Colorado weather can be unpredictable and subject to considerable change from day to day (30-degree swings from morning to afternoon are not uncommon in October). Check the forecast before you leave, and bring layers of clothing.
If you arrive early or stay late, many Denver attractions are within walking distance of the hotel and campus. Here are a few (with links):
- 16th Street Mall--Boutique shopping and many restaurants
- Denver Center for the Performing Arts
- U.S. Mint (reservations required)
- Denver Art Museum
- Meow Wolf Convergence Station
- Colorado History Museum
- Museo de las Américas
- Downtown Aquarium
- Coors Field
- Ball Arena
- Elitch Gardens amusement park (open Saturday and Sunday)
- REI Flagship store (for the outdoor enthusiast)
- More than 60 restaurants within a six-block radius of the hotel
- Denver Broncos vs. New York Jets (Sunday, October 8th). Football fans may wish to make arrangements to attend the game. Everyone, however, should arrange hotel accomodations as early as possible so as not to be preempted by those travelers who will be in town for the game.
Road trips:
Colorado Springs--home of the Garden of the Gods, the U.S. Olympic Training Center and the Air Force Academy--is 60 miles south of Denver.
For the diehard leaf peepers, late September is the peak season for the changing of the Colorado aspen leaves (every shade of gold possible), so there should still be some good viewing in early October. If you want to hop in your car and head for the mountains, the views can be spectacular (ideal viewing areas are 1-2 hours west of Denver).