Solo trips are something I always tell myself I need to start doing more of. Especially when my first-ever solo trip was to another country to do a 96-mile hike through Scotland. Go big or go home, right? It was on that trip that I learned there is something special about traveling by yourself and doing everything at your own pace, just how you’d like to do it.

So when Southwest lost my luggage (briefly) on our Friend Trip to Colorado Springs, I decided I’d use the credit they issued to make my solo travel debut in the US. This was only planned about a month or so in advance, but I ended up choosing another Colorado destination: Denver.

Why Denver?

It took a while for me to decide on a place to visit for a long weekend. If there’s one thing about me, it’s that I want to travel everywhere. There were a few different factors that played into my decision to spend my time in Denver.

Price

Since I had a voucher, I wanted to make the most of it and pay as little for the flight as I could. Denver was one of the cheaper, nonstop options from my home airport of St. Louis. We don’t have the best hub here, so flights tend to be pretty expensive. Portland, Maine, had crossed my mind as well, but my voucher barely made a dent in that destination!

Weather

I was traveling in July, so the weather was a big factor. Being hot is not my favorite thing in the world, so if I could go somewhere a little better than the Missouri summer heat, it was a big bonus. I toyed around with visiting Austin, Texas, but the heat factor made me decide that Denver was the preferable choice. It was a good call, as the weather was good during my whole visit – not too hot or cold!

Variety

I also wanted a place that had a variety of things for me to fit into my short weekend there. Denver checked these boxes with museums, outdoor activities, trendy shops, a National Park nearby, and even a Meow Wolf I’ve wanted to visit.

Convenience

Convenience was important because I wanted to do a variety of things and didn’t want to worry about renting a car. Driving stresses me out on a good day, so a city with a good public transport system with some walkable destinations was important to me. I was going to spend my first morning there working remotely, so I wanted to hit the ground running as soon as I got off.

Traveling to Denver

I flew Southwest for my trip. It was a long, long flight because there was some air traffic near Denver airport, so our plane circled for 45 minutes before it could land. This made my short two-and-a-half-hour flight to Denver into quite a long one, and my goal of a sit-down dinner became a goal of takeout at the hotel. I also finished my book and only downloaded one episode of a show, so this little detour really felt like an eternity.

I did, however, have no lost luggage this time, so that was a win!

The flight back was just as eventful, as the original plane had to be traded out before it arrived at a gate, and we ended up with a BRAND NEW PLANE. You’d think that would make you feel safer, but it was very unsettling. I also got stuck in an aisle seat, and my window companion would not open the blind. I’m more of a nervous flyer when I can’t see outside.

Where I Stayed: Slate Hotel

I like hotels with a bit of a fun factor. The Slate Hotel was built in an old school building, which is what initially drew me to it. It is part of the Tapestry collection by Hilton and offers an on-site restaurant, gym, and store.

I loved the property and how it retained some of the character of its past as a school while still feeling like an updated, comfortable hotel. I loved wandering the halls and taking the stairs (which definitely had a more nostalgic feeling of a school than other areas). My room had everything I needed: a desk to work from, a comfortable bed, and a fridge.

I did not eat at the restaurant, but I frequented the on-site shop to grab snacks and warm up my leftovers. I also visited the gym for a workout. It was small, but it had many things you could need for a quick workout: free weights, updated machines, benches, mats, and stability balls.

Location-wise, this hotel is in a nice central location close to the convention center. It’s a ten-minute walk from several attractions and about a mile from Union Station, which was where I came in after my flight.

Check out my Pretty Rounded Finds: Stay Awhile section for some other great places I’ve stayed.

Gettin’ Around Denver Solo

During my stay in Denver, I used a variety of methods for getting around the city. When leaving the airport, I took the train to Union Station and called an Uber to my hotel, rather than walking with my luggage. My hotel was in a fairly walkable location, so I was able to walk to restaurants, shops, coffeehouses, and the 16th Street Mall area.

For my adventures further afield, I used the bus system one day. This was very effective, inexpensive, and easy to follow. However, I would recommend sitting next to or near someone as a solo traveler. As an introvert, I took the first seat I could find near the front, and several unhoused people got on and off. This was mostly no issue at all, but there was one instance where someone was quite agitated and directed it at me. Another bus-goer had to tell him to leave me alone. Had I been back a little further with the others, he might have paid me no mind.

I would still use the bus again when visiting the city. It’s not always convenient depending on the route, but if you want to avoid renting a car, piling up rideshare expenses, and it’s too far to walk, I think it’s a great choice.

