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Denver At a Glance
Best Time to Go
When you think of Denver, you more than likely think skiing. Ski season runs
from mid-November to mid-April. The city sees a rush of visitors this time of
year. However, when spring appears, skiiers swap their skis for mountain bikes.
Outdoor summer sports activities are a big draw as well. Since there is so much
to see and do year-round in Denver, there is no season that is more busy than
another. Anytime is a good time to visit this Colorado gem.
Average Weather
Colorado weather is famous for its wild fluctuations--during any given season
and any given day. Average high and low temperatures for a month can differ by
as much as 30 degrees. But such rapid changes also mean that most weather
conditions are only temporary--snow melts as rapidly as it appears. And thanks
to two constants, a low relative humidity and more than 300 days of sunshine per
year (more than Miami Beach or San Diego), the Denver climate is rendered quite
pleasant.
Average Jan High=43, Average Jan Low=16
Average July High=88, Average July Low=59
Transportation
Distance from Denver International Airport to downtown Denver: 24 Miles
Average Cost from DIA to downtown (one way):
Public Bus: $6
Airport Shuttle Van: $17-22
Taxi: $40-50
Luxury Sedan: $65-205
In downtown Denver, free shuttle-bus service operates about every 10 minutes
until 11 pm, running the length of the 16th Street Mall and stopping at
two-block intervals. If you plan to spend much time outside downtown, a car is
advised, although Denver has one of the best city bus systems in the country and
taxis are available. Even downtown, parking spots are usually easy to find; try
to avoid driving in the area during rush hour, when traffic gets heavy.
In-Season Costs
If you're hitting Denver during ski season, be prepared to pay a little extra -
especially at the area resorts. Denver is not a high-priced city though.
Travelers visiting on a budget will be able to do so without sacrificing
comfort.
Day Trips
Boulder: Less than an hour from just about anywhere in Denver, this vibrant
college town is set against the striking backdrop of the Flatiron Mountain
range. Visitors can take in an athletic event on the University of Colorado
campus, stroll outdoors along the popular Pearl Street Mall, or mountain bike on
one of the many paths surrounding the town.
- Central City/Back Hawk: At the beginning of the 1990s, these two old
mining towns were sleepy historical monuments to an earlier time of
prosperity. But when limited stakes casino gambling was legalized for the
area in 1991, the towns experiences a second boom--this time of slot
machines and card tables. Located approximately 35 miles west of Denver,
this modern marvel can be reached by car or by one of the many casino
shuttles that make the trip from Denver each day.
- Mount Evans: Boasting the highest paved auto road in North America, this
14,260 foot mountain offers a breathtaking view of the entire Front Range.
The road is covered with snow for much of the year, and can be scaled only
from June through Labor Day. The peak is 60 miles from Denver.
Pikes Peak/Colorado Springs: Approximately 60 miles south of Denver, this
area is home to several attractions, including the Air Force Academy, a US
Olympic Training Center, 14,000 foot high Pikes Peak and the spectacular
Garden of the Gods.
- Rocky Mountain National Park: With over 260,000 acres of land encompassing
355 miles of trails, 150 lakes, five campgrounds and enough unspoiled beauty
to last a lifetime, Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover's
favorite. Located 70 miles northwest of Denver, this trip can be done in a
day or made to last a week.
- Vail: Just under a hundred miles west of Denver, this famous resort town
has year-round appeal. Winter offers the expected array of alpine
activities--skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. But golfers,
mountain-bikers, and nature enthusiasts will also enjoy Vail's abundance of
summertime recreation.
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