Where to stay in Denver Colorado, and what to do nearby?

insidetheb

I just found a good deal on a flight to Denver, Colorado, but don't have any information to use for making an itinerary.
Usually when I make last minute travel plans, I visit a major city that can be toured mostly on foot, (very short) taxi rides, cable cars, or public transportation. San Francisco, Chicago, and New Orleans are the latest vacation spots.
I don't shop, go to museums or the symphony and such on vacations, as I can do that in my home town.
I'd like to see the mountains, go rafting, and do other activities we associate with Colorado, but am afraid to drive myself on the steep roads. So
1. If I fly into Denver, should I rent a car?
2. If I want to see the city, but mostly do activities, where should I stay?
My hotel criteria is: not too expensive, a good value for the most luxurious on a budget, and of course, clean and safe. (I sometimes stay in nice hotels, but always find big discounts to do so.)
3. What are some fun things to do? I found a sight for rafting, beginners, that is said the be 30 minutes from Denver. That sounds like lots of fun to me. ...is the drive through mountains?
I need your help! I know nothing about Denver. How far away is adventure? The kind of adventure for a middle aged woman :), no rappelling off mountain tops. Thank you for your advice.

Answer
Will you go there alone? Renting a car for your adventure and hiking will bring you more convenience and comfort,so i think it is necessary!
1. Some adventure tips:
(1) Red Rocks Park: The park was originally designed to drive through and take in the views, so you can do just that or park and hike down the many paths.
Address: W. Alameda & Rd. 93
(2) Ski, Ski and Ski: Arapahoe Basin-Nothing fancy have some really steep slopes "double black diamond" and they have long winding slopes as well.
(3) The Rockies: You will be fascinated by all the landscapes viewed at the top of the mountain. I need not say more. You will know the "breathtaking" better when you get there.

2. Some hiking tips:
(1) Cherry Creek: Along the creek are hiking and biking trails. Hikers stay on one side of the creek, and bikers on the other--everyone wiill have happy time there.
(2) Seven Falls: A mountain elevator takes you to about 14 stories high to Eagle's Nest platform. You will enjoy great view there.
Notice: $8.25 is the admission rate to 7 Falls.
(3) Pikes Peak: A very beautiful place and great for rock climbers.
Address: Colorado Springs

3. Some cheap and fine hotels advice
(1) La Quinta Inn & Suites Denver Gateway Park: 4460 Peoria Street Denver CO 80239
(2) Aurora (Denver Area) Colorado: 800 S Abilene St Aurora (Denver Area), Colorado 80012-3684
(3) Lakewood (Denver Area) Colorado:3440 S Vance St Lakewood (Denver Area), Colorado 80227-5150
(4) Country Inn & Suites by Carlson: 7380 S. Clinton Street Englewood CO 80112

If you are not satisfied with the hotels listed above, you can visit this:
http://denver-hotels-co.com

Which are the cities with the best bike lanes?

Document G

My city is a rich small town thatâs very boring. It has a very beautiful bike lane. Itâs very well taken care of, and the houses are beautiful, it has pretty things to see. But itâs only about 20 miles long. The lane is parallel to 4 boulevards. I start my trip downtown. I go north on one blvd. Turn east and ride the other blvd. Go south, and go over the expressway on the bike lane on the interchange, and keep going. I turn west and then north. I go over the expressway on another interchange, keep riding north, and Iâm back where I started downtown. The entire town is beautiful, but it seems so small, even on a bike. I like that my town is very safe no matter what part of the city Iâm at. And I like the entire time the lane is parallel to the boulevards, even the bike lane over the interchange is fenced.

I would like to travel to different cities and ride their bike lanes. Which cities with a low crime rate have a bike lane thatâs always parallel to the street all the time?

Answer
Well... I've been lots of places, here are some random thoughts:
- best bike path network = Denver. Covers the whole metro area, off-street (separate paths)
- best bike lanes... well that's where I'd offer this suggestion: as a long time road rider, I don't really look for bike lanes. Instead I look for roads and streets that are "bike friendly" meaning wide shoulders, low traffic, scenic etc. So maybe you're missing out on lots of great rides in your hometown - just get out a map and do some exploring.

Otherwise, cities with lots of bike lanes include Austin, Dallas (they use designated streets instead of true bike lanes), Tucson, San Jose, Seattle, Portland, and probably many more I'm forgetting.

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