What I Did

For the short time I was there, I managed to pack a nice variety of activities in. Denver has a lot of things to do that can accommodate everyone. From museums, art exhibits, shopping, outdoor activities, sports, dining, and breweries, you’re sure to find something to enjoy!

The best part about it? Since I was flying solo, I was able to do everything catered to my interests and at my own pace!

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

For someone who doesn’t have much of a science brain, I sure do love a science museum. The biggest reason I was drawn to visiting here, however? The dinosaurs. Growing up, I constantly watched dinosaur-themed content. Denver The Last Dinosaur, We’re Back, Dink the Little Dinosaur, Dinosaurs, The Land Before Times…you name it. I didn’t really grow out of it.

The Prehistoric Journey exhibit in this museum was so much fun for me. My favorite? The stegosaurus. That neck armor was fascinating to me. Shortly before I visited, dinosaur bones were even discovered 763 feet beneath the parking lot of the museum and were on display! I’d love to visit more of the dinosaur hot spots in Colorado.

Other exhibits I enjoyed were the Gems and Mineral Hall, the Space Odyssey, and the Wildlife Halls. I LOVE those wildlife halls. We previously spent hours in one during our trip to Chicago at the Field Museum. This one was just as entertaining for me. I’m not sure why we think mythical creatures are absurd, because have you ever seen a walrus up close?

If museums are your thing, this is a wonderful way to spend several hours!

Day Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park

I admittedly have not visited enough National Parks, and that’s something I would like to change. I decided I’d take a break from the city and escape to Rocky Mountain National Park during my stay.

Since I didn’t have a car, I booked with a tour company called Aspire Tours. Unfortunately, I originally booked a hiking-style trip to the park that was canceled. Not enough people signed up, so I was reassigned to one of the regular tours. I was disappointed about this, but happy that another option was available.

Being one of the solo travelers in the group, I got to sit up front with the tour guide. This is both an introvert’s dream and nightmare. On one hand, I got to hear all the facts he provided, but on the other…awkward socializing.

The Rocky Mountain National Park Tour

The tour took us into the park with some short breaks along the way. We took the Old Fall River Road Drive, which was a little bit alarming from the front passenger seat. There are some steep ledges! This road is only open seasonally and is a one-way dirt road that starts at the east of the park. With each stop, our guide could tell I was a wanderer (and picture taker) and never rushed me along. He typically leads the hiking tours and had discovered that’s what I wanted to do originally, so I feel like he indulged me a little bit with this.

Overall, it was a wonderful day in the park, and I felt like I got to see a lot in the short time I had. I was grateful I opted for the tour instead of driving solo, as I had zero cell service the whole time we were there. My bucket list item of seeing a moose in the wild was not checked off, but we did see plenty of elk, marmots, and chipmunks!

I would definitely recommend this tour company if you are looking to take the stress off organizing a trip to the park yourself, are visiting without a vehicle, or are short on time and want to make the most of it.

Meow Wolf – Convergent Station

Another thing I absolutely knew I wanted to do before I even arrived was to take the time to visit Meow Wolf – Convergent Station. I visited Meow Wolf – the Real Unreal during a work trip to Dallas on a day when I was short on time, but I loved the whole concept and vowed I’d visit another with more time to roam.

Meow Wolf is an immersive art adventure, featuring unique settings and hidden passageways. They each have a story you can immerse yourself in, discovering and solving the plot and deeper mystery behind the art. Even if you don’t throw yourself into figuring out the story, the experience is still one of a kind.

How Did This Meow Wolf Location Compare?

Convergence Station had a slightly more complex story than the Real Unreal, but the space was HUGE, and it was hard not to get sucked in. It takes place in a sci-fi/psychedelic transit hub that connects four alien worlds. You enter the hub through an elevator, and I found this a nice touch, as it instantly transports you into the world.

It is such a delight for the senses, and you can easily spend several hours here, even coming back over multiple days if you are the type invested in solving the story. This Meow Wolf even has a bar within the exhibit on the main C-Street, allowing you to enjoy a cocktail while you explore. I know I indulged in this!

I paid the extra small fee for the QPASS, which helped you unlock more of the story by collecting memories and allowed you to interact with more items. This is a worthwhile add-on if you plan on being more involved.

If you’ve visited other Meow Wolf locations or have wanted to try one, this one is a great experience. I’m itching to try some others, particularly the Omega Mart in Vegas!

Garage Sale Vintage

I love a good vintage or thrift shop, and when I’m in a big city, I try to pop into at least one. Garage Sale Vintage did not disappoint and had such a fun vibe. Not only did it sell vintage clothing and other items, but it also had a bar and a stage. It looked like they regularly have shows there, making it a place to hang out and linger rather than simply browsing the racks.

