve:
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Explored historic downtown
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Stood on top of a 14,000-foot peak
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Walked among towering red rocks
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Captured iconic Denver photo ops
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Experienced legendary venues
Denver offers that perfect balance — vibrant city culture with easy access to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.
And with convenient nonstop flights from Huntsville, it’s the kind of trip you can realistically do again — maybe even next season.
Where to Stay (And Why We’d Choose It Again)
We’ve become big fans of Home2 Suites by Hilton — especially for family travel.
Here’s why:
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🏨 Modern & Clean: Most locations feel fairly new with a fresh, updated design.
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🍳 Hearty Free Breakfast: A substantial breakfast each morning plus coffee and tea available throughout the day.
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🍽 Kitchenettes: This is a game changer. Having a fridge and small kitchen area is perfect for storing snacks and the many bottles of water you will desperately need at higher elevations.
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🚗 Flexible Parking: This particular location offered nearby self-parking if you prefer not to valet.
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🏔 Mountain Views: Waking up to a view of the Rockies is never a bad way to start the day.
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⭐ Fantastic Customer Service: The staff went above and beyond, making the stay even better.
For families especially, the extra space and kitchenette setup make it comfortable and practical. After full days of exploring, having room to spread out matters.
We would 100% stay here again.
Final Thoughts: A Weekend Well Spent in Denver
You can truly do a lot in a long “weekend” in Denver. In just a few days, you can explore downtown landmarks, stand on top of a 14,000-foot peak, wander through red rock formations, and experience iconic venues.
That said — if you have more time, it’s even better. Spreading out the must-see spots allows you to enjoy them on a less aggressive schedule. Instead of stacking mountain drives and city stops into packed days, you can slow down, linger over meals, add in hikes, and really soak in both the city energy and the Colorado scenery.
Denver is the kind of destination that works whether you have three days or seven. It’s efficient enough for a quick getaway but rich enough to reward a slower pace.
City vibes. Mountain views. And nonstop access that makes it easy to go back again.
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