A Woman’s Guide to Solo Travel to Denver in 2024

Denver, things to do in Denver, Uncategorized, Visit Denver Michelle@SquareState
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If you’re in the beginning stages of planning a solo trip to Denver and are needing some tips and advice I’ve got you covered. I grew up in Colorado and live in Denver. More importantly though I love solo travel and I’m aware that the majority of posts about solo travel to Denver are outdated, obsolete or written by people who don’t know the city of Denver well-especially post COVID. There are a number of significant changes such as new venues being built, fun new activities and sadly old venues and activities having ended.

* In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please read my disclosure here.*

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Is Denver a Good Place for Solo Women’s Travel

Yes. Denver is a fantastic place for solo women’s travel for several reasons. There are a ridiculous number of fun activities and events that are fun to participate in as a solo traveler.

Denverites are very welcoming. Partly because there are so many people who are new to the city. People are very easy going here and if you find yourself needing to ask a question, get directions or helpful suggestions we will happily help you out.

If you’re looking for the following:

  • Fun activities ranging from things to do outside, concerts and exciting cultural experiences.
  • People who love exploring the outdoors.
  • Any excuse to have fun.
  • Non-judgemental people-You want to take a goat yoga class? Cool. Want to workout on a rooftop (class offering) cool. Looking to roller skate around town? Let’s go!
  • Accessible and affordable transit-Prices have been lowered and in 2024 will go into affect.
  • Walk, bike or scoot around town.

Is Denver Safe to Visit as a Solo Woman Traveler

Yes and no. You’re traveling in the United States and there are some inherent safety risks with doing that. I think it would be disengenuous not to be candid about this.

That said, I have lived in Denver on and off since I was a kid and I don’t feel unsafe in the city. I’ve also traveled to 45 of the United States and think that experiencing Denver as a tourist is similar to most other American cities.

What the citizens complain about and are frustrated by you most likely won’t be dealing with because-you’re on a quick trip in and out of the city.

I do think that our rapid growth has influenced how we are experiencing crime such as theft, etc. We’re definitely dealing with some growing pains and you will hear Denverites expressing frustration around the topic of crime in the city.

Solo Travel Safety Best Practices

These best safety best practices should be used in any city or town that you’re traveling in. Period. They are common sense approaches to safe travel. Your cell phone can be configured to share your location if you’re comfortable with that.

Here are some additional tips that I use for traveling anywhere.

  • Arrive in the city during the day-this is actually my #1 travel tip when going to ANY CITY anywhere in the world. Arriving during the day gives you time to head to your hotel, deal with any travel issues that may come up and see where you’re going. I hosted an event in 2019 and one of my speakers arrived at 2:00 am. She found out that her hotel had oversold the rooms and she no longer had a room. Fortunately, the hotel had made arrangements for her. But, I was pretty freaked out when I heard the story the next day.
  • Don’t assume that you can hang out at Union Station-I love the amazing remodel and redesign of Denver’s Union Station. This is where all of our bus and trains originate from. But, if your plan is to sleep in the station over night-you won’t be able to do that and a woman traveler made the news recently because she thought she could hang out there and ended up sleeping outside-not good. That tourist could have avoided that scary situation by arriving earlier and having a hotel or hostel room booked. Or, for super frugal people-she could have slept in Denver International Airport before taking the train into Denver in the morning.
  • Pay attention to your surroundings-I feel like most American tourists from larger cities are pretty good about this. Just pay attention. If someone is crazy-they are crazy…don’t second guess this LOL!
  • Communicate with people that know you often-I know that you’re a grown ass woman, but part of responsible solo travel is communicating with the people who care about you. Let them know the following:
    • When you arrive in town
    • When you’ve checked in to your hotel
    • If there are any issues or changes
      • Uncomfortable interactions with folks
      • Changing your hotel room
    • If you go on an outdoor excursion with new to you people. Seriously.

Pick up some small safety items that you can actually travel with.

Finally, use your Common Sense. If a situation feels uncomfortable, unsafe or makes you feel uneasy-trust your gut. Always.

When to Visit Denver

A Woman's Guide to Solo Travel to Denver
Cherry Creek Bike Path

Where to Stay

There are a couple of different areas in Denver that I recommend staying in as a solo female traveler.

  • Denver’s Northside (or, as it’s often referred to-LOHI or the Highlands)
  • Downtown Denver-Great proximity to transit and entertainment venues.
  • Cherry Creek North Shopping District-This area is lovely and about 10 minutes away from downtown by car.

I’ve included a map below and best solo travel hotel suggestions below the map. I’ve also picked accommodation properties that I think would have other solo travelers, are welcoming and are in good locations.