Where I Ate

When deciding what to eat, I based it mostly on convenience. Sometimes I had to order in (like the day I was working remotely) or when I got in too late to make it to a restaurant. The other times, I looked for something within walking distance of the hotel so I could save the money and the hassle of a rideshare.

Blue Agave Grill

The Blue Agave Grill serves modern Southwest fare. It was actually somewhere I’d eaten before during our Friendcation in Colorado, when we made a quick trip up to Denver. I mainly came back for the salsa. It’s spicy and flavorful, and I just love it! I had the grilled shrimp skewer with my chips and salsa, which did not disappoint.

The service was super quick, which made for the perfect solo meal out after a long day exploring.

Honey Basil Express (Delivery)

I had a hankering for Thai food, which I rarely get back home, living in a more rural area. Honey Basil Express for lunch while working remotely during my first day in Denver hit the spot. I had the Pad Kra Pao with chicken, gyoza, and a Thai iced tea. Everything was delicious with generous portion sizes that provided enough for leftovers for another meal! Unfortunately, it seems this location may now be closed.

Sam’s No. 3

Sam’s No. 3 is a classic style diner that has been open since the late 20’s. It’s exactly what you’d want when having breakfast in a diner. I sat up at a little counter seat and drank way too many cups of coffee while enjoying my breakfast. Every spot in the place was full, and plenty of other solo breakfast-goers came and went beside me.

Little Finch Cafe and Bakery

Little Finch was my coffee shop stop during my time in Denver, which I managed to squeeze in before my day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. I got an iced honey lavender latte, and was pleasantly surprised to find that they serve it in an actual glass.

I’d seen plenty of coffee shops serve hot coffee in a mug, but having iced coffee in a nice glass was a great touch. I also opted for a breakfast burrito, which was yummy and filling enough to tide me over for my long bus ride that day.

Fontana Sushi (Delivery)

On my first night in Denver, after my flight delay, I had no motivation to go eat out once I got off the train and made it to my hotel. Sushi, however, always sounds nice. I ordered Fontana Sushi delivered to the hotel, ate sushi in bed, and watched “Too Much” on Netflix. All in all, it was a great start to my little getaway.

Solo Female Travel in Denver

As a woman, solo travel often comes with an extra layer of thought. It can take away from the enjoyment if you’re constantly worrying about safety.

The tricky part is that researching safety can feel overwhelming. Nearly every city has people online warning you not to go—St. Louis, London, New Orleans, Rome, Glasgow, Chicago… and yes, Denver too. At some point, you have to filter out all the conflicting voices online and realize there can be danger anywhere you go. It doesn’t mean you lock yourself away in your home.

When I plan a solo trip (I’m still pretty new to them), I keep it simple:

• I research neighborhoods before booking
• I check in regularly with someone back home
• I stay flexible. If something feels off, I adjust (rideshare instead of walking, leaving earlier, etc.)

What’s it Like Traveling in Denver Solo?

I was a little worried about visiting Denver at first, mainly because of a lot of the things I’d read online about safety. In reality, my experience felt pretty normal.

Since my hotel was in a central location, I felt comfortable getting around on foot, both during the day and evening. I never had a moment where I truly felt unsafe.

One thing I did notice was that early in the morning, around the main 16th Street Mall area, there’s a more visible unhoused population. It wasn’t an issue for me, but it’s something to be mindful of if you’re out early.

Aside from one uncomfortable bus incident, nothing stood out as alarming. Just be aware of your surroundings if you take the bus, much like you would anywhere.

Restaurants were also very accommodating to solo dining, which always makes a difference when traveling alone.

Tips for Solo Denver Travel

• Choose your location wisely: Staying somewhere central made a big difference in how comfortable I felt walking around. If walking is important to you, a central, more populated area is usually a better choice.
• Think about the time of day: Early mornings and late evenings can feel different than busy afternoon hours. Keep that in mind when planning your day to ensure you’re only out walking around when you feel comfortable.
• Stay flexible: If something feels off, go ahead and change your plans. Take a rideshare, change your route, or go back to the hotel before it’s too late in the evening.
• Check in with someone back home: A text or call to keep someone in the loop can give peace of mind when you’re feeling uncertain.

Overall, Denver was a manageable and comfortable city for solo travel with plenty to do. Just keep the same awareness you would use in any major city.

Highlights

My time in Denver was an awesome and much-needed “me” weekend. Since I catered everything to my wants, I felt like everything was a highlight. I loved the Dinosaur Hall at the museum, exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, Meow Wolf, and a chill night eating sushi in bed and watching TV.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Denver? Where’s your favorite place to solo travel in the US?