Denver in 3 Days for Friends - Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre hike
A high-energy, social 3-day plan for friends who want a mix of outdoor play, food halls & breweries, street art, live music and one active water or hiking adventure. Pacing balances daytime exploration and lively nights; group-friendly venues and split-cost tips included. Best visited in early fall for mild days and Colorado colors.
Highlights
- Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre hike
- RiNo street art + food halls
- Kayaking at Cherry Creek State Park Marina
- Denver Art Museum and Civic Center
- Evening live music & arcade bar nights
Itinerary
Day 1
LoDo + RiNo intro: easy first-day strolls, communal meals and a lively music night to kick off the trip.
Breakfast & people-watching at Denver’s Union Station
Start with coffee and a bright breakfast in the historic Great Hall — easy tables for groups and quick transit access to downtown sights.
Tips from local experts:
- Snooze and the Terminal Bar inside Union Station seat groups — arrive 15–20 minutes before peak to snag a cluster of seats.
- Union Station has bike racks and RTD light rail access if your group is arriving from the airport — split an A Line fare to save.
- Great photo op under the station’s clock; clear morning light is best in September for group shots.
Stroll Larimer Square — boutique shops & murals
Historic block with string lights, independent shops and short walking distances between restaurants — perfect for group window-shopping and quick bites.
Tips from local experts:
- Larimer Square is compact — set a 60–90 minute walk-and-shop window so you can cover it without feeling rushed.
- Many shops accept cards but bring a few dollars for street snacks and quick vendors.
- If someone wants to sit, the patio tables around the square are group-friendly; reserve dinner at a chosen restaurant in advance for 4–6 people.
Lunch at Denver Central Market (RiNo food hall)
Casual, shareable meals from multiple vendors — ideal for groups who want different cuisines without splitting into separate restaurants.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a few different stalls and set up at a large communal table so everyone can sample — vendors often prepare shareable plates.
- Nearby street parking fills early on weekends; consider a quick rideshare from Larimer Square if you’re short on time.
- Check for seasonal items from local vendors — September often brings limited-time autumn flavors to try.
RiNo Street Art Walk + brewery stop (self-guided)
Walk the River North Art District to see large-scale murals, pop-up galleries and finish with a craft-beer stop at a roomy taproom.
Tips from local experts:
- Start at the neighborhood’s central murals (near 36th & Walnut) for the densest cluster of works and best photo ops.
- Choose a brewery with long tables (e.g., Ratio Beerworks) so your group can sit together and do a tasting flight.
- If you want a guided mural history, look for a local RiNo walking tour that runs short 90–120 minute loops on weekends.
Relax & freshen up in LoDo (short break)
Return toward Lower Downtown to rest before dinner — ideal time for check-in, showers, or a coffee recharge.
Tips from local experts:
- LoDo (Lower Downtown) has compact options for cafes and quick grocery runs if you need snacks for later.
- If your group has luggage and no central hotel yet, most LoDo hotels will store bags for a small fee—ask at front desks.
- Wear comfy shoes today; tomorrow is more active (Red Rocks), so use this break to swap into hiking-friendly layers.
Dinner & live music at Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox
Eclectic dinner and late-night shows with multiple levels — good for groups who like theatrical vibes and a lively atmosphere.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table in advance for groups of 4–6+ on weekend nights to avoid long waits.
- Arrive early for dinner upstairs if you want to eat before the show; the later live set can be loud — great for celebrating and singing along.
- Ask the host about sharing plates or pre-ordering a bottle if you have a birthday or special occasion in the group.
Day 2
Full day outdoors + culture: sunrise hike at Red Rocks, museum afternoon and a lively food-hall dinner followed by a music spot to match the mood.
Morning hike & photo stops at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
Beat the crowd with an early hike on the Trading Post Trail and stadium steps — iconic views and an energizing start to the day.
Tips from local experts:
- Drive time from Denver ~25–35 minutes; arrive early (before 8 AM) to secure parking for larger groups.
- Wear layers for September mornings — it can be chilly at the trailhead but warms quickly with the sun.
- Bring water and wear grippy shoes for the stadium steps; the formation offers outstanding group photo backdrops around sunrise.
Brunch at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery (South Broadway location)
Funky, group-friendly brunch with shareable pancakes and creative cocktails — good spot after a morning hike.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a wait on weekend mornings; add your name to the waitlist online while driving back from Red Rocks to shorten hold time.
- Snooze is used to groups — ask to be seated at a larger table and split the bill by card to keep things easy.
- Try a couple of ‘sweet’ and ‘savory’ dishes to share so everyone samples the signature offerings.