How to Get Around Town Denver

If you’re near Denver’s city center or in Cherry Creek North it’s going to be relatively easy to use public transit around town, bike, walk, ride shares or scooters.

But, if you’re traveling with several people, have mobility concerns or just aren’t excited about using public transit you may end up renting a car for your trip.

  • Walk-if you’re downtown Denver is very easy to walk around.
  • Public transit-I’m a huge fan of public transit and take it almost daily. Use the light rail or bus to get where you need to go.
  • Bustang-This service takes you around the state.
    • Pro tip-sign up for the alerts.
  • Rent a mobility device-I’m thinking Lyft bikes, scooters-they are everywhere.
  • Ride share-Lyft has a slightly larger footprint in the city than Uber. But both are available to use.
  • Pedicabs-these are fun for exploring town.
  • Tuktuks-These tiny little vehicles are usually available during the warmer months.

7 Must Checkout Tour Experiences

I love to explore on my own, but I think that a tour helps to compliment a solo travel experience. I’ve picked 7 unique and interesting tours that I think would be a great way to experience Denver and meet other travelers, folks who are new to the area or Denverites who are looking to experience the town differently.

What to Do

I’ve put together an incomplete list of organizations and communities that host unique events here in town.

  • January
    • Watch the National Western Stock Show Kick Off Parade
    • Head up to Breckenridge for the International Ice Sculpture Competition (take Bustang and then transfer in Frisco and take their free Summit Shuttle into Breckenridge)
    • BIPOC Collective (Ski Excursions)
  • February
    • BIPOC Collective (Ski Excursions)
  • March
    • Frozen Dead Guy Days
    • BIPOC Collective (Ski Excursions)
    • Ski Joring (Leadville)
  • April
    • 420 Festival
    • BIPOC Collective (Ski Excursions)
    • The November Project
  • May
    • Cinco de Mayo-Hecho en Westwood
    • ¡Viva Streets Denver!
    • Denver Cruiser Ride
    • Beer Spa
    • Trailtinos Running Group
    • The November Project
    • Farmers Markets (May-October)
      • City Park Farmers Markets
      • South Pearl Street
      • Mo’Betta Green
  • June
    • Juneteenth
    • Pride
    • ¡Viva Streets Denver!
    • Denver Cruiser Ride
    • Denver Urban Skate
    • Beer Spa
    • Trailtinos Running Group (Facebook)
    • The November Project
  • July
    • Cherry Creek Arts Festival (I accidentally got LIT at the last one-for free)
    • ¡Viva Streets Denver!
    • Denver Cruiser Ride
    • Denver Urban Skate
    • Beer Spa
    • Trailtinos Running Group
    • The November Project
  • August
    • ¡Viva Streets Denver!
    • Denver Cruiser Ride
    • Denver Urban Skate
    • Beer Spa
    • Trailtinos Running Group
    • The November Project
  • September
    • Denver Walls Event
      • Love murals? Watch new ones unfold in the city
    • Beer Spa
    • Trailtinos Running Group
    • The November Project
  • October
    • Lake Steam Baths
    • The November Project
  • November
    • Lake Steam Baths
    • BIPOC Collective (Ski Excursions)
    • The November Project
  • December
    • BIPOC Collective (Ski Excursions)

Additional Communities to Hang Out With

These communities are great because they have been created with the singular goal of getting people to connect and get together focused on a shared passion or interest.

  • The November Project-Love free group workouts? The November Project has chapters across the United States. Each chapter uses their city as their gym.

Where to Get a Great Cup of Coffee or Tea

Denver is a huge coffee town and people are very picky about the quality of their coffee. In fact, many of the local shops fresh roast their beans or purchase coffee beans that are freshly roasted by a local roaster. Below are some of my favorite coffee shops in town. These are welcoming, have great coffee, almost all have internet and food. You can even check out the list of the 21 Best Coffee Shops in Denver for 2023.

Where to Eat

I often joke and say that Denver will never be a food city, but that there is good food in town. The tricky part is knowing where to go to eat. But, if you don’t live here-how in the heck would you know where to eat LOL! I’ve shared a few places to check out ranging from vegan to soul food.

FAQs

  • Best months to visit Denver? It’s my view that September, October, January, April and early July are the best times to visit Denver. There’s plenty to do, the weather is great and the tourist numbers are lower.
  • Is Denver expensive to visit? That depends on how you like to travel. There are a ton of free events, we’ve had free transit at times during the summer and discounts on services. But, it’s very easy to overspend here on activities.
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