Coming to Denver for a “Mancation”

[Richard Williams]

Myself and a few buddies are headed to Denver, CO the first weekend of August for a mancation..... we want to hike bike raft and not die... any suggestions on accommodations/ things we must do and preferred means of transport would be great! Thanks in advance!!!

[Jon Holdman]

Most folks come to CO for the mountains.  But keep in mind Denver is not in the mountains.  If you're coming for city life, stay in Denver.  But it sounds like you want mountains.  So, head west.  @Erin Carpenter gave you some ideas for rafting near Denver.  Further to the southwest there is rafting along the Arkansas River between Buena Vista and Salida.  Both are fun, small towns.  They're also in a valley with mountains on both sides.  I really like heading to the west from Nathrop up towards St Elmo (ghost town, though not abandoned).  You can rent ATVs up there, too.  Many of the ski areas offer mountain biking where you ride the lift up and ride (or maybe fall) down.

There are shuttles from DIA up to some mountain towns.  Summit Express and Colorado Mountain Express for two.  Uber and Lyft work greak here in town, but are sketchy up in the mountains. But you really should consider a car if you want to get further out.

The state has a guide for activities.  Check it out  Colorado Field Guide

Here's a guide to breweries in Denver:  Denver Bewery Guide.  Pretty much every town in the mountains has breweries.