Denver Art Museum — highlights tour
A compact cultural afternoon: pick 2–3 galleries (indigenous works, contemporary exhibits) and use group audio or a docent slot if available.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy timed-entry tickets to avoid lines and pick a few must-see galleries so the group stays together and engaged.
- Cafés inside the museum have group tables; consider a coffee break midway if you’re planning 2+ hours here.
- Check the museum calendar for late-afternoon drop-in events or short docent talks — they’re great for groups.
Rest & people-watch at Civic Center Park
Short break to stretch legs and soak up the downtown vibe before dinner; good place for quick group games or photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Civic Center is walkable from the museum and has public restrooms near the park — handy for groups resetting before evening plans.
- If you collected any souvenirs, this is a good time to consolidate belongings so nothing gets left at restaurants.
- Bring a small picnic blanket if you want to relax; September afternoons are often sunny and mild.
Dinner & craft-beer crawl at The Source (RiNo food hall)
Shared plates and multiple beverage options — ideal for groups who want variety without splitting up; end the night with DJs or a chill patio.
Tips from local experts:
- Pick 2–3 vendors ahead of time (wood-fired, tacos, BBQ) and rotate rounds so everyone samples without running all over the hall.
- The Source has standing communal tables and private booths in some outlets — ask a vendor host about reserving space for 4–6+.
- Look for brewery tap takeovers or evening specials; RiNo is lively on weekend nights, so book rideshares for the trip home.
Optional late show: Howl at the Moon (dueling pianos)
High-energy, interactive music venue to close the night — perfect for a boisterous group who wants to keep the vibe going.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy tickets in advance for weekend shows and plan to arrive 15–20 minutes early to get a grouped seating area.
- If someone in your party prefers quieter evenings, consider rotating who goes — Howl at the Moon is loud and lively.
- They do table service and drink packages for groups — pre-ordering a pitcher or two can be easier than many individual tabs.
Day 3
Active morning on the water, casual afternoon challenges, and a playful arcade-night finale — flexible pacing for departures.
Kayak or paddleboard at Cherry Creek State Park Marina
Group-friendly water activity — rentals and calm reservoir waters make for a fun, active morning on the water (weather permitting).
Tips from local experts:
- September days are often warm but water can be cool — bring a light change of clothes and quick-dry layers.
- Reserve kayaks or SUPs online in advance for groups — rental windows can fill on sunny weekends.
- Carpool to the marina to save on parking; if anyone prefers to stay dry, the shoreline has picnic spots for rotating group support.
Casual lunch at Avanti Food & Beverage (multi-restaurant hall)
Small-plate sharing on the rooftop or inside — perfect for groups who want options and a rooftop vibe with skyline views.
Tips from local experts:
- Rooftop seating fills quickly on sunny days—ask host for a large table or go a little earlier than peak lunch.
- Split multiple vendor orders and bring receipts if you plan to settle bills separately; most vendors accept cards.
- Avanti has good group-friendly seating and usually a rotating local DJ on weekends — great for a lively midday atmosphere.
Escape-room challenge — 60–90 minute team puzzle
Book a single escape-room session for 4–6 to test teamwork and have a playful competition — many rooms are built for groups and timed slots.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve an escape room designed for 4–6 players to keep the group together; pick a room with mixed difficulty so everyone can contribute.
- Arrive 15 minutes early for the pre-briefing; split the cost by card inside the booking app to make payments simple.
- If someone opts out, many venues have an observation area or staff can help them join a later public game.
Stroll & shopping along 16th Street Mall
Late-afternoon wind-down with street performers, shops and plenty of benches — easy flexibility for last-minute souvenirs.
Tips from local experts:
- Ride the free MallRide shuttle if your group wants to hop between stops without tiring out — it runs the length of 16th Street Mall.
- Look for locally made Colorado gifts (craft chocolate, beer soaps) at independent shops to support small businesses.
- If anyone needs to head to the airport, this is a good central spot to split off and take a rideshare or RTD transfer.
Final night: Games & nostalgia at The 1UP Arcade Bar
Big-group-friendly arcade with cocktails, pinball and classic video games — split tabs and rounds make for a low-pressure, fun end to the trip.
Tips from local experts:
- Book lane or large-table space in advance for groups of 4–6+ so everyone can sit and play together.
- Buy a group game card to load credits once instead of cash at each machine — saves time and makes rounds smoother.
- Arcade noise is high; if you want quieter conversation, pick a corner booth or plan a short early-evening visit before peak late-night crowds.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Total Activities | 17 |
| Total Places | 17 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Meal, Attraction, Break, Nightlife, Outdoor, Restaurant, Culture, Sport, Experience, Shopping |
