My husband and I just booked flights to Denver for our anniversary: Sep. 14-22. I am sighted; my husband is fully blind. Obviously, long scenic mountain drives aren’t what we are coming to Colorado to experience, although we enjoy being outside. We each have been to Colorado separately for business, and we both believe Colorado has a lot to offer for vacation that we both will enjoy—we would love ideas and opinions on what those things might be!
We get in to Denver in the evening, then have 6 full days to explore (see below), plus a half day at the end before our flight home. I will rent a car for as much of the trip as needed, but we are comfortable with public transit when available. (I haven’t booked lodging yet and am well aware that I am cutting it close for booking.)
Three regions we’d like plan to see, but may cut back to two:
Denver area: several days. Neither of us have spent much time here.
Colorado Springs area: should this be a day trip from Denver, an overnight, or several days? Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, possible tour at the Air Force Academy, etc. Anything else you think would be appealing and show off the area? I’ve been before (2006?), but he has not. We would’ve enjoyed the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway but they are closed for the foreseeable future.
Boulder/Estes Park/RMNP: an overnight or several days?
Your knowledge of hands-on activities, narrated or planned tours/hikes, and other ways to experience your favorite bits of these regions would be much appreciated. We aren’t planning on an intense outdoor trip, as we need rest and rejuvenation, but we do want to spend time outdoors. We enjoy history, theatre, classical music, wine, sensory experiences that aren’t overcrowded, etc. We would like to experience some of city/town life, possibly a quiet cabin/lodge experience for a few nights, and some light to moderate day hikes/excursions.
Suggestions of favorite lodging (not too rustic) and restaurants are also appreciated!