3 Days in Colorado: A Denver and Georgetown Itinerary

If you are planning a short Colorado getaway and want a mix of mountains and city, this 3-day Denver and Georgetown itinerary is easy, scenic, and family-friendly.

Here is exactly how we structured our trip.

Day 1: Arrive in Denver and Check Into Downtown

We arrived in Denver late on night one, so we kept it simple.

We stayed at The Slate Hotel Denver Downtown, which is centrally located and ideal for exploring the city. Since it was already late, we had dinner at the hotel restaurant and called it a night.

If you are flying in later in the evening, staying downtown lets you make the most of your time the next morning without having to drive.

If you are considering staying here, check out my full review of The Slate Hotel for a closer look at the rooms, location, and overall experience.

Day 2: Georgetown Loop Railroad and Downtown Denver

Morning in Georgetown, Colorado

We woke up early and drove about an hour to Georgetown, Colorado. It is such a beautiful drive

Georgetown is a small historic mountain town that feels completely different from Denver. It is charming, scenic, and absolutely worth the drive if you want that classic Colorado mountain experience without committing to a full resort stay.

We rode the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad, which winds through the mountains with incredible views. If you are traveling with kids, especially train lovers, this is such a memorable experience.

Georgetown sits at about 8,500 feet in elevation. You may feel the altitude if you are not used to it, so make sure to stay hydrated and take it slow. The air is thinner, and even walking around town can feel different if you are coming from sea level. The views make it completely worth it.

After the train ride, we explored the lake nearby and walked around town before heading back to Denver.

Afternoon and Evening in Downtown Denver

In the afternoon, we explored downtown Denver.

We walked around Union Station and the area near The Crawford Hotel, which has shops, restaurants, and a great atmosphere. It is one of the best areas to stroll if you want a mix of local food and boutique shopping.

Downtown Denver is highly walkable, making it easy to explore without overplanning. We grabbed dinner, took our time, and headed back to the hotel to rest.

Day 3: Pikes Peak Cog Railway

On our final full day, we drove to Manitou Springs to ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the summit of Pikes Peak.

The train takes you all the way up to 14,115 feet. The views at the top are unreal, but the altitude is significant. Walk slowly, drink water, and avoid overexerting yourself.

There is a visitor center at the summit, and the famous high-altitude donut is a must-try.

It is about a 1.5-hour drive from Denver, so plan accordingly. If you are building a three-day Colorado itinerary, this experience is absolutely worth adding.

Watch the Full Trip on YouTube

This three-day Colorado itinerary gives you a convenient downtown Denver base, a historic mountain train ride in Georgetown, and iconic summit views at Pikes Peak, all in one long weekend.

If you are planning a Colorado trip, this route offers the ideal balance of city and mountain experiences.